The better-known – but no longer official – name of the variety is Medoc or Kékmedoc, while old records even mention it as Cot. This leads to the theory that the variety is French and made its way to Hungary from there. However, the name Cot is synonymous with Malbec, and, outside Hungary, the variety is not registered with similar names nor does it have anything in common with the French Mornen Noire. Thus, the origins of this black variety, with its very characteristic Muscat, aromatic, floral aromatics, are rather unknown.
The variety was forced to change its name (like, for example Oportó) as its previous name may have erroneously referred to a geographical location (Medoc, Bordeaux/France). It was thus given the attribute of noir (French for black).
The variety is only mentioned in Hungary, where it is grown on a total of 64 hectares. The largest amount by far is found in the Eger wine district, where it most often used as part of the Bikavér blend, to a maximum of a few percent. It is rarely found on its own.
The variety can make easy-drinking red wines with medium body and tannins, dominated by its characteristic Muscat aromatics. Its nose and palate are thus characterised by floral notes of geranium and rose petals accompanied by delicate red berry fruit. Herbal notes of dill and bay leaf are also associated with the variety. It generally forms part of blends, but 'new wine' and rosé are also produced.