The following Wine-grape Glossary, containing a clickable INDEX listing and
other clickable internal text links, is designed to aid individuals interested
in knowing something about the fruit that is transformed into his or her
favorite wine. It can be downloaded in either its ascii or hypertext format by
the reader for free distribution among individuals. The only restriction is the
right of authorship credit which should be retained on all copies made. The
glossary file, (approx. 400+ Kb), will translate into about 220 pages of hardcopy
text.
Because the potential scope is huge, only the more commonly grown or known
popular grape-names are referenced. Written for the benefit
of non-specialists, it is hoped that inaccurate taxonomy references will be
overlooked, although a strong effort is made to limit the number of errors.
Seekers of latin-style botanical names, hybrid-grape numberings, vine
ampelographic descriptions etc. are advised to refer to an appropriate resource.
Occasionally encountered alias lesser names are highlighted in accessed text but
not "jumpably" link-referenced because they are not regarded as being important.
Also, in order to allow conformity to current international standards and
successful searches, an attempt has been made to use variety name spelling
emulating that found in the Geilweilerhof database mentioned below (eg. the use
of variety name suffixes such as "O.P" and "S.P" meaning "Open Pollinated" and
"Self Pollinated" respectively) - although changes and modifications may be made
from time to time as new facts emerge in the literature.
Admirers of wine know that the type of grape from which wines are fermented
will in large part determine the basic fruit-flavor characteristics, both aroma
and taste, of the final product. As a result, wines of high reputation are often
regarded as associated with a single grape variety, often referred to as a
"varietal", especially in the english-speaking world.
Because of this, such grape-names as Cabernet
Sauvignon for red Bordeaux, Sémillon
and Sauvignon
Blanc for Sauternes, Pinot Noir for
red Burgundy and Chardonnay for
white Burgundy, (etc), are now embedded in the "wine-speak" language. However
these names can be misleading because they imply a precision that in reality is
not present.
An example is that there is no such thing as "the" Pinot Noir. In fact
accuracy demands that it be referred to as "a" Pinot Noir because the name does
not belong to a unique vine species but to what the french grower calls a
"cépage", that is, a growth defined as a group of closely related but not quite
identical vine species sharing the same genetic background. These different
strains of Pinot Noir are technically known as "clones", usually individually
identified by adding a secondary name that refers to a special characteristic,
place name or clone developer etc. It has been estimated that there are a
minimum of forty-seven Pinot Noir clone versions currently, (1996), planted in
the vineyards of Burgundy and nearby districts in France alone - resulting in a
great variation of wine quality and aging ability etc. The same sort of
situation applies to many other strains of the "cépages nobles", or "noble
varieties", such as the Riesling
and others.
Another example is the assumption, commonly made, that the highly regarded
red Bordeaux wines are made entirely from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. In fact
many of the famous "great crus" vineyards in Pomerol and St.Émilion contain none
at all. It is mainly grown in the Médoc and Graves subdistricts and even there
is only one of several vine varieties, recent figures showing that fully 40% of
the grapes grown consist of Merlot. Normally the wine made from Cabernet
Sauvignon is blended with wines made from such distantly related grapes as the
Merlot, Cabernet
Franc, Petit Verdot
and others.
Knowing the above facts, the following information should be used with care.
Many of the grape names will be found to be connected in some way and are cross
callable. When they are not it is usually for reasons of brevity, or lack of
in-depth knowledge, because it would not serve any useful purpose to pursue the
details about thousands of clones worldwide.
Recently - (4-97) - discovered to be one of the parent grape varieties that
gave rise to the Cabernet
Sauvignon cultivar. Mainly found in cooler, damper climatic conditions than
its offspring. Shows moderately vigorous growth and earlier wood and crop
maturation than Cabernet Sauvignon. Recommended for grafting to the 3309
rootstock in New York state where it has shown good winter hardiness. Ohio
researchers are currently (1999) testing the 1616 and 18-815 rootstocks. Widely
grown in the Loire region where it is known as the Breton and
in large areas of southwest France where it is sometimes known as Bouchy or Bouchet.
Other french synonym names are Carmenet,
Gros
Bouchet, Grosse
Vidure and Veron. In
N.E Italy the variety is known as the Bordo
winegrape. Bordeaux wines commonly contain a blend of both Cabernet varietal
wines, a practice increasingly being followed in California and elsewhere. Wine
from these grapes has a deep purple color, when young, with a herbaceous aroma.
Just like Cabernet Sauvignon, North American growth is mainly confined to the
cooler coastal regions; Long Island (N.Y.) and the Pacific Northwest showing
signs of being very hospitable. New Zealand has also proved to be a potential
good home.
A "noble" grape famous as one of the main varieties, along with Merlot, Cabernet
Franc and others used to create the magnificent french Bordeaux region
blended red wines. This variety has several alias names such as Petit Cabernet,
Petite Vidure
and Vidure.
(The latter name is the one used by those who subscribed to the now dubious
theory that it was the original vine from which the cépage originated). Where
grown in Italy it is sometimes referred to as the Uva Francese.
Although recorded as present in the Bordeaux region since at least the 17th
century, parental provenance has always been unsure. Recent research, (Meredith
and Bowers, "Nature Genetics Journal"
5-97), has unexpectedly discovered that the original parents of this variety
were Sauvignon
Blanc and Cabernet
Franc, an astounding reversal of previous assumptions. A "hard" grape, it
helps make wines of classic breed, intensity and complexity that often need to
bottle-age for at least 5-10 years in order to reach peak flavor condition. The
most successful plantings in North America are mainly on Long Island (N.Y.) and
the cooler regions of northern California. The vine is quite cold-hardy,
although it acclimates slowly and can be injured by cold freezes in December and
early January. In New York state the recommended rootstock graft is 3309. It has
a late bud break, is relatively resistant to cracking and bunch rots, has
vigorous growth and ripens in late October. In the warmer regions of California,
grapes made into a single varietal wine will often produce higher than optimum
levels of alcohol due to high sugar content and, conversely, lower than optimum
acid levels in most years and so may tend to age less successfully than the
blended french versions. Aromas and flavors include: Black-currant, blackberry,
mint (etc). In the last decades of the twentieth century many other countries
have seen their regions develop into prime producers - (e.g: Argentina, Chile,
Italy and New Zealand).
(aka Feinburgunder
and Morillon in
Austria). This variety is the best-known white-wine producer grown in France and
known to be one of the recently determined (1999) 16 direct descendants of the
Pinot Noir
x Gouais
Blanc ancient crossing. Is occasionally misleadingly known as Pinot
Chardonnay in the Mâcon and Chablis regions, an invented synonym name for
the benefit of Anglo/American consumers reportedly derived from an earlier
period when the variety was mistakenly (?) considered to be a white mutation of
Pinot Noir.
Other local names in the various regions of France include the aliases Aubaine, Auvernat, Beaunois, Epinette
Blanche, Petite
Sainte-Marie and Weisser Clevner
etc. The Chardonnay vine is widely planted in the Burgundy and Chablis regions.
Clone variety numbers commonly used include 76, 95, 124 and 548, plus some
others, grafted to suitable calcium/lime tolerant, moderately vigorous
rootstocks such as 41B or 161-49C. There, as in other cool climate regions, the
wine made from it is often aged in small oak barrels to produce strong flavors
and aromas. Possessing a fruity character (e.g: Apple, lemon, citrus) subsequent
barrel-influenced flavors include "oak", "vanilla", and malolactic fermentation
imparted "creamy- buttery" components. Hugely successful in many regions of the
world due to its mid-season ripening (late September to early October) and
versatility. Quite cold-hardy although early to bud and susceptible to bunch
rots, yet retains fruit crispness in warmer growing years. Australia and New
Zealand have succeeded in producing world-class wines in recent years, from
selected clones of this variety, by using cold fermentation methods that result
in a desired "flinty" taste in the dry versions. Currently popular clones in New
Zealand include the heavy cropping clone #'s 4 and 5. Others include the
"Mendoza" and #6 for heavy fruit set. Clone #15, a shyer bearer than #6, has
produced highly rated wines in most regions.
A widely grown white-wine producing variety, known as Steen in South
Africa, Pineau
de la Loire in the Loire region of France and under the alias name White Pinot (Pinot
Blanco) elsewhere in the world. Often made in a number of styles with or
without some residual sugar. It is the favored grape of the Anjou region of
France and, although naturally a hard, acidic grape slow to mature, is made into
fine sweet wines that age well for a least ten years in the bottle. In the U.S.
the grape all too often ends up in the generic jug wines of bulk producers as
acidity enhancer for otherwise flabby high sugar/alcohol blends.
A clone of the parent Traminer
variety. Widely grown, having literally dozens of synonym names in various
countries including Traminer Rot.
Best known as one of the mainstay grape varieties for which the french Alsace
region is famous the popular Gewürztraminer produces white wines with a strong
floral aroma and lychee nut-like flavor. It is often regarded as somewhat
similar in style to the (Johannisberg)
Riesling - (below) - when vinified as slightly sweet yet tart. Occasionally
it is made into a "botrytized" late harvest dessert style wine. Does well in the
cooler coastal regions of Western U.S. - (where it ripens in late September) -
Australia and New Zealand. In Australia the variety is also known under several
alias names. Among these are Traminer
Musque, Gentil Rose
Aromique and Red Traminer.
Cool climate growers should be aware that, in addition to quite large successful
plantings of the above variety, a well-regarded cross named Traminette,
developed by Cornell University in the U.S.A over the last 30 years, is
currently very successfully cultivated on small commercial acreages in the
Finger Lakes region of New York State and several other cool northern regions of
the USA.
(aka White
Riesling in New York state (USA), Ontario and British Columbia (Canada), Riesling in
Germany, Rheinriesling
in Austria, Riesling
Renano in Italy and Rhine
Riesling in Australia). A white-wine producer variety widely grown along the
Rhine river and tributaries - (e.g: Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Mosel, Nahe regions
etc.) - in Germany and also in other cool temperate regions of Europe. It is
also grown in N. America, where it can produce a flowery, fruity dry wine with
high acid and low alcohol not unlike the german "Kabinett" version or a semi-dry
style with some residual sugar similar to the german "Spätlese" version. If
infected with appropriate amounts of "botrytis", it can make outstanding
late-harvest wines - (e.g: comparable to the german "Auslese" series). The
Finger Lakes region of New York state in the U.S. and the Niagara region of
Ontario, Canada produce excellent dry versions in the Mosel and Alsation styles
in addition to consistent freezing temperature extracted juice made into
"ice-wine", (aka "eiswein"). Successful clones in New York include the Neustadt
selected Clone 90 (recommended by the Frank winery), Clone 198, Clone 239 of the
Mosel (also recommended for the Niagara region) and Clone 356 from Geisenheim.
Growers in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, have found that the Weiss 21-B
clone gives a very good Upper Mosel style of wine with racy acidity and delicate
but firm fruit. Clone 239 gives a fruitier, more Rhine-like wine than the Weiss.
Growers on the North-West coast of N. America, presumably using U.C Davis
selected clones, seem to creat the richer, earthier Rheinhessen taste in many
versions, as do the cooler regions of California. Australia now produces
excellent versions of the dry, crisp Alsation-style, as well as fruitier
semi-sweet Mosel-type wines, as has New Zealand in recent years. A recent report
(Regner, F., et al., Wein-Wissenshaft, 53(3), 114-18, 1998) has shown that this
variety, along with Elbling, and
Silvaner,
are derived from certain ancient crossings of the even more ancient Heunisch
(Weiss) and Frankisch
varieties now considered to be the progenitors of all our modern winegrapes; the
core cultivar of the former variety being identical to Gouais Blanc.
Classic grape widely grown in the Bordeaux region of France and elsewhere.
The red wine bears a resemblance to Cabernet
Sauvignon wine, with which it is sometimes blended, but is usually not so
intense, with softer tannins. Matures earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, with
mid-late ripening. Moderate cold-hardiness. In California it is a popular
varietal on its own and also as a percentage constituent of the red wine blend
resembling Bordeaux claret called "Meritage". It does extremely well in the
state of Washington and shows great promise on Long Island, N.Y. Results in the
Finger Lakes region of N.Y., where it ripens in early October, have been mixed
due its relative lack of cold-hardiness and the fruit subject to bunch rots.
Recently some have claimed that many of the labeled Chilean varietal wines are
actually of the Carmenère
variety. Other countries such as Argentina and New Zealand also seem to have a
suitable climate for this variety. The grape has many alias names such as Petit Merle,
Vitraille,
Crabutet
Noir and Bigney.
Another "cépage" family of clone varieties, making both red and white wines.
Most are of the muscat type, having the unique aromatic character commonly
associated with muscat wines. These include the Muscat
Blanc, (a.k.a Muscadel,
Moscato
di Canelli), all alias names for the premier cépage varietal Muscat Blanc à
Petit Grains. These clones are mostly used for making medium-sweet and
dessert style table or fortified wines. An example of these is "Constantia", a
centuries-old wine blend still made in South Africa from the Orange
Muscat grape, a darker skinned mutation of the Muscat
Frontignan clone, (the latter also known as the Brown
Frontignac in Australia), and wine made from the Pontac, a
red-wine grape translocated from south-west France. Small acreages of Orange
Muscat in the Central Valley of California allow a local variation of this wine
to be made by at least one producer, a situation that also occurs in Australia.
Hot climate producers of sparkling wines often use the various Muscat grape
clones to create wines in the style of Italian Spumante. Lesser regarded clones
of the cépage include Muscat of
Alexandria and others.
(has synonym names of Spanna in the
northern hills, Picutener
and Pugnet in
N.W. Piedmont and as Chiavennasca
grape in Lombardy). Grape responsible for the long-lived, fine red wines of the
Piedmont region of Italy. The role of honor includes traditionally vinified
"Barolo", "Gattinara", "Barbaresco" and "Ghemme"; all huge, tannic wines that at
their best can take decades to mature.
The premier grape "cépage" of the Burgundy region of France, producing a red
wine that is lighter in color than the Bordeaux reds (such as the Cabernet's or
Merlot). Cépage clones of this variety have many alias names such as Auvernat Noir,
Blauer
Klevner, Coraillod, Noirien, Schwartz
Klevner, Vert Dore, and
even plain numbers. It has proved to be a capriciously acting and difficult
grape for N. American wineries, best results being obtained in cool, fog-liable
regions such as the Carneros region of northern California. Choice of a suitable
clone version is critical, as is careful vineyard pruning technique and planting
density. The importance of clone version is amply demonstrated with the
recommendation of the "Wadensville" (Wädenswil) and "Mariafelder" (Klevner
Mariafeld) clones, the latter ripening in mid-October, for use in the Finger
Lakes region of New York State where they have consistently produced quality
wines despite not being as cold-hardy as some other clones. Oregon growers seem
to have a preference for the "UCD5 (Pommard)" clone. The worlds best "quality"
wines are reputed to result from a mixing of suitable clones; a common practice
in Burgundy, France, where numbers 667, 777 and 828 appear to be currently
favored in addition to the reliable 114 and 115 when grafted to suitably
limestone tolerant, moderately vigorous rootstocks such as Fercal and 161-49C.
Cherished aromas and flavors often detected in varietal wines include cherry,
mint, raspberry, truffles and the ubiquitous gamey odor in new wines often
referred to as "animalé" by the french winemaker. German growers know this grape
under several alias names, such as Spätburgunder.
In Italy the variety is known as Pinot Nero.
Growers in New Zealand are reported to use the AM 10/5, Bachtobel and UDC5
(Pommard) clones as dominant choices. The mutant clone variety known as Pinot
Meunier is widely planted around the world under several alias names and is
used to produce the main blending wine for so-called "Blanc de Noir" sparkling
wines. In California the cépage has often been erroneously divided into various
Gamay
varieties until recent times. A new study (Meredith, Bowers et al, Science 9/99)
has determined that many of the varieties for which Burgundy is justly famous,
such as Chardonnay, Gamay Noir
etc, all trace back to a cross that occurred between this variety and Gouais Blanc.
Classic white-wine producer variety commonly planted in the Bordeaux and
eastern Loire regions of France. Shows vigorous growth and is late maturing.
Members of the cépage are now thought to be descendants of the ancient Fié variety once
common in the Loire region of France. The sauvignon cépage apparently derives
the latter part of its name from the color of its skin. Other members include
the recent - (4-97) - genetic parental link to Cabernet
Sauvignon and other mutations known as the Sauvignon Noir,
Sauvignon
Jaune and Sauvignon Rose.
The last named grape is also known as Sauvignon
Gris. In the Styria region of Austria the variety is occasionally referred
to as the Muskat-Sylvaner.
All versions of the cépage show a tendency towards a grassy, herbaceous flavor
in the grapewine, often referred to as "gooseberry" by professional tasters,
when the grapes are grown in temperate regions. In warmer regions, the flavors
and aromas tend to be more citruslike, (e.g: grapefruit or pear), plus the
characteristic "earthy" taste. New Zealand has had much success with the grape
in recent years.
Classic grape widely grown in the Bordeaux region of France and elsewhere.
This grape variety has a distinct fig-like character. In France, Australia and
increasingly in California it is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc
to cut some of the strong "gooseberry" flavor of the latter grape and create
better balance. Wineries in many countries also use the grape to create dry
single-varietal white wines. Australian grapes, particularly those grown in the
Hunter Valley region where the fruit has also been historically known as Hunter (River)
Riesling, are famous for producing dry and sweet wines from this varietal
that will age admirably for 20 to 30 years. Another alias name used for this
variety is Boal/Bual in
its incarnation as one of at least four varieties using the same name for use in
fortified wines on the island of Madeira. Back in France, it has the synonym
names Chevrier,
Columbier,
Malaga
and Blanc
Doux. Those grown in South Africa, where the grape is known as the Green Grape
and also as Semillion,
have not fared so well in popular favor and are not extensively planted at
present. When infected by the "noble rot" fungi, (Botrytis cineria), it can be
used to produce first-class sweet white wines such as those of the french
Sauternes.
Alternate name for the french Syrah clone
grape grown in Australia and responsible for very big red wines that are not
quite as intense in flavor as the french Rhone versions. In the past it was also
known under the alias name Hermitage.
A grape variety associated with the Rhone Valley region of France, famous
for creating "Hermitage" red wine. In southern France some regard the grape as
taking two forms, the Grosse Syrah
and Petite
Syrah, distinguished only by berry size. Experts reject this distinction but
it has in the past led some wine producers in North and South America to mistake
California vineyard plantings of Petite Sirah,
which produces a very dark red and tannic wine judged simple in comparison to
the true Rhone Syrah, as the latter grape. DNA analysis has now shown (Meredith
C.P., et al., "Am. J. Enol. Vitic." 50(3): 236-42 1999) there is in fact a
probable cross-variety relationship. In the cooler regions of Australia a
(presumed) clone of the Rhone variety, once known as the Scyras, is
grown very successfully and now known as Shiraz. In
the state of California, depending on location, vintage or fermentation
technique, the grape is used to either produce a spicy, complex wine or a simple
wine. Considerable acreage is grown in South Africa, and also in Argentina where
it has historically been called the Balsamina
grape until the late 1960's.
South African, (and german), name for the true Riesling
grape of Germany. Also called the White
Riesling. It is important to note that the Cape Riesling,
aka Paarl or
South African
Riesling, is actually the Crouchen
grape that originated in the Pyrenees region of France and was relocated to
South Africa where it can be legally sold under the name "Riesling".
An important grape variety, also thought to be the variety once known as Black St.
Peter in early 19th century California lore, currently grown in California
and used to produce robust red wine as well as very popular "blush wines" called
"white Zinfandel". The oldest vines found in the Dry Creek and Amador regions
are notable for their ability to produce superior juice; eg. the
"Bevill-Mazzoni" clone from the Dry Creek appellation was recently reported
(7/2000) as yielding excellent results even as a young vine. Zinfandel is noted
for the fruit-laden, berry-like aroma and prickly taste characteristics in its
red version and pleasant strawberry reminders when made into a "blush" wine.
While its origins are not clear it has been positively identified, via DNA
analysis at UC Davis (California), as the Primitivo (di
Gioia), a variety grown in Apulia, southern Italy. According to an Italian
report of 1996 the latter variety may have a relationship to members of the Vranac
variety cépage grown in Montenegro, the state that, combined with Serbia,
constitutes what remains of the former Yugoslavia. Other contenders were certain
mutated members of the Mali
Plavac, (a.k.a Plavac
Mali), cépage varieties which are mainly grown in the coastal area known as
Dalmatia, a province of Croatia recently a part of the former Yugoslavia and
located just across the Adriatic sea from the shores of Italian Apulia. Research
is presently (7/98) underway to explore possible relationships. The origin of
the grapename "Zinfandel" in California is currently not known but is thought by
some to be a corruption of Zierfandler,
a completely unrelated white variety still grown in the Balkan region of Europe.
It has been noted that mid-19th century catalogs mention a red (ie. "roter")
mutation of that variety. A plausible hypothesis is that a naming error arose
due to attribution and shipping mistakes made during unreliable early-19th
century transport and handling to New World destinations.
1) Return to
Classic Vinifera Varieties and Synonyms
Red wine variety found in central Italy. Has synonym names of Aboto and Cecubo. Used
to make a deeply colored, rustic, dry wine blend with moderate aging ability of
up to about 8 years or so.
Minor grape now rarely found in the area south of Bergerac, SW. France. Used
to make a red wine and thought to be the grape called Early Burgundy
in California and Australia. In the latter country it has the occasional alias
names Burgundy or
Black
Cluster.
Variety developed and subsequently released from the Weinsberg/Württemberg
Research Station, Baden, Germany in November, 1999. Has synonym name WE
71-816-102. Derived from a Dornfelder
x Lemberger
V.vinifera cross. Variety is claimed to have good yield, producing red juice
with deep color and pleasant tannin content. (No other details as yet).
According to the Geilweilerhof database, (see above), this variety
originated in Lebanon. Has an extraordinary number of synonym names including Raisin d'Or.
While overwhelmingly grown for use as a tablegrape in the Middle East, it can
produce a reasonably tempting white wine.
Pronounced "Ah-jee-or-jee tee-koh". (a.k.a St.
George). Red-wine grape native to Greece. Used to produce intense, fruity
wine in dry and sweet versions. Also blended with Cabernet
Sauvignon to create a wine capable of aging well.
Red-wine grapevine cultivated in Basilicata and Campania regions of Italy.
In the latter province it has the alias names Agliatica,
Ellenico,
Ellanico,
Gnanico
and Uva
Nera. Of extremely ancient origin, it is responsible for some of the better
sturdy red wines of southern Italy - (eg: "Aglianico del Vulture"). Appears to
have been used to produce Falurnum, a well-documented favorite wine of the
Romans. The name "Aglianico" is reported to be late 15th century corruption of
the italian word "ellenico", meaning "hellenic", presumably acknowledging the
original home of this variety. The grape is also used to make good
bronze-colored rosé-style wine.
Variety found mainly in the western islands off the Greek mainland. Also
grown extensively on the island of Rhodes. Used as part of a white-wine blend
that includes the Assyrtiko
and Athiri
grape wine.
Semi-classic white-wine producer variety with the unique distinction of
being the most widely planted vine variety in Spain. Highly resistant to
drought, it is grown at an extraordinary low vine density per acre as low
bushes. Its wines are used for distilling into brandy and also blending with
deep-red grape wines to create lighter colored versions. Increasingly popular as
a dry, crisp white-wine made to be drunk as fresh as possible.
V. vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Has several synonym names
according to the Geilweilerhof database (see Foreword above). Used in the
production of semi-dry rosé wines. (No other details as yet).
Grape resulting from a cross between Riesling
and a Sylvaner
clone. Limited growths in Rheinhessen region of Germany. Used to create good
"Auslese" style white wines in better years.
White-wine producing variety of ancient origin widely planted in the Emilia
region of Italy. Produced as several variations of dry, semi-dry and sweet
(dolce) wine of which the latter is regarded by many as the most successful.
(a.k.a Alvarinho
where grown in Portugal). White-wine producing variety, used to create a serious
varietal wine with pleasant citrus fruit aroma, widely grown in regions of N.W.
Spain and also in northern Portugal. Thought by some to be a Riesling
clone originating from the Alsace region of France.
White-wine producing variety grown in N.W Italy. Used to make a blend that
includes Bosco, and
other grape varieties, called "Cinqueterre". Has several synonym names including
Calcatella
and Temosci.
Small-berried tablegrape and white-wine producer variety mainly grown in the
Castile region of Spain. Often used to produce mediocre, glycerin-rich, sweet
wines. However, old vine grapes have been successfully used by a Ribera del
Duero winery to create an appealingly complex, aromatic wine. The grape is also
widely grown in several South American regions, presumably due to colonial
influence.
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS), better known there by its synonym
name Rachuli-Tetra.
(No other details other than speculation that it may be related to the Albillo
variety (above) since it is also used to create a semi-sweet white varietal
wine).
Variety native to the Somontano (Pyrenees) region of Spain that is sometimes
used for the production of white varietal wine. Also used in blends with a
profusion of other grapewines to produce ruby colored, mildly perfumed and
acidic rosado (rosé) wines of moderate alcohol content. (No other details as
yet).
Minor red grape commonly grown in central and southern Italy. Related to the
Muscat
variety, with strong aroma of that grape, it is grown extensively in the Abruzzo
and Apulia regions. Some plantings are also found in the warmer regions of
California and Australia.
Variety grown in Georgia, CIS (former Soviet Union). Reported by the
Geilweilerhof database (see Foreword above) as a selected seedling of Muscat of
Alexandria. Used to produce a semi-sweet red wine known as "Khvanchkara", or
as a medium bodied, semi-dry, chewy blend (with the Mudzhuretuli
variety wine) having good acids and claimed to have aroma flavors reminiscent of
pomegranates.
Seedless tablegrape widely grown in France, South Africa etc. Has many
synonym names including Ribier
(Noir). Is one of the parents of the Michele
Pallieri cross variety. The La Rochelle
and Leopold
III (the latter having the synonym name Royal)
varieties have a selected seedling relationship. South African growers have
found that care needs to be taken in choice of grafted rootstock (eg. the Ramsey
rootstock variety proved incompatible).
Minor grape originating from a 19th century vinifera cross using the Aramon and
ancient Teinturier
native vine, resulting in a variety possessing the pink flesh and deep red
coloring characteristics of its ancient ancestor. This in turn was crossed with
the Grenache to
give the named grape - (which should not be confused with "Alicante"
the old name for Grenache presumably derived from the city in Spain). Widely
grown in France, California and Spain. In the latter country it is known as Garnacha
Tintorera. In the cool Champagne region of France it is the main grape used
to make the sweet "vin mousseux" - (sparkling wine). Often also confusingly
known as "Alicante" for short - (see above). Reduced acreages can also be found
in Australia. Portugal retains a limited acreage of 100 year old vines used for
producing an interesting wine named "Mouchão" that requires 10 years aging for
best results. Historically the canned juice has been used by many amateur
winemakers for fermenting homemade wines. The Geilweilerhof Database (above)
lists many synonyms for this variety.
Major vitis vinifera teinturier
red wine grape used as one of the original parents of several crosses bred for
deeply colored blending wines. Its offspring derivative crosses are mainly found
in California.
Semi-classic grape (known to be one of the recently determined, 1999, direct
descendants of the ancient Pinot Noir x
Gouais
Blanc crossing) widely grown in temperate regions of France, California and
Eastern Europe. There are reportedly two mutated varieties grown in the Bouzeron
AOC of Burgundy, the productive Aligoté Vert
that ripens early with a tendency to high acidity, and the Aligoté Doré
having a moderate yield with higher sugar levels than the former variety in
cooler years. They are used to make a superior white wine, with little or no
aging ability and best drunk young, for blending or as a good dry wine in the
better vintage years in Burgundy, France. Successfully used in the cooler
western coastal regions of North and South America.
Semi-classic grape grown in the Savoie region of France. Used with another
local grape, the Molette, to
create a blend known as "Seyssell" white wine made to be drunk as young as
possible. Also used for the superior "Roussette
de Savoie" white wine blend created with Mondeuse
grape wine. Once thought to have origins in Cyprus, the grape is now suspected
of being related to, if not actually being, the Furmint
grape of Hungary.
Vigorous minor grape of ancient origin grown in the Valais district of
Switzerland. Used to make an occasionally delicate, perfumed sweet white wine.
The dry wine versions are considered to be somewhat ponderous by some.
Minor grape of mediocre quality widely grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon
region of France and mainly used to make a "stretch" wine for blending with
better varieties in order to make some of the more notorious styles of "vin de
table" wine associated with the Midi. There are two mutations also found there,
Aramon
Gris and Aramon Blanc,
neither being significant.
Fairly widely grown white-wine producer grapevine in the Loire region of
France. Used in some blends labeled "Touraine". Also known as Menu Pineau
or Petit
Pineau.
Patented (1992) cultivar developed and released around 1988 by the ARO
Horticulture Unit, Volcani Center at Bet-Dagan, Israel. Derived from a cross
between Souzao and Carignan.
Ripens some 1-3 weeks earlier than the latter parent (ie. about mid-August to
early September). Resistance to Powdery Mildew also appears superior. Designed
to be a hot-climate tolerant variety, it has minimal frost resistance. Vigorous
and productive, on Richter 110 and Ruggeri 140R rootstocks, the cultivar is
self-fertile, resulting in medium size, moderately compact fruit clusters.
Tested as a deeply colored red-wine varietal wine, with a peppery aroma and
satisfactory to average acidity and tannins, it produced adequate body and
balance. Current usage has been confined to some blends with Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah
that seem to show aging possibilities.
(a.k.a Pedernã).
Moderately vigorous grapevine. Widely grown in Portugal where the fruit is used
in the production of white "vinho-verde" wines, along with others such as the Trajadura.
Recommended rootstock is the 1103-P for good phylloxera and moderate nematode
resistance, plus drought tolerance. Suitable for mildly chalky-soils.
Minor grape grown in Piedmont region of Italy. Used to make an aromatic
white wine - (e.g: "Roero Arneis", "Langhe Arneis") - lacking sufficient
acidity, when fully ripened, to age well. Some regard it as reminiscent of wines
made from the french Viognier
grape grown in the northern Rhone region. Others find Pinot Gris of
the U.S. west coast, (see below), similarities in the fruity flavor of the wine
when made in the style of "Tokay d'Alsace".
Recently (ca. 1992) released white-wine producing variety derived from a Riesling88
x Riesling64
V. vinifera cross developed at the Geisenheim Research Institute in Germany. Has
synonym name Geisenheim
22-74. Currently being evaluated in New Zealand as a suitable upgrade
substitute for the still commonly grown Müller-Thurgau
variety.
(a.k.a Petite
Arvine). Minor, but of ancient origin, variety grown in the Valais district
of Switzerland and Conseil district of the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy. Used
to create dry white wine that is fragrant, full-bodied and faintly spicy.
Thought to have been known to the Romans who occupied the region.
White-wine producing variety found in the Campania region of Italy. Used to
produce a light, crisply acidic wine for very early consumption. Has several
synonym names including Asprino, Olivese and
Ragusana.
Widely grown in Greece this white-wine producer variety is usually found as
a 3-way blend with Aidani and Athiri grape
white wines in order to create popular styles. Also used as the base wine, along
with Roditis
grape-wine, in the well-known "Retsina" blends flavored with pine resin.
V. vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Has synonym name of Shaltrauben.
Used to create a semi-dry rosé varietal and (with Saperavi
(Charni) and other wines) a semi-dry red wine blend. (No other details as
yet).
Commonly found on the western islands off the Greek mainland and the island
of Rhodes. Usually used in a white wine blend along with the Aidani and Assyrtiko
grape-wines.
(No other details other than it has synonym name of Blanc
d'Euvizin and is one of the 16 known offspring directly descended from the
ancient Pinot
Noir x Gouais Blanc
crossing).
(No other details as yet other than it is a variety grown in the Southern
Rhone region of France where it is used to make a red wine subsequently used in
blends throughout the region).
French local name for the Malbec, a.k.a
Côt red wine
grape species grown in the Cahors region of France and also, confusingly, an
important white-wine producing variety in the Alsace region called the Auxerrois
Blanc that is distinct from another locally grown white-wine producer
variety called the Auxerrois
Gris that is actually the Pinot Gris
variety grape. Another grape, bearing the alias name Gros
Auxerrois was once found widely grown in the south of France and, currently
known as Napa Gamay
in California, is actually the variety Valdiguié.
Local name for variety, used for white wine production, grown in the
northeast Moselle and Alsace regions of France. Used to produce mildly acidic
wines that add a honied intensity to blends with the Pinot Blanc
in the better vintage years. Is one of the 16 known varieties directly descended
from the ancient Pinot Noir x
Gouais
Blanc cross.
Thought by some to be the Gamay (Vert)
mutant variety. Has synonym name Troyen in
France. Rare variety grown sparingly in the Valsusa DOC, Piedmont region of
Italy. Used to make red varietal wine with intense violet-ruby color, peppery
aroma tones and good acid/tannic structure.
Grape cépage found in northern Portugal and used for early consumption
"vinho verde" wines. The white wine version carries the extension "branco", the
red is "tinto"; as in "Azal (Branco/Tinto)".
White-wine producing cross derived from Müller-Thurgau,
Riesling
and Sylvaner.
Found in many English, German and Western Canadian vineyards because of its
adaptability to a wide range of climates. Tends to be low in acidity and so is
mainly vinified to be a sweet wine with Muscat-like or
occasional delicate Sylvaner flavors because of its ability to reach "Auslese"
style or even higher sugar levels in good years. English wineries exclusively
create dry wines from the variety. Commonly blended with lesser grapewines in
the Rheinhessen region of Germany to create "QBA" type village wines. Its
popularity is only exceeded by the Kerner or Ehrenfelser
varieties. (NB: A currently rare early 19th century American hybrid, originated
by J.H Ricketts of Newburg, N.Y around 1870, also bears the Bacchus name but is
not related in any way to the above variety. It is recorded as being a hardy,
disease resistant, high acid, sterile pollinate V.riparia/labrusca variety
derived from a Clinton O.P
seedling x Unknown
cross once occasionally grown in New York State and used to create a dark red
wine. Its limitations included an inability to withstand drought or lime-rich
soils plus poor suitability as a tablegrape. Budburst/flowering was early,
ripening late with a long hangtime, producing small to medium fruit clusters
that were judged superior in quality to the the Clinton parent variety).
Red wine grape widely grown in the Bairada DOC, Beiras region of Portugal.
It is apparently directly derived from an Aramon and Petit
Bouschet cross. Produces acidic, tannic wines capable of aging well;
especially the "garrafeira" (special reserve) versions. Has several synonym
names including Tinta Fina. In
France it has the synonym names Grand Noir, Granoir and Garanoir.
(No other details as yet other than it has the synonym name Francois Noir
and is one of the 16 known direct descendants of the ancient Pinot Noir x
Gouais
Blanc cross that resulted in this red-wine creating variety).
Red wine variety found in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, France and surrounding
Balkan region. Has many synonym names including Barbaroux, Malaga Rose
and Grec
Rouge. Used to make an aromatic, robust varietal wine with moderate aging
potential.
Semi-classic grape commonly grown in the Piedmont region and most of
northern Italy. Now thought by some to be identical with the Perricone,
or Pignatello,
grape of Sardinia. Was probably imported into the U.S.A. late in the 19th
century. Usually produces an intense red wine with deep color, low tannins and
high acid and is used in California to provide "backbone" for so-called "jug"
wines. Century-old vines still exist in many regional vineyards and allow
production of long-aging, robust red wines with intense fruit and enhanced
tannic content. Plantings in North America are mostly confined to the warm
western coastal regions.
White-wine producing variety found mainly in the Landes region, (S.W.
France), adjoining the Madiran A.O.C of Armagnac. Used to create "Tursan" local
varietal wine.
Variety grown in Georgia (CIS) and used in white wine production. Has
synonym name Tsolikouri.
Used to make a semi-sweet varietal wine. (No other details as yet).
(No other details other than it is Chardonnay-like
white-wine creating variety that is one of the known 16 descendants of the Pinot Noir x
Gouais
Blanc ancient variety crossing and has several synonym names including Cep Gris,
Mourillon
and Pinot
d'Ai).
Variety used for white wine production. Used as a component in an esteemed
multi-wine blend called "Velletri Bianco". Wines from good vintages considered
to have excellent aging ability. Mostly found in the Castelli Romani region,
Latium province of Italy.
Red-wine/tablegrape variety grown in Israel and South Africa. Has low
tannins and medium body as a wine. Described by some as having indeterminate
flavors. Miniscule output has not attracted any favorable comment as far as is
known. (No other details as yet).
(No details as yet other than it is a variety grown in the Valais district
of Switzerland, is used mainly for white wine production, and has the premier
synonym name Prie
Blanc).
Variety used for white wine, grown in Italy and several Central European
countries. Has several synonym names that include Achiappapalmento
and Bianco di
Valdigna. (No other details as yet).
Variety mostly found in Campania region of Italy. Used to produce aromatic
yet acidic dry/sweet still, sparkling varietal white wines, and blends in
combination with such varieties as Forastera
all for early consumption.
Minor grape grown in Italy and Australia. Listed as an alias name for the Trebbiano
(below) in some databases. May be a synonym name for the variety Mostosa
found in the former country. In Australia it is also known under the alias name
of White
Grenache.
Variety used for white wine production in the Beiras district of Portugal.
Can be found as a crisp, mildly aromatic varietal but most often is used in
sparkling wine blends.
Has several synonym names including Blanc de
Morgex. Indigenous variety grown in the Val d'Aosta region of Italy. Claimed
to be free of phylloxera attack in its high altitude, rocky habitat. Used to
create a white varietal wine reportedly possessed of a mildly aromatic fragrance
and, in some cases spritzy, delicately crisp flavor. Made as a dry wine for
early consumption near the villages of Morgex and La Salle in high ski country.
Also grown in Argentina, France and Switzerland.
Name for a Gamay type
clone grape that is grown in Austria and used to produce dry, fruity red wines.
The grape is also grown in Germany under the name Limberger.
Also known as the Kékfrankos
grape in Hungary and currently the main ingredient partly replacing Kadarka in
the red wine blend once famous as "Egri Bikaver". According to a recent database
search this variety has over 40 synonym names in countries spread over
Eastern/Central Europe.
Has alias name of Bual and, under
this name, the grapes are mostly used in the production of medium rich fortified
wines that come from the island of Madeira. According to the Geilweilerhof DNA
Database (above) the name is a synonym for each of four, or possibly more,
white-wine producing varieties. Can be any one of the varieties Codega, Dõna Branco, Rabigato, or Semillon.
The vines are also common in Portugal and Spain where the fruit is used in the
same way for fortified wines.
(a.k.a Trebbiano
d'Abruzzo in the Abruzzo). Widely grown in the Apulia region of southern
Italy. Used as a white blending wine or, in the Abruzzo region, as a local "vino
di tavola" that reportedly will age well for up to 6 years. A mutation grown in
Apulia is called Bombino Nero.
Variety found in central Italy and Sardinia that is used for red wine,
raisin and rootstock production. Synonym names include Canaiolo
Romano (ie. possibly related to the variety Canaiolo
(Nero) below), Giacomino,
Pascale di
Cagliari (alias name in Sardinia), and several others.
Variety extensively grown in Argentina, currently thought by some to be
totally unrelated to the variety of the same name grown in Italy and is actually
the Charbono
variety imported in the past from California. (see also Croatina
below).
White-wine producing variety mainly found in the Liguria region of Italy.
Has synonym name Madea. Used to
make the mildly aromatic, dry blend known as "Cinqueterre" that includes the
grape varieties Albarola
and Vermentino.
Some consider the current versions of the wines to be less than ideal.
Alternate name for the Cabernet
Franc grape when grown in certain cru areas of the Bordeaux region.
Conversely, in Australia, it is used as an alias name for the Cabernet
Sauvignon grape.
Local name for the Cabernet
Franc grape grown in the Pyrenees region of France. Makes one of four wines
blended to produce a full-bodied red wine called "Madiran". The others are Courbu, Pinenc and Tannat.
Has synonym name Bukettraube.
Variety used for mediocre white wine production is grown in France, Germany,
Italy, South Africa and Zimbabwe. (No other details as yet).
Minor white-wine producing variety, grown in southern Rhone region of
France, sometimes used in local white wine blends to help create acidic balance.
Has the synonym names Malvoisie
in the Languedoc region of France and Blanquette
in Australia. Ripens in October and susceptible to rot. Has synonym name (or
possible clonal relationship to) Picardan
(Blanc), a variety that has similar characteristics and is also condemned by
some as capable only of mediocre white varietal wine production.
Minor native grape grown in Austria. Produces soft, fragrant white wines.
Most of the crop is processed into a grape juice called "Traubenmost" and also
made into a sweet wine called "Sturm" that is drunk very young in the manner of
"nouveau" beaujolais. The grape is also extensively grown in Hungary.
Red wine grape grown in central Sardinia. Used to make aromatic dry
varietal, and rosés, (also blended wines), for early consumption. Has several
synonym names including Bovale Sardo.
Minor grape grown in Cuneo province, Piedmont, Italy. Often used to make
light, frizzante low-alcohol (5%) red sweet wine named "Birbet" noted for
fruity, raspberry/strawberry aroma with some style resemblance to the more
famous "Moscato d'Asti" wines. Normally drunk as young as possible and served
chilled. Known to be the same grape as the French Braquet
(see also Brachetto
above). Red-wine grape grown in the Provence region of France where, as the main
ingredient, along with some Cinsaut, it
is used to produce one of the better rosé wine blends found in the Bellet area
of the Cote d'Azur.
This cultivar was released by the Geisenheim Research Station, Germany, in
1962. Has the technical name GM 4984. It was
derived from a Müller-Thurgau
variety cross with the Chancellor
(a.k.a Seibel 7053) hybrid cultivar and can currently be found in limited
acreages on the south island of New Zealand where it is mainly used for
producing somewhat neutral varietal and blend white wines. Resistant to Bunch
Rot and Downy Mildew fungus diseases. Somewhat similar wines are made from the
Geisenheim
cultivars (noted below) currently grown in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Once thought to be identical with the obscure french grape known as Monbadon
this variety, used for white wine production, is mostly to be found planted in
the Central Valley of California, USA where it is mainly used for blending.
However, recent DNA study at Univ. College at Davis, California, indicates that
the parents of this cultivar are Ugni Blanc and
Folle
Blanche.
Variety mainly restricted to the Quiliano DOC in Liguria, Italy. Used to
make a fresh, crisply acidic white wine considered by some to be a perfect match
for local cuisine "Pesto" dishes. Listed as a Trebbiano
sub-variety in some databases. May have the synonym names Lumassina
and Mataosso.
Has synonym name WE
70-281-35. Developed and subsequently released in November, 1999, this
V.vinifera cross is reported as derived from Cabernet
Sauvignon x Lemberger
parentage by the Weinsberg/Württemberg Research Station, Baden, Germany. Red
wine is claimed to be rich in fruit aromas and requiring oak cask
aging/vinification. (No other details as yet).
V.vinifera variety, synonym name WE
71-817-89, developed and subsequently released in November, 1999 by the
Weinsberg/Württemberg Research Station, Baden, Germany. Derived from a Cabernet
Sauvignon x Dornfelder
cross. Red wine is recommended for fine fruitiness with velvety, distinctive
taste. (No other details as yet).
V.vinifera variety, having synonym name WE
71-817-92 reported as developed and subsequently released in November, 1999
by the Weinsberg/Württemberg Research Station, Baden, Germany as another Dornfelder
x Cabernet
Sauvignon cross. Red wine claimed to have harmonious balance, full-body and
long finish. (No other details as yet).
Has synonym name WE
70-77-4F. Reported as derived from a Cabernet
Sauvignon x Lemberger
cross by the Weinsberg/Württemberg Research Station, Baden, Germany, this
V.vinifera variety was released in November, 1999. Red wine is claimed to
possess a dense, full-body and excellent for cuvees. (No other details as yet).
Variety reported developed in California in the late 1800's as a cross
between Cabernet
Sauvignon and an unknown variety by the gentleman whose name is
immortalized. Another report claims that the variety is in fact Trousseau.
At last report it is now only found in one very old vineyard, located in San
Benito county, California, the fruit from it occasionally made into a spicy,
somewhat peppery, curiosity red wine varietal of good quality by whimsical
winemakers.
Hybrid red wine V. Amurensis hybrid cross variety created in Russia to
withstand cold climatic conditions. Small commercial/nursery acreages currently
grown in Nova Scotia (Canada). Vigorous growth when rigorous cluster thinning
techniques used on the secondary clusters of this prolific producer. Early
budding occurs late May and the cultivar has the unusual characteristic of early
closedown in anticipation of first frost causing fruit to fall off the vine
within a few days. Susceptible to fungus diseases Aspergillus, Powdery Mildew
and Penicilium. Hardy to -20 deg. F. (ca -29 C.) with tendency to high acids in
cool years. Reported to be a female pollinate and so needs planting in alternate
rows with other varieties. Creates red wine with excellent color and fragrant,
heavy aroma recommended for blending with lighter wines. Reportedly similar in
many ways to the Michurinetz
grape cross - (see below) - currently grown on limited acreages in the Finger
Lakes region of Western New York State (USA) and Nova Scotia, Canada.
Red wine grape variety grown in the Lirac AC north-west of Avignon and in
the coastal Bandol AC between Toulon and Marseille, France. Used almost
exclusively in blends that approximate a lighter version of a
Chateauneuf-du-Pape and capable of around 5 years aging. (No other details as
yet).
Native red-wine grape found on the island of Mallorca, along with two others
indigenous to the island - Fogoneu and
Manto
Negro. Used to produce a popular strong, spicy blend - having some aging
ability - with the latter grapewine.
Minor grape grown in the Tuscany region of northern Italy. Red wine from
this variety is often used for blending with Sangiovese
Grosso in some of the Chianti range of red wines. Is also an ingredient in
other local blends. Has many synonym names including Caccione
(Nero), Tindillaro
and Uva
Fosca.
Not related to the Riesling
grape cépage in any way. Is actually the Crouchen
varietal now sparsely grown in the Pyrenees region of France and is thought to
have been translocated to South Africa in the mid-19th century where the grape
has been subsequently also known as the South African
Riesling, or Paarl Riesling,
presumably due to an identification error. This same grape is similarly
misidentified as the Clare
Riesling in Australia. The misnamed Cape Riesling
can legally be sold under a "Riesling" non-varietal white wine blend label and
is known to have good bottle-aging potential. (The true, german Riesling grape
is locally known as the Weisser
Riesling, or White Riesling,
in South Africa).
(a.k.a Carinena
and Mazuelo in
Spain, Gragnano in
Italy, Carignane
- or occasionally Kerrigan -
in California). Normally ripens in late season around the end of September.
Semi-classic grape commonly used for making red wines in Southern France and
Spain. It is also successfully grown in California's Central Valley, often
ending up in generic blends and "jug" wines, although some old plantings allow
small lots of premium extract wine to be made. Blended with other varieties such
as Cinsaut, Grenache,
Mourvèdre
and Syrah,
it has been used to create red wines in California similar to the famed
Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend of the southern Rhone region of France. In Australia
it has the occasional alias name Black
Portugal.
Has synonym name Grande
Vidure. Very limited plantings of this red wine grape are now found in the
Médoc region of Bordeaux, France where it is used to produce deep red wines
occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit
Verdot. The worlds largest vineyard area under cultivation of this variety
is now found in the Santiago region of Chile, South America. Some claim that, in
Chile, some individual plantings of this variety has been mistakenly labeled as
Merlot due
to certain ampelographic similarities. Recent genetic research has shown that
the two varieties may in fact be distantly related. Others claim that, in
France, the variety name is an alias for what is actually the Vidure, a local
Bordeaux name for a Cabernet
Sauvignon clone. Another theory holds that the true name should be Biturica,
thought to be an ancient variety that originated from Iberia - (modern
Spain/Portugal) - as claimed by Pliny, and currently a popular blending variety
with Sangiovese
in Tuscany, Italy, called "Predicato di Biturica".
Developed at the Geilweilerhof Research Institute, Germany, this cultivar is
a cross between the Portugieser
and Spätburgunder
varieties. It is mainly used as a teinturier-style
colorant grape.
Red wine grape cross derived from same parents and by same oenologist as Carnelian below
and similar in most respects. Claimed to be very similar to Merlot yet
somewhat more cold- hardy when grown in cool climates. Mainly used to make a
"stretch" blending wine for lower-priced varietal wines in California and
elsewhere.
Released in the early 1970's, this red wine grape was created by Dr. H. P.
Olmo, a U. Davis oenologist, some 30 years earlier and derived from crossing Grenache,
Cabernet
Sauvignon and Carignan.
Currently grown in Central California and, more successfully, in Texas.
White-wine producing variety mainly found in the Etna DOC region of Sicily.
Synonym names are Catanese
Bianco and Nocera Bianca.
(No other details as yet).
Red-wine grape grown in the Ribatejo and other regions of southern Portugal.
Has synonym name of Periquita where
grown in the Estremadura region nearby and (reportedly) Trincadeira
in the Alentejo region. Used to make a popular, robust, varietal wine.
Variety native to Sicily where it is found widely grown along the western
coast. Usually blended with Grillo and
the Inzolia
white wines to create versions of historically interesting "Marsala" wine in
several dry, or sweet dessert, styles.
Red grape cross with same parents as Carnelian above
and created by same viticulturist. Used for blending with lesser wines to
improve perceived quality.
Variety, used in white wine production, grown in Portugal. The Sercial
grape grown on the island of Madeira is identical and is the corrupted english
synonym name.
Synonyms include Celar, Gros Monsieur,
Picargniot,
Romain and
Romano.
Red-wine grape grown in area close to Chablis region of Northern Burgundy,
France. Mainly blended with Pinot Noir to
create a light red wine known as "Bourgogne Irancy". Also some acreages in
Argentina and Chile where it is used to produce a varietal wine labeled as Cesar.
Red-wine creating grape grown on small acreages in California. The name
there is thought to be an early Italian immigrant corruption of Charbonneau,
a french synonym for the Douce Noir
grape variety, still found in the Savoie region of France, that has many synonym
names (noted in the Geilweilerhof database above) including Corbeau
Noir. Some strongly believe, despite distinct ampelographic differences,
that these varieties share a clonal or mutant relationship to the Dolcetto
variety widely grown in northern Italy. Others argue that the relationship is to
the Barbera
variety of Italy. The vine bears small berries that are used to make a very dark
red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is
flavorful and quite tannic.
(Pronounced "sha-sawn"). White-wine producing grape cross derived from the
Chardonnay
and Listan
varieties. Developed by the U. of Montpellier in France. Used to produce a
white-wine with varietal similarities to the Chardonnay parent, including such
flavors as honied floral aroma and crisp acidity.
(Pronounced "shash-lah"). Semi-classic variety grown in Switzerland, France,
Germany, New Zealand and U.S.A. Widely grown in the cantons of the first country
where it has several regional synonym names, the main one being Fendant in
the Vaud and Valais districts. It is also known as Perlan in the
Mandement district. Mostly vinified to be a full, dry and fruity white wine.
Also suitable as a Table grape. In France it is mostly grown in the Loire region
where it is converted into a blend with Sauvignon Blanc
called "Pouilly-sur-Loire" and in the Savoie region where it is treated in the
Swiss manner. German growers of the Baden region know it under the name Gutedel. In
New Zealand it is mainly made into popular sweet white wines. Californian and
Australian growers know this variety under the alias names of Chasselas
Dore or Golden
Chasselas. Recent research indicates that the Viognier
grape may be a related mutant variety.
Mutation of the Trousseau
vinifera grape grown in France. Currently known in California as Grey Riesling
and mainly used in a white wine blend that also contains some Chenin Blanc
and Sylvaner
varietals.
Acidic, disease-resistant vinifera cultivar grown in South Africa. Is result
of a Chenin
Blanc x Ugni Blanc
cross. The same parentage is responsible for the cultivar known as Weldra, also
grown in South Africa. Used in white wine production. (No other details as yet).
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Used as an ingredient of
sparkling white wine blends along with Goruli
Mtsvane wine. (No other detail;s as yet).
Grown in Georgia (CIS), this V.vinifera variety has the synonym name Tchkhaveri.
Mostly found made into a semi-sweet onion-skin style varietal wine. (No other
details as yet).
Red-wine grape used as a component in a multi-wine blend known as "Velletri
Rosso". Wines from good vintages are known to have excellent aging ability.
Mainly grown in the Castelli Romani region, Latium province of Italy.
Semi-classic grape widely grown in southern France, Italy and also in the
Lebanon. Has many aliases. In the southern Rhone region it has the alias name Picardan
(Noir). In Apulia, Italy it has the synonym name of Ottavianello.
Used as blend component in many red or rosé wines. Transplanted to South Africa,
where it was erroneously thought to be a Rhone Hermitage grape, and now a widely
grown variety making a popular red wine in that country, and often blended with
Cabernet
Sauvignon. It has also been used to create the hybrid grape variety known as
Pinotage.
Also grown in Australia under several alias names that include Black
Prince, Blue
Imperial, Oeillade and
Ulliade.
Has synonym name of Cividino.
Rare variety grown in N. Italy and used to make an aromatic, flavorsome white
varietal wine claimed to have flowery aroma with taste of almonds, curd cheese
and sweet limes.
Minor grape grown in the south of France and used with the Muscat grape to
create a sparkling dry or semi-dry white wine blend. Best known product, known
as "Clairette de Die", comes from the eastern Rhone region of France.
Considerable plantings are found in Australia where it is also confusingly known
under the alias misname of Blanquette
which name in turn is more commonly used elsewhere as an alias for the Jaen grape
variety mainly grown in Spain.
Variety grown in Campania, Italy, especially near Naples, and used for white
blending wine in the "Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" white version along with Verdicchio,
Greco di
Bianca and Falanghina.
Has synonym name of Roupeiro and is
one of the main varieties known under the alias name of Boal, or Bual, that are
grown on the island of Madeira for use in fortified wines.
Better known as French
Colombard in North America. The grapes from old vines are crushed by some
northern Californian producers and made into a fruity white wine of interesting
character in both dry and sweet versions. Otherwise mainly grown in California
to provide backbone, due to its natural acidic character, for white "jug" wine
blends. Still grown in S.W France where it is used for white wine blends in
certain Bordeaux and Gascony AOC's and is also used for distilling into brandy.
Also widely grown in South Africa. A recent research article from U.C. Davis in
California demonstrated that this variety resulted from an ancient cross of Chenin Blanc
with Gouais
Blanc.
Variety occasionally used in a light-bodied blend, based on Sangiovese,
with other red wines of Tuscany, Italy. The grape has several synonym names. (No
other details as yet).
Cool climate cultivar derived from the Traminer
and Madeleine
Angevine varieties. Claimed to produce fruity white wines similar to those
of White
Riesling. Has good winter hardiness and bunchrot resistance. Ripens at the
same time as Chardonnay and
White
Riesling in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
(a.k.a Rouge du
Pays). Vigorous ancient variety indigenous to Switzerland and used to
produce rich, plummy, concentrated red wine claimed by some to be reminiscent of
french central Rhone versions and often requires similar aging.
(a.k.a Corvina
Veronese). Used with several other grapes to create the light red regional
blends known as "Bardolino" and "Valpolicella" that have a mild fruity flavor
with hints of almond. The blends include Rondinella,
Molinara
(and Rossignola
for the latter wine). The latter blending wine has been replaced by some
producers with the rare, indigenous Dindarella
variety, and the Oseleta in
order to produce a more traditional version of "Valpolicella". Mainly grown in
the Veneto region of northeast Italy.
Semi-classic grape grown in the southern Rhone and Pyrenees regions of
France and used in the red wine blends of Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Banyuls, and
other local wines of those regions to create aroma and acidic freshness. Thought
by some to be of unknown Spanish grape origin.
Minor grape used to create a red wine blend known as "Madiran", found in the
Pyrenees region of France. The other wines in the blend are made from the Bouchy, Pinenc and Tannat
grapes.
(a.k.a Cruchen).
Variety translocated from France to Australia and South Africa where it is used
in the production of white wine. In Australia it has been historically known as
Clare
Riesling presumably being a regional marketing name. See Cape Riesling
above for main information.
Usually referred to as "Dalni Ramning" by growers. Is severe cold resistant
-30 deg. F. (ca -35 C.) variety, weak in growth, that ripens very early
(mid-August) in Minnesota. Berries are very attractive to birds. (No other
information on this grape at present).
(a.k.a Pelara and Quajara).
Variety grown in the Veneto region of northern Italy and used by a few producers
as one of the blending wines to create the red "Valpolicella" Classico.
Well-known grape widely grown in Piedmont region of Italy. Usually made into
fast maturing, fruity and robust dark red wine with faintly bitter flavor.
According to some, may have a clonal or mutant relationship to the Douce Noir
grape of the Savoie region of France or (remote possibility) the variety known
as Charbono in
California.
White-wine variety grown in N.W Spain. Found in the El Bierzo region between
Leon and Galicia. Known as Doña Branca
where grown in Portugal. Is reported by some to be a clone, or synonym name, of
the Tamares
variety. Is one of the varieties grown on the island of Madeira under the alias
name of Boal. (No
clarifying details available as yet).
Australian alias name for the Jaen variety
used for red wine production in central Spain and also Portugal. The grape is
also confusingly known as the Blanquette
in the Hunter Valley.
Recent vine resulting from a Helfensteiner
x Heroldrebe
cross gaining wide popularity in Germany and England. Has synonym name Weinsberg S
341. Creates red wines from grapes that have every important red-wine
variety suitable for central Europe in their genealogy, ie. one parent is the
hybrid cross result of Trollinger
and Früburgunder
and the other parent hybrid was the result from crossing Portugieser
and Lemberger.
Mainly grown in the Rheinhessen and Pfalz regions, it is increasingly available
as a bottled varietal with aging potential.
Developed at the Freiburg Research Institute, Germany, this is a red-fleshed
teinturier cultivar derived from the Portugieser
and Färbertraube
varieties.
Minor grape grown in the Gaillac AC northeast of Toulouse, France. Used to
create red and rose' blended wines made from such varieties as Fer, Negrette,
Syrah and
Gamay
Noir.
Is alias name for Nosiola variety
grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Used there to make still and sparkling dry
white-wines of crisply acidic character. Other synonym names are Cagnina, Durella and Rabiosa.
(a.k.a Duriff, Dureza). Minor
grape grown in France, California and Australia. A recent DNA analysis report
(Meredith C.P., et al., "Am. J. Enol. Vitic." 50(3): 236-42 1999) shows this
variety is probably a cross between a seedling of Peloursin
and the variety Syrah. The
recent discovery that the Petite Sirah
variety extensively planted in California is identical to, and so is a synonym
name for, the subject cultivar was complicated by the use of accessions from
vineyards with the most reliable planting records which made it appear that the
latter variety may also have been one of several other distinct varieties, all
having grower support for the claim of legitimacy. Old vine plantings of Durif
are currently (1997) found, and used to produce popular wine, in the Rutherglen
(N.E Victoria) region of Australia. (For more information see "Petite Sirah"
below).
(No details as yet other than it is a red wine producing variety, possibly
indigenous, grown in the Valais district of Switzerland and having the synonym
name of Rouge
de Fully).
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Usually found as one of the
varieties (that also include Saperavi
(Charni), Izabella,
Tsolikouri
and other grapewines) that are used to make a sweet red dessert wine blend. (No
other details as yet).
White-wine variety, resulting from the crossing of Riesling
and a Sylvaner
clone, developed in 1929 at the Geisenheim Research Station, Germany. Many
consider it second only to the Kerner
grape-cross as a frost-resistant Riesling type substitute for the better known
Müller-Thurgau
cultivar widely grown in Germany and elsewhere. Mild acid content discourages
aging. Claimed to have excellent Riesling grape similarities in taste etc.
Moderately large acreages can now be found in the Okanagan region of western
Canada where, according to local lore, it was originally planted in the late
1970's in lieu of a shortage of select clone Riesling
cuttings. Subsequently the vine proved so adaptable and successful that it now,
(1990's), constitutes British Columbia's 5th largest white variety crop.
(a.k.a Weisser
Silvaner). White-wine grape of ancient origin mostly found in limited
plantings in the Mosel-Saar-Ruhr region of Germany, used to produce a
traditional dry, sparkling wine.
V.vinifera variety with several synonym names listed by the Geilweilerhof
database (in Foreword above) including Schwarzelbling.
(No other details as yet).
White-wine hybrid variety developed by H. C. Olmo of UC Davis from a
crossing of Muscadelle de
Bordelais and (White)
Riesling. Probably the most successful of the attempts to breed high
quality/quantity white-wine grapes for specific use in California.
Minor grape grown in the Piedmont region of Italy and used to make dry white
wine. Better known for the full-bodied, sweet wine versions made with dried
grapes, (i.e: Passito). Also a fortified version with 16% alcohol, (i.e:
Liquoroso).
(a.k.a Faberrebe).
Derived from the crossing of the Weissburgunder
and Müller-Thurgau
with the aim of achieving frost resistance. High acid grape used for blending in
the Rheinhessen region of Germany.
White-wine grape found in the Campania region of Italy. Wine made from the
ancestor of this grape was known to the Romans. Makes a popular, fruity,
varietal and is also used as a blending wine, along with Coda di Volpe
and others in the popular "Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" wine.
Also known as Fer Servadou, Brocol, Braucol, Mansois and Pinenc. The
name apparently refers to the iron-hard woodiness of the vine. Grown to a
limited extent in the Gaillac AC and other regions of southwest France where it
is used to impart color, intensity and aroma to regional red wine blends. The
variety grown in Argentina and called by this name is now thought to be a clone
of Malbec.
White-wine variety widely grown in the Ribatejo and other regions of
Portugal. Used to make aromatic and somewhat spicy-tasting dry, sweet and
sparkling wines. Has synonym name of Maria Gomes in
Bairrada. Also quite widely grown in South Africa.
(a.k.a Fetiaska).
Several varieties are grown. The Feteasca
Alba, is reportedly a Romanian developed variety seemingly most favored in
that countries provinces of Moldavia and Transylvania where it is mainly used to
produce dry or semi dry white-wines, although the Cotnari region is famous for
semi-sweet and sweet wine versions. The widely grown Feteasca
Regala is reportedly a crossing of the "Alba" version with an unnamed
variety and is used to produce fresh, crisp, flavorsome white wines. They are
also widely planted in Bulgaria and Hungary. In the latter country the "Alba"
variety is better known as the Leányka. The
selected variant used to produce red wines is the Feteasca
Neagra, reputedly indigenous to Romania and one of the chosen V.vinifera
cultivars successfuly developed by Dr. Frank for use in the Finger Lakes region
of New York. It is mainly grown in several areas of central and southern
Moldavia and also in Muntenia province. Usually vinified to produce dry or
semi-dry deep red wines with a flavor described as "blackcurrant", requiring
some aging.
Minor, but of ancient origin, grape grown in Campania region of southern
Italy. Makes balanced, elegant white wine with attractive nut-like hints in the
aroma.
White-wine grape of ancient origin once widely grown in the Loire region of
France. Now thought by some to be the ancestor of the Sauvignon
cépage variety. Current remaining acreage is used to create wine for blending
with Sauvignon
Blanc grapewine in order to further enrich the latter wine.
Minor white-wine grape once used in the distilled wines of the Cognac region
of France. Small acreages still remain in the western Loire region that are used
to produce an often light, sharply acidic wine called "Gros Plant du Pays
Nantais" locally claimed to be a useful foodmatch alternative to Muscadet de
Bourgogne. Also grown in the S. Rhone region where it has the synonym name
Piquepoul
(Blanc).
Variety used for white wine production found mainly in the Ischia, Campania
DOC of Italy. Used to produce a dry, fresh wine reputed to be a good
accompaniment for regional fish-based meals. Has the synonym name Uva
dell'Isola. Often blended with the wine made from the Biancolella
grape to create "Ischia Bianco" a light wine best drunk as young as possible.
Variety grown in Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Has several alias names
including Brugnola and
Uva
d'Oro. Used to make a full=bodied, crisply acidic varietal red wine. (No
other details as yet).
Derived from a Silvaner x
Madeleine
Angevine cross. Frost-hardy in a good site. Reported as having sugars and
acidity higher than Müller-Thurgau.
Used to make a varietal white wine claimed to have profile similarities to Pinot Gris.
Reported to be a very ancient variety considered to be one of the
progenitors of all european Vitis Vinifera winegrapes. Generally accepted to be
identical to the Savagnin
(Blanc) variety. (No other details other than the reference occurs in the
research paper by Regner, F., et al., "Wein-Wissenschaft", 53(3) 114-18 1998).
(No details as yet other than it is a white wine producing variety grown in
the Valais district of Switzerland derived from a Silvaner x
Rulander
cross developed at the Freiburg Institute, Germany and has the synonym name Freiburger).
(a.k.a Malvasier).
White wine producing variety grown in Austria. Despite the first glance
similarity in the synonym name spelling the grape is reportedly not related in
any way to the Malvasia
cépage.
(No other details as yet other than this variety is a synonym name for Pré de
Malingre and is claimed to be one of the parents of the Saperavi
Severnyi cultivar cross).
Limited amounts of this indigenous variety grown in Valle d'Aosta region of
N.W. Italy. Used in good light bodied red blend, with other local varieties,
such as Petit
Rouge, reportedly needing moderate aging (3-5 years) to be at its best.
Widely grown grape in Hungary. Used to create a dry varietal and the famous
long-aging, ultra-sweet "Tokaji" white wines. Also grown in Austria where it is
known as the white-wine grape Mosler.
Smaller plantings are found in Slovenia (former Yugoslavia) where it is known as
the Sipon
variety.
Vigorous red wine grape cultivar mainly grown in the Vaud/Valais districts
of Switzerland. Reported to be a Gamay Noir à Jus
Blanc and Reichensteiner
vinifera cross variety released in 1970 by the Pully Research Institute, Nyon,
Switzerland. Makes a spicy, tannic, structured product suitable for varietal
wine and blends that some contend can resemble a light Bordeaux red wine in good
vintage years.
At least three different vitis vinifera grape species are permitted to use
the term "Gamay" as their label-specified variety in the U.S.A. The Gamay Noir,
Gamay
Beaujolais and Napa
Gamay. At one time or another each one was thought to be the true Pinot Noir
variety of Burgundy before it was determined that many cepage clones existed.
The Gamay Beaujolais grape is a widely grown, early-ripening clone of Pinot Noir
that can do well in the temperate climates of the northwest U.S. and if picked
promptly will produce a good red wine.
The Gamay Noir grape is a clone of Pinot Noir.
The version thought to be responsible for the Beaujolais wines of France is the
Gamay Noir à
Jus Blanc, as distinct from other Gamay
teinturiers - (i.e: Gamay vine mutations of ancient origin noted for their deep
red coloring capacity in blends). In the Beaujolais region growers use a variety
of clones that include numbers 222, 358, 509, 656 grafted to suitable rootstocks
such as Vialla for granitic soils, the standard lime resistant versions such as
161-49C and the American 420A. Its maturation before Pinot Noir makes it
suitable for cooler climates. High yields and disease control require intensive
attention.
Red-wine variety grown on very limited acreage in Piedmonte region of Italy.
Used to make a pale red wine with mildly spicy and vegetal flavors. (No other
details as yet).
The Gamza variety, currently widely grown in northern Bulgaria, is identical
with the Kadarka of
Hungary. Capable of producing an excellent red wine of full-bodied, tannic
content suitable for aging.
White-wine grape widely grown in the Veneto region of NE. Italy. It makes
the base wine of the well-known "Soave" blend along with up to 30% of Trebbiano
derived wine and is also a major portion of the popular "Gambellara" wine blend.
At its best this grape will give a good, rather delicate, wine laden with
aromatic hints of lemon and almonds.
White wine producing hybrid cultivar technically known as GM318-57 created
in 1957. Reported as derived from Riesling
cl.239 F2 and Chancellor
parents. Moderately winter hardy. Susceptible to fungus diseases such as Powdery
Mildew. Usually ripens late September where successfully grown in Nova Scotia,
Canada. A reportedly slightly hardier yet similar hybrid is the Jost Geisenheim
listed below. A somewhat similar cultivar, currently grown on the south island
of New Zealand, is a variety named Breidecker.
Old variety used for red wine production in S.W. Sardinia. High alcohol
potential makes it suitable for unfortified Port-style sweet wines best consumed
within 2-3 years of release. Has several alias names including Gliata and Zirone.
Wine/tablegrape derived from a Silvaner x
Müller-Thurgau
cross developed at the Geilweilerhof Institute, Germany. Used to make a neutral,
full-bodied white wine with faint aroma that will attain higher sugar and lower
acidity than Silvaner.
White-wine variety grown in the Rias Baixas and El Bierzo/Valdeorras regions
of N.W Spain between Galicia and Leon. Used to make a well-regarded varietal
wine with fragrant aromas described as "apples and mangoes", plus good acidity
levels and complexity.
Known under the name Chasselas
Doré in France where it is mainly grown as a table grape. Highly respected
in Switzerland where it has a long history as the Chasselas
in the Savoie region. The mis-named grape grown in California under this name is
actually the Palomino
and bears no relationship.
White-wine grape used to produce dry and dessert wines, best consumed early,
in the Alto Adige region of N.E. Italy. Noted for its pleasant aromatic
qualities. Has synonym name of Moscato Giallo.
Supposedly ancient grape producing mainly mediocre white wines. Listed by
some as a cross between Riesling
and Courtiller
Musque. Mostly grown on small acreages to be found in former East Germany or
northern Austria.
(a.k.a Gwäss or Gwaess).
Obscure, heavy bearing, white-wine variety historically used to produce a light
neutral wine for blending, or distillation for use in brandy-type fortified
wines, in France. Presently found in Australia, France and Switzerland. Also
(subject to confirmation) grown in Austria under the synonym name Heunisch
Weiss plus in other countries of Central Europe under the synonym name Belina.
Reportedly planted in Australia around 1874. At least one producer in
Rutherglen, N.E Victoria (and also one each in Bordeaux, France and the Valais,
Switzerland) currently (1997) makes wine from this grape. Has achieved instant
fame (Meredith, Bowers et al, Science 9/99) as the originating parent, with Pinot Noir, of
many of the varieties for which Burgundy, France, is famous. Also recently
discovered, by the same researchers, to be one of the parents, the other parent
being Chenin
Blanc, of the Colombard
variety. Austrian research has established that this variety, under its synonym
name (above), is responsible in the distant past, together with the ancient Frankisch
variety, for creating the crosses that are known in modern times as Riesling,
Silvaner
and Elbling.
Late-budding red-wine grape found in the Rioja region of Spain. Sensitive to
diseases such as "Downy Mildew". Has the alias name of Xeres in
California and Morrastel
in France. Confusingly is also an Australian synonym for the Mourvedre
hot climate grape. (See below).
Variety claimed as grown in Romania for 500 years since the days of Stephen
the Great. Used to create a late harvest white wine from botrytis affected
grapes with sugar content commonly exceeding 240 grams/litre.
White-wine grape of ancient origin, probably Greek, grown extensively in
southern Italy. A sub-variety is known as the Greco Bianco.
Both varieties are used to produce dry, (eg: "Greco di Tufo"), and sweet wines
from semi-dried grapes, the Nero grape being the preferred source.
Also confusingly known under the synonym names Alicante in
the south of France and Guarnaccia
in the Ischia DOC, Campania, Italy. It should not be confused with the
shortened name for the late nineteenth century cross Alicante
Bouschet. Grenache is currently widely grown in Spain, (where it is known
under the name Garnacha),
the south of France and also in California. Is now believed to be descended from
the grape named Cannonau,
an ancient variety widely grown in Sardinia. It is the main grape used in the
red wine blend known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and, along with the Mourvèdre,
Cinsaut
and some others, makes good wine blends under the appellation "Cotes du Rhone
Villages". In the warmer regions of California the Grenache grape tends to
produce pale red wines that are mainly useful for blends. Older vines give juice
that produces a creditable varietal. Often "hot" due to high alcohol content and
with a distinctive orange colored tint. Also used to make some of the better
rosé wines of Provence in southern France.
Thought to be a mutated version of Grenache.
Used to produce undistinguished white wines in southern France. Has premier
synonym name Garnacha Rosa
in Spain. Also known as Grey Grenache.
Is one of the parent varieties used to create the cross named Symphony
mainly grown in California. (See below).
Widely grown white-wine grape variety in Sicily, where it is mainly used in
the blend known as "Marsala" dry and sweet wines. The other grape-wines are
derived from the Catarrato Bianco
and Inzolia
grapes also common to Sicily's west coast.
Widely grown grape in the temperate regions of France. Also known as the Groslot.
Used as a blend with Gamay Noir
and Cabernet
Franc to create a somewhat rustic dry and semi-sweet Anjou rose' wine in the
Loire region.
Synonym for the Rossignola
red wine variety. Is used for creating the Valtenesi Rosso wine blend found in
Brescia DOC, Lombardy, Italy that competes well with the better known
Valpolicella and Bardolino wines of the Veneto DOC. As a varietal it is made as
a dry, medium-bodied wine with a nut-like finish that ages well for up to 5
years in good vintages.
Also known as Grosse
Guillaume. Vinifera variety. Has synonym name Rognon de
Coq. (No other details as yet other than it is one of the parents of the
complex American/Vinifera crosses St. Francis
and Alden).
Widely grown in Austria. Is white-wine grape used to create the famous same
name fresh, fruity young wines. Also known as (Green)
Veltliner. Ripening around mid-late October, it is commonly consumed very
young yet has very good aging potential (up to 15 years) when made from the
finest vintage year grapes. Noted for being compatible with a very wide range of
european and asian food dishes in much the same manner as champagne.
Variety derived from a Müller-Thurgau
x Chasselas
Napolean cross developed at the Geisenheim Research Institute. Reported to
have the character of the former parent, producing a fresh, neutral white wine
in good years.
V.vinifera variety developed and subsequently released in 1999 by the
Weinsberg/Württemberg Wine Research Station, Baden (De). According to the
Geilweilerhof database (see Foreword above) has several synonym names including
Grobrot,
Suessrot
and Tauberschwarz.
(No other details as yet other than it is recommended for use in creating red
wine).
V.vinifera variety with synonym name Weinsberg S
342. Derived from a Helfensteiner
x Heroldrebe
cross created, and subsequently released by the Weinsberg/Württemberg, Baden,
Germany, Wine Research Station. (No details as yet other than it recommended for
use as a red wine).
V.vinifera cultivar developed and recently released by the
Weinsberg/Württemberg Wine Research Station, Baden (De). Has synonym names Weinsberg S
532 and Blauer
Weinsberger. Reported as a Pinot
Précoce x Schiava
Grossa cross. (No other details as yet other than it is recommended for use
in red wine blends).
V.vinifera cultivar created and recently released by the
Weinsberg/Württemberg Wine Research Station, Baden (De). Has synonym name Weinsberg S
130. Was derived from a Portugieser
x Blaufränkisch
cross. (No other details as yet other than it is used to create a red wine).
V. Vitis cultivar released around 1990 that has genetic similarities to Furmint, Räuschling
and Gamay.
According to the Geilweilerhof database (above) has over a dozen synonym names.
Recommended for Wine production. (No other details as yet).
V.vinifera cultivar with synonym names Hölder and Weinsberg S
397. Derived from a Riesling x
Pinot Gris
cross developed and subsequently released by the Weinsberg/Wütttemberg, Baden,
Germany, Wine Research Station. (No other details except that the fruit is
recommended for white wine production).
Grape created by crossing the Chasselas
and a Muscat
variety that contributes its ubiquitous aroma to wines made from the grape.
Grown mostly in the Rheinhessen region of Germany and sparsely in England. Used
mainly for sweet white wines of no particular distinction that can qualify for
"Auslese" Prädikat standards in better vintages.
Variety used for white wine production near Brindisi in Apulia, Italy.
Usually blended with Francavilla
wine to make a crisp tablewine that matches local seafood dishes. Also grown in
Argentina where it has the alias name Nessun. (No
other details as yet).
Has alias name of Manzoni
6-0-13. White-wine cultivar grown in the Friuli and Veneto regions of Italy.
Is a cross between the Riesling
Renano and Pinot Bianco
vinifera varieties and used to create such base-wine blends as are found in the
Colli di Conegliano DOC "Bianco" wines etc.
Extensive plantings of this variety are found on the west coast of Sicily
where it is made into a wine commonly blended with the Grillo and Catarrato Bianco
grape wines in order to create the famous dry and sweet "Marsala" white wines of
historical significance. The grape is also found in Tuscany region of Italy
where it is known by the alias name Ansonica.
Hungarian tablegrape cross variety developed in early 1930's. Used to
produce grapey white wines with Muscat aromatic
reminders. Derived from a cross of Pozsonyi x
Perle von
Csaba V. vinifera varieties. Has synonym names Karola and Muscat Oliver.
(No other details as yet).
(a.k.a Riesling
Italico in Italy). Also known as the Welschriesling
in Austria, Laski
Rizling in Slovenia, (i.e: former Yugoslavia), and Olasz
Rizling in Hungary. Origins of this grape appear to be obscure, although
Romania has been suggested. In the best vintage years of Austria it will allow
production of white "Auslese" Prädikat wines to TBA levels, with greater acidity
than the german Riesling, but without the same potential for long life.
Red wine grape widely grown in central Spain and also in Portugal. Recent
DNA typing by spanish researchers (1999) has found that the Mencía
variety is a clone. This variety is also found in Australia under the alias
names Doradillo
and Blanquette.
White-wine producing variety technically known as GM6495-3. Created in 1964
at the Viticulture Research Institute, Geisenheim, Germany as a moderately
winter hardy cultivar derived from parents that include Saperavi
Severny and certain cold hardy tablegrapes. Reportedly has extremely
vigorous growth, with correct nutrition, where planted in Nova Scotia, Canada. A
reportedly slightly less hardy, yet similar, set of varieties are found in the
Geisenheim
series listed above.
(a.k.a Folle Noire
on the Cote d'Azur). Minor grape grown in the Cahors area east of Bordeaux in
France. Used to create local blend, along with Malbec and Merlot, that
is a well-regarded robust red wine with pronounced aroma. Alone, the grape
yields a full, hard and dark-red wine. It is also grown in Provence where it is
used in a blend, along with Cinsault and
Grenache,
to produce one of the favored red wines.
V.vinifera cultivar having technical name Weinsberg S
378. Is a Kerner x Silvaner
cross developed and subsequently recently released by the Weinsberg/Württemberg,
Wine Research Station at Baden (De) for use as a white wine producing variety.
Has synonym name Jewel, not
to be confused with the identical synonym name for the selected seedling of
the native american Delaware
variety popularized in the early 20th century. (No other details as yet).
Native grape grown in Hungary. Used to make "Egri Bikaver", that countries
best-known dry red wine blend. Currently the wine is a round, medium-bodied
effort that ages fairly well, although the main ingredient is now the grape
known as Blaufränkisch,
thought to be a Gamay clone.
Traditionally the wine was stronger and darker due to high Kardarka content,
more deserving of its name "bikaver", which translates as "bulls blood". The
grape is also currently widely grown in Bulgaria where it is known as the Gamza variety.
V.vinifera tablegrape variety originating in Turkey. Has synonym name Kara Burcu. One
of the varieties originally cultivated by Dr. Frank for use in the Finger Lakes
region of New York State.
Winegrape derived from a Müller-Thurgau
x Silvaner
cross that was released in 1927. Has synonym name Alzey
S.3983. Possessed of moderate vigor, crop potential, despite wood hardening
deficiencies. Claimed to produce a white wine with a delicate bouquet, rich in
extract and having a fruity flavor.
Moderately hardy grape developed from a cross between the Riesling
and Trollinger
varieties by the Weinsberg/Württemburg State Wine Institute, Baden (De). The
latter variety is better known as the Schiava
Grossa where grown in the Alto Adige region of Italy. Used to produce a
Riesling-like white wine said to often reach "Auslese" Pradikat quality.
Regarded by many as having superior characteristics to the Bacchus or
Optima
grapes. Currently, 1997, recommended for good site locations in southern
Michigan and other suitable cool-climate regions where it usually fully ripens
in mid-season.
Grown in Georgia (CIS), this V.vinifera variety has the synonym name Chechvi and
is commonly made into a sweet white varietal dessert wine. (No other details as
yet).
Minor grape found mainly in the Alsace region of France. Has synonym name Ortlieber.
Recently (1998) found to have genetic links to the Pinot Noir
cépage. Used in generic blend "Vin d'Alsace" white wines along with others, such
as Räuschling
grapewine.
Developed at the Freiburg Research Institute, Germany, this red-fleshed
grape cultivar was derived from a Pinot Noir and
Teinturier
cross. As far as is known it is used solely to produce a colorant wine in the
manner of the latter variety.
Moderately vigorous, quite hardy Hungarian red-wine variety derived from a
Saperavi
(Charni) x Blaufränkisch
cross. Normally buds around mid-May, ripens around mid-September. (No other
details as yet.)
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS) and has the synonym name Krachuna.
Mostly used in dry white wine blends along with Tsitska and
Tsolikouri.
Also makes a good varietal wine. (No other details as yet).
(No other details other than according to the Geilweilerhof database above
it is a complex (V.amurensis x V.vinifera) x Afus.Ali
variety widely grown in Central Europe and Balkan states).
Variety grown in the Marche region of Italy. Better known as Lacrima di Morro
d'Alba. Used to create a purple-red wine that is described as having (in a
good year) an aroma of violets, roses and spice with a rich, fruity taste and
long finish.
Red wine variety found in Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy. Used to make
varietal and rosé wines of good character that can age well if from Bolzano
region superior vintage years. Reported to grow well in Australia.
Red-wine grape cépage widely planted in Emilia region of central Italy.
Produces a number of wine styles depending on the characteristics of the
sub-variety, but mostly as dry or off-dry wines. When blended with wine made
from the Ancellotta
grape it produces a somewhat sweet, (ie: amabile), wine.
White-wine producing variety found in the foothills of the Pyrenees, France.
Used in the distinctive blends of the Béarn AC along with other local varieties
such as Baroque, Sémillon
etc.
Native, but well-known grape grown in Hungary. In Romania and Bulgaria an
identical grape is known as the Feteasca.
Used to make mildly intense semi-dry popular white wine.
Minor local grape grown in the area southeast of Bordeaux in the Gaillac
region of France. Used, along with Mauzac, to
create sweet and sparkling white wine blends.
V.vinifera variety developed in the Ukraine from a (V.amurensis
x V.vinifera)
x Unknown
variety. Has several synonyn names including Sev Lernatu.
Currently under growing trials in the USA, Canada and several eastern european
countries for use as a wine or table grape. (No other details as yet).
Variety indigenous to Greece and used to create red wine. Also grown on the
island of Crete where it is used either as a single variety or in a blend with
Mandelaria
grape-wine. According to the Geilweilerhof database (see Foreword above) a
seedless mutation of the subject variety, named Korinthiaki,
is grown world-wide as a tablegrape under many synonym names including Black
Corinth, Zante
Currant and, renamed by some supermarkets in the USA, Champagne.
Apparently needing Mediterranean heat it has been found to be a fairly difficult
variety to mature in cool climate vineyards, prone to disease and needing
special treatment with Gibberellic acid, trunk girdling (etc) in order to
achieve consistent bunchsize results.
(see Blaufränkisch
above). Also known as the Blauer
Limberger or Lemberger.
The latter name is used for the grape where found in Washington state in the
U.S., which has sizable plantings of this variety at last report and it is
currently recommended for the Finger Lakes region on New York State as a
cold-hardy winegrape showing good yields and ripening in early to mid-October.
Frequently used for blending with Pinot Noir.
Wines made from this grape grown in N.W. America are described as being
"Merlot-like with mild tannins and having a dark chocolate/raspberry flavor".
Wines made from this grape reportedly have low levels of histamines. It is the
normally higher amounts of this compound found in many other red wines that can
cause allergy headaches in some people.
White-wine grape now sparsely grown in France. Known as Palomino in
Spain and South Africa where it is mainly used to produce fortified wines. A
variety known as Listan Blanco
is grown in the Canary Islands where it may be used with Listan Negro
to produce red, rosé and white varietal wines for early consumption. Also grown
in Australia where it is found in mixed growth vineyards along with the Pedro
Ximénez grape. Known to be one of the parents of the Chasan grape
cross.
White-wine grape grown widely in northern Portugal and known across the
border in Galicia, Spain as the Loureira.
Mainly used for "vinho verde" wines designed for early drinking.
Has many synonym names including Lignan Blanc.
(No other details as yet other than it is reported as originating in Italy and
is used as a wine or table grape).
Grown mainly in the Marches region of Italy, this white-wine producer
variety is used to make a delicately flavored blend with Trebbiano
grapewine. Has several alias names including Aribona
and Uva
Stretta.
(a.k.a Maccabeo).
Widely grown in many regions of Spain and the Languedoc region of France, this
variety is used to make mildly acidic and young white wines suitable for early
consumption or incorporation into suitable blends. Also known in Spain by an
alias name of Viura.
Also known as Madeline
Angevine. Cool region table grape cross used for Riesling-type
white table wine production in the United Kingdom and Germany. It is a cross
between Madeleine
Royale and Précoce de
Malingre. Not only is it a widely grown variety in its own right but has
claim to fame as one of the parents of the Siegerrebe
and Comtessa
varieties. Susceptible to bunch-rots.
Vinifera grape suitable for white-winemaking. Ripens early, with consequent
susceptibility to attack by bunch rots, birds and wasps. Wine is aromatic and
light, useful for blending with other intensely flavored wines. (No other
details available as yet).
Semi-classic grape grown in the Bordeaux region of France and in other areas
under the names Médoc Noir, Côt or Pressac, while
in the Alsace it has the local name Auxerrois.
Has an extensive current listing of more than 50 variety synonym names in the
(above) Geilweilerhof database. Also grown in the cooler regions of California.
The vine is widely planted in Argentina where it is being used to produce very
popular varietal wines. (It is now thought that the variety known as Fer in that
country is actually a Malbec
clone). As a varietal it creates a rather intense, inky, red wine so it is also
commonly used in blends, such as with Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon, to create the renowned red French Bordeaux "claret" blend. In
California and other areas it is increasingly being used for the same blending
purpose.
Semi-classic grape cépage of ancient, probably Greek, origin. Widely grown
in Italy as distinctive area sub-varieties, such as Malvasia di
Candia, Malvasia
Istriana etc. Requires sheltered, Mediterranean climate conditions for
perfect ripening. Used to produce dry and sweet white, and light red, wines with
high alcohol content and residual sugar. Is one of two whitewine grapes
allowable in Chianti Classico wine production. Also widely grown in Portugal,
Spain and the island of Madeira where the important winename Malmsey is an
English word corruption of Malvasia.
Minor grape found mainly in Corsica. Used to produce local, high-alcohol
wines blended from grapes of mainly Spanish origin such as the Grenache
and others. It has the local alias name of Fromentot
where grown in the Ancenis region of France. The grape variety called Malvoisie
in the Languedoc region of France is actually the Bourboulenc.
Mainly grown in Chianti DOC region of Tuscany, Italy. Red wine producing
variety used in the various blends of the area. Has synonym name of Fegeri. (No
other details as yet).
Appears as two clones, Gros Manseng
and Petit
Manseng, mainly to be found in the western regions of the Pyrenees area of
southwest France. Used for producing both dry and sweet white wines.
Native red-wine grape indigenous to the island of Mallorca along with two
others, Callet and Fogoneu.
Used to make a strong, spicy wine with some aging ability. Currently most
plantings occur on the Balearic Islands.
No other details as yet other than this variety, grown in the Friuli region
of Italy, is reportedly the result of a cross between Prosecco
and Cabernet
Sauvignon).
Synonym name for the Fernão Pires
variety where found in the Bairrada region of Portugal. There it is used to make
an agreeable white wine with apple and apricot fruit flavor reminders.
Vinifera variety developed at the Wurtzberg Institute, Germany in 1971. Is a
Silvaner
x Rieslaner
cross. Vigorous, hardy, with early wood hardening. Used for creating white
wines.
Semi-classic grape used in the traditional white wine blends of the French
Hermitage-Rhone region. With long barrel-aging in the past, these wines used to
require about ten years in the bottle before drinking. The other grape wine used
in the blend was the Roussanne.
Also found on small acreages in Australia and Switzerland. In the latter country
it has the synonym name Ermitage.
Grape variety used to make a red varietal reminiscent of Gamay type
wine but with almond-taste undertones. Mainly restricted to the Trentino-Alto
Adige region of Italy. Synonym names include Bassanino
and Uva
Tedesca. (No other details as yet).
V.vinifera variety grown in south-central Europe and in the Caucasus region.
Has several synonym names including Shirai
Kara. Most commonly encountered as a varietal red wine from Georgia (CIS).
Minor grape mainly grown in the Gaillac region southeast of Bordeaux in
France. Used, with Len de l'El
to create mildly sweet and sparkling white blended wines. It is also known in
other regions under the local synonym name of Blanquette;
(not to be confused with a similarly named grape grown in certain regions
of Australia).
Grape variety common to Greece and Cyprus. Used to produce an unremarkable
dark red varietal wine or, on Cyprus, a dry red blend with Opthalmo
grapewine having limited aging ability.
Red-wine grape widely grown in the Patras region on the north coast of the
Peloponnese in southern Greece and either used to make a dry wine suitable for
blending purposes, or, as also on the island of Rhodes, to make a moderately
sweet, portlike, dessert wine.
Light red wine variety widely grown in Galicia, N.W Spain. Has the synonym
names Negra and Loureiro
Tinto. Recently found (1999) by Spanish researchers to be identical with the
variety Jaen, although
some growers still insist the variety is a mutated version of Cabernet
Franc.
White-wine grape found in the Bakaa Valley of Lebanon. Said to resemble Semillon
when made into a dry wine. Used by Chateau Musar for blending with Obaideh
grapewine to create an oaked wine capable of aging for between 5-10 years.
(a.k.a Pallieri).
Table grape derived from the vinifera crosses (also tablegrapes) Alphonse
Lavallee and Red Malaga.
Currently known to be grown in Chile and Venezuela. Care needs to be taken when
choosing a suitable rootstock - (eg. the Alphonse Lavalee variety has been found
to be incompatible with a Ramsey rootstock grafting by South African growers).
Alias name for the Pinot
Meunier grape of France where grown in Australia. Also has synonym names of
Schwarzriesling
and Black
Riesling. Is a Pinot Noir
clone widely grown for use in Champagne-style sparkling wine blends; probably
imported from Germany where it is known as the Müllerebe
grape.
Earliest grape planted in 17th century in what is now the state of
California, where it is currently (1997) used to make several styles of wine -
"Criolla" a tablewine, "Angelica", a very long-aged (50+ years) french
Ratafia-like fortified wine and some late-harvest wines aged for 20+ years that
are made from sun-dried grapes. Thought to have arrived in the America's by
Spanish conquistadores importation. Known to be identical with the Pais grape
widely grown in Chile and thought to originate from the Monica grape
of Spain and Sardinia.
East European extreme-winter hardy grape of astonishing vigor derived from
numerous varieties of european vinifera, plus amurensis rootstock. The name is
apparently an anglicized version of "Miczurinoweic". Currently planted on
limited commercial/nursery acreage in the Finger Lakes region of W. New York
(USA), Nova Scotia (Canada), British Columbia (Canada) and more widely in
eastern Europe. Requires drastic cluster thinning of secondary late clusters and
side shoots. Early shutdown prior to anticipated first frost can occur as much
as a month before and results in fruit fall within days. Susceptible to fungus
diseases Aspergillus, Powdery Mildew etc. Winter hardy to -20 deg. F. (ca -29
C.) this variety usually buds in late May. Capable of producing fine red Cabernet
Sauvignon style wine in N. America when mature although currently, 1997/98,
receiving mixed reviews because of tendency toward high acid and low sugar in
less than good years. Regarded as quite similar to the Russian hybrid Cabernet
Severnyi grapecross listed above.
Acidic red wine grape mostly grown in the Veneto region of Italy and used to
create the "Valpolicella" and "Bardolino" blends, along with the Rondinella
and Corvina
grape wines.
Variety grown on the island of Mallorca, off the coast of Spain, and used to
produce somewhat spicy white varietal still and sparkling wines. Has the synonym
name Prensal
Blanco.
(a.k.a Morrastel).
Recent DNA evidence (3/98) suggests that the library varieties from UC Davis,
California and Montpellier, France used in the tests are identical to Moristel
and have no relationship to Mourvèdre.
(a.k.a Mondeuse
Noir). Minor grape grown in the Savoie region of France. Usually blended
with wine made from the Altesse
grape to make the white wine known as "Roussette de Savoie". Some authorities
consider the grape to be identical to the Refosco
grape of Italy. Also recently identified as extensively present in many vineyard
plantings of vines known as Petite Sirah
in California. Considerable acreages are also found in Australia where the grape
is (incorrectly ?) known as Refosco.
Variety grown in the Savoie and Buzet regions of France. Has several synonym
names including Blanchette, Jongin and Molette. The
latter name is used by the producers of a wine-blend, in combination with the Altesse
variety, called "Seyssell" that is made in a "frizzante" style due to deliberate
incomplete fermentation at the time of bottling.
Greek name for the Malvasia
white-wine grape renowned for making fortified Madeira wines on the island of
that name. In Greece is often blended with Mandelaria
grape-wine to give a strong, aromatic drink.
Minor grape native to Sardinia. Made into both a dry, red wine and also a
sweet, spicy red wine. Thought by some to be the antecedent of the Mission
grape of early California fame.
Important grape mostly found growing in central and southern Italy. Usually
made into a blend with Sangiovese
in order to produce a fruity, round, yet balanced red wine with attractive aroma
that reportedly can improve with up to 6 years aging. Also used to produce a
popular rosé named "Cerasuolo".
White-wine producing variety mainly used in the production of brandy-type
fortified wines in Bordeaux, France, or the Rutherglen, N.E Victoria region of
Australia. Synonyms are Aucarot and
Chalosse.
Vinifera variety developed by Peter Morio at the Geilweilerhof Institute,
Germany around 1961. Successfully grown in cool climate regions of the Northeast
USA and Canada. Best results obtained in deep, humus-rich soil on a good site.
Ripens later than Scheurebe
around early to mid-season. Has extraordinary Muscat bouquet
and flavor when fully ripened and so mostly used sparingly in white wineblends.
Reportedly not a true Muscat but a Silvaner x
Pinot
Blanc cross.
Red-wine producing grape grown in the Somontano region adjoining the central
Pyrenees area of Spain. In southern Aragon it has the synonym name Juan
Ibáñez. It produces light ruby red, floral, mildly tannic wine commonly used
as a blending ingredient with uniquely regional native specialties such as Parraleta
grapewine.
Medieval Tuscan grape variety still grown in minute commercial quantity.
Used in producing a somewhat rustic, amber-colored "frizzante" series of sweet
wines in the Montalcino DOC of Tuscany, Italy.
Rare variety, used for white wine production, currently only found in the
Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Has several synonym names including Pagadebito,
Pagadebit
(Gentile), Uva Barile
and Vaccume.
Used to make dry and sweet varietal wines of delicate style. May be a synonym
name for the variety Biancone.
Robust mediterranean hot climate grape variety widely grown in the southern
Rhone region of France and mainly used to introduce color and body to the red
wine blends. Normally ripens in mid-October, ie. a week or so after Carignan.
Select limited plantings occur in California where the variety is often called
the Mataro, a
relationship recently confirmed (3/98) by DNA analysis at UC Davis, and are used
to produce a wine that sometimes develops the "green tea-like" herbal character
that Rhone region french growers refer to as "animalé". Common aliases, probably
due to early mis-identification, in Australia are Mataro, Morrastel
and Graciano.
The cultivar known as Monastrell
that is grown in Spain and previously thought to be identical is not related.
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Has several synonym names
including Mtsvane and
Goruli
Mtsvane. Used mainly in white wine blends, along with Rkatsiteli
wine, that include a well-regarded aged dry version named "Tsinandali" and
others. (No other details as yet other than this variety is under trial by some
growers in Victoria, Australia).
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Has the synonym name Keduretuli.
Used to create a varietal rosé and (in combination with the Alexsandreuli
variety wine) semi-sweet or semi-dry blends. (No other details as yet).
Early ripening cross once thought to have been developed from Sylvaner
and Riesling
but some authorities now contend, based on DNA analysis, that it is a Chasselas,
not Sylvaner, cross with Riesling. The possibility is plausible given that Dr.
Müller was born, worked and resided in Switzerland, home of the Chasselas grape.
Produces a flowery, yet acidic white wine that bears a modest resemblance to the
parent Riesling grapewine. Widely planted in Europe, New Zealand and some parts
of the cooler Northern regions of N. America. Claimed by some to reach optimum
condition in the Alpine regional wines of Italy. Known as Rivaner in
parts of Europe. Known to be one of the parent varieties from which the Bacchus
grape was derived. A mutated version having considerable popularity is known as
the Findling in
the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and the Mosel/Saar/Ruwer region of
Germany.
(a.k.a Muscadelle de
Bordelais). Semi-classic grape grown in the Gaillac region of France, about
100 miles southeast of Bordeaux, and used in local white sweet wine blends.
Incorrectly called Sauvignon
Vert in California. Winemakers in the Rutherglen, N.E Victoria region of
Australia use it to produce a superb sweet dessert wine known as "Liqueur Tokay of
Australia", the name being due to the mistaken early belief that the Tokaji wines
of Hungary were made from this grape.
(a.k.a Melon de
Bourgogne). Productive cool-climate grape widely grown on the Atlantic
seaboard of the Loire region of France. The juice goes into the making of the
dry, tart white wine that is famous as "Muscadet de Sevres et Maine" or is
distilled. The wine is light and fresh with distinctive fruit in good vintage
years and best consumed while young. Also found in California because recent
research indicates some plantings of this cultivar may have been mis-named Pinot Blanc.
Confusion with Chardonnay
sometimes results because the latter grape has several synonyms that include the
word "Melon".
No other details as yet other than it is listed by the Geilweilerhof
database (see Foreword above) as grown in central Europe and used mainly as a
tablegrape. May be the heavy-cropping english tablegrape variety known as (Muscat) Dr.
Hogg where grown in the warmer regions of New Zealand and used to make an
aromatic white blending wine.
(a.k.a Muskateller
in Austria and Germany, Brown
Muscat or Brown
Frontignac in the Rutherglen, N.E Victoria region of Australia, Muscat
Lunel in Hungary, Muscadel in
South Africa, Muscat
Frontignan in France and in Italy as the Moscato di
Canelli) resulting from the wide use of variants with different colored
skins. They are all members of the Muscat Blanc à
Petite Grains cépage family. Used mainly for making semi-sweet and sweet
dessert wines. May be the oldest known grape, having a documented history of
growth around the Mediterranean for many centuries. Should not be
confused with the Muscat of
Alexandria, the grape with a similar ancient history of growth around the
Mediterranean.
White-wine producing variety probably yet another mutant clone of Muscat
Blanc above. Has over thirty synonym names according to the Geilweilerhof
database (above), including Fior
d'Arancio (found in the Veneto region of Italy), Orange
Muscat, Malvoisier
and, in Australia, Orange
Flora.
According to the Geilweilerhof (Genres) database, see above, this variety
was derived from a Schiava
Grossa x Muscat of
Alexandria cross. Has over 30 synonym names, including Black
Hamburg, Golden
Hamburg, Hampton Court
Vine, Queen's
Arbor and Venn's
Seedling. Widely grown white-wine producing variety also suitable as a table
grape. Generally considered to produce aromatic mediocre wines mostly suitable
for blending although some rosés are produced. Popular in Greece (see Moschato
Hamburg), and also in Tianjin, China where it is blended with Sylvaner
and Welschriesling
to make a semi-dry wine known as "Dynasty".
(a.k.a Chasselas
Musque in France, Muscat Gordo
Blanco or Lexia in
Australia and Hanepoot in
South Africa). Ancient grape species with many synonym names suitable for
similar Mediterranean growing climates as the Muscat
Blanc above. Makes sweet wines that are usually judged of inferior quality
compared to those of the Muscat
Blanc cépage varieties. The main use in California is for producing table
grapes and raisins. Also widely grown in Spain, where it is called Moscatel de
Alejandria, and Portugal where winemakers in the latter country use it to
make "Moscatel de Setubal" sweet wine.
Mid-19th century cross thought to be between the Chasselas
and a Muscat
varietal grape. Fairly widely grown in the cooler regions of central and eastern
Europe where it is best utilized as a late harvest white wine. Promising results
from trials of the clone NY 62.122.1 are reported in the Finger Lakes region of
Western N.Y. where it reportedly has similar cold hardiness characteristics to
those of the Gewürtraminer.
Moderately resistant to bunchrot it usually ripens in early-mid September.
Also has synonym name Muskatel, and
in Bulgaria, Misket or Mishket. This
variety is reported as entirely unrelated to the Muscat family.
Widely grown in the Ukraine and other eastern european countries where it is
used to produce an aromatic white wine for use as a varietal or as a component
of a blend. (No other details as yet).
The Napa Gamay as grown in California is for the most part identical with
the Valdeguié
grape grown in France. However some vineyards in the state are now suspected of
containing considerable amounts of the true Beaujolais Gamay Noir à jus
Blanc varietal clone previously mistakenly thought to be Napa Gamay.
Red wine producing variety grown in the Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto
regions of Italy. Best known for its inclusion in Bardolino DOC wine blends. Has
several synonym names but is of little interest as a varietal wine.
Minor grape grown in the region about 100 miles southeast of Bordeaux,
France. Used for red wine and rose' blends along with Gamay Noir,
Syrah and
Duras
grapes. The grape is thought by some to be known as Pinot St.
George in California.
Widely grown in the Apulia (Puglia) region of southern Italy this grape is
used to produce the base wine of the "Salice di Salento" and other red wine
blends of good repute and aging potential.
Grape variety currently grown extensively in Puglia region of Italy and also
in Sicily where it is used as a constituent of red wine blends. Considered by
some to be slightly inferior to the Nero
d'Avola in taste and aging ability.
Fairly rare red-wine grape indigenous to Valsusa DOC, Piemonte region of
Italy. Has over 20 synonym names, including Costiola.
Used in a blend with Barbera and
two other varieties to give a semi-sweet (?) wine. (No other details as yet).
Minor grape of unknown origin thought by some to be a cross between Sylvaner
and Pinot
Blanc. Suitable for growing in a wide range of soils including heavy or
chalky areas but prefers granite content. Shows a tendency towards Coulure, ie.
poor fruit set with immature berries falling off after veraison (blossoming).
Widely grown in sections of the Burgenland and Wachau regions, and other areas,
of Austria producing soft, full-bodied wines with nutlike aroma. Also commonly
used in white wine blends such as are found in Gumpoldkirchen.
Low vigor cultivar resulting from a cross between Madeleine
Angevine and Silvaner.
Has moderate cold hardiness and is resistant to many diseases. Early September
ripening. Claimed to produce good quality white wine.
(No details as yet other than it is grown in the Valais district of
Switzerland and is a white-wine producing variety cross with Silvaner x
Chasselas
parentage created at Freiburg, Germany.)
Ancient french variety grown on limited acreages in central Europe under
several synonym names including Muscat Noir Hatif
Marsella. Reportedly lacking vigor and producing only moderate to low yield,
the grape quality is regarded by some as well suited for cool climate trials as
a red-wine producer vine. (No other details as yet).
White-wine grape used to produce local, early drinking, light wines in the
Trentino-Alto Aldige and Veneto regions of N.E. Italy. Has several synonym names
including Durello, Rabiosa, Cagnina and
Durella.
Mystery red-wine grape grown in a single Wairarapa (N.Z) region vineyard and
designated as an unknown ID after examination by ampelographers and subjection
to some DNA testing. Initially believed to be, and planted as, the variety Shiraz. Has
some characteristics that suggest a relationship to Trousseau
(Noir). Creates a dark, brambly red wine that is very ripe, warm and
powerful in style.
Indigenous grapevine variety grown in S.W. Sardinia. Has several synonym
names including Abbondosa
and Axina. Used
mainly as a dry varietal wine suitable for seafood dish accompaniment.
White-wine grape grown in the Bakaa Valley of Lebanon. Claimed by some to be
the ancestor of the Chardonnay
grape. Used by Chateau Musar as a blending wine with Merwal to
create an oaked wine capable of aging for 5-10 years.
Red-wine grape grown in Campania, Italy and used in the "Lachryma Christi
del Vesuvio" Neapolitan area red wine blend along with the Piedirosso
and Aglianico
grapewines.
Variety grown in the Chacoli de Guetaria (ie. Basque "Getariako Txakolina")
D.O located in the Basque northeast section of Spain, between the town of San
Sebastián and the french border. According to the Geilweilerhof database (see
Foreword above) it has several synonym names, including Negra. The
latter name is also a synonym for the Mencia
variety and so raises a complex question of possible relatedness as the mutated
version of Cabernet
Franc, also known as Bouchy,
imported from France along the "Pilgrims Way" as some insist. Label names also
include spelling variations such as Hundarribi
Beltza and Hondarrobi
Beltza. (No other details as yet other than this variety is used in the
production of aromatic, intense red, rosé and blended white wines).
Variety used for white wine production in the Basque region, referred to
immediately above under Ondarrabi
Beltza, of northeast Spain between San Sebastián and the french border.
According to the Geilweilerhof database (see Foreword above) has several synonym
names, including Zuria. Also
label names may be variously spelt as Hundarribi
Zuri or Hondarrobi
Zuri etc. (No other details as yet other than the wine is commonly made into
an intense, aromatic varietal or a version known as "Txomin Etxánex", a
frizzante-style white wine more generally referred to as "Txakoli").
Red-wine grape common to Greece and Cyprus. Used to produce a Rosé as a
varietal or, on Cyprus, as the lighter component in a blend with Mavro
grapewine having limited aging ability.
Has synonym name Geisenheim
33-13-113. Recent crossing of (Riesling x
Sylvaner) x
Müller-Thurgau
varieties. Widely grown in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region of Germany and used for
blending purposes in the white wines of the region. Limited acreages also found
in other cool climate regions such as New Zealand.
(No information on this grape at present other than it is a white-wine
producing variety released by the Geisenheim Research Institute in 1985 and is
the result of a Riesling x
Silvaner
(Gruen) crossing. Has the synonym names Geisenheim
11-34 and Hochkroner).
Grape cross between Müller-Thurgau
and Siegerrebe
varieties. Used for white wine blending in the Rheinhessen region of Germany.
Produces flavorful wines that have earned the Prädikat rating in good vintages.
Ripens early-mid September. Cold-hardy and has good resemblance to the Riesling
grape with which it is often blended in order to enhance flavor in poor
vintages.
White-wine producer variety found in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Used to make a light, dry or sweet wine varietal/blend usually drunk when young.
Has several synonym names including Altruga, Barbesino
and Vernesina.
Comparatively rare variety grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Currently
used by some producers to create a more traditional blend of the red
"Valpolicella" wine with Corvina etc.
(No other details as yet).
Vinifera variety developed at the Wurzburg Institute, Germany. Derived from
a Riesling x
Rieslaner
cross. Fruit is seen as quite similar to the former parent, ripening before Müller
Thurgau. Used to create a white wine claimed to have fine bouquet and grape
harmonious acidity.
White-wine creating cultivar developed at the Geisenheim Research Institute
resulting from a cross of Riesling x
Sylvaner.
Has synonym name Geisenheim
9-97. Currently found on limited acreages in the Otago region of the South
Island of New Zealand).
V.vinifera variety developed and reported as released in November, 1999 by
the Weinsberg/Württemberg Research Station, Baden, Germany. Has synonym name WE 69-633-14F.
Derived from a Rubin x Trollinger
cross. Variety is claimed to be late-ripening, producing dark red juice suitable
as a cuvee component. (No other details as yet).
White-wine grape, mostly used for Sherry-type fortified wines, widely grown
in Spain and South Africa. Identical to the Listan
variety found in France. Also found in Australia and California where it is also
used mainly to produce fortified wines. The grape was once thought to be the Golden
Chasselas, a table grape, where grown in California. The wine-must has
tendency to oxidize quickly, a characteristic that can be ignored when used for
sherry production.
Rare native red wine grape still grown in the Central Pyrenees region of
Somontano, Spain. Traditionally used to make a varietal wine or blend with Moristel
grapewine; having intense color, high phenol, acidity and potential alcohol
content. Noted for aromatic flavors. The vine is vigorous with medium
productivity, giving round mid-sized berries in small medium-compact bunches.
Reportedly there are no known synonyms or record of plantings elsewhere.
Red-wine variety grown in the Puglia region of Italy. Has several synonym
names including Arquitano,
Mosciolo
and Vissanello.
(No other details as yet).
White-wine producer variety widely grown in south-central Spain and mainly
used in the production of sweet Sherry fortified wines. Also found in Australia
where it is used, along with Palomino,
to produce fortified wines and has the occasionally used alias name of Baxter's
Sherry.
Red wine variety grown in the Verduna DOC, Piedmont region of Italy. Also
known as Carola, Fra
Germano and Taddone.
Ripens in early October. (No other details as yet).
Almost extinct French red-wine grape recently identified as one of the
varieties whose DNA is present in the Durif and Petite Sirah
varieties of France and California and, until recently, at the center of an
identification controversy.
Tablegrape of unknown pedigree grown and occasionally used for making
homemade white wines by home gardeners of Paris, France. (No other details as
yet).
Complex vinifera cultivar with Perle von
Csaba prominent in its pedigree. Currently mainly grown in South Africa for
use as a tablegrape. (No other details available as yet).
(a.k.a Pearl of
Zala). Vinifera derived grape propagated mainly for table use. Very early
ripening, (usually late August), it has a light Muscat flavor.
Mainly grown in Central Europe and the N.W. regions of the USA and in British
Columbia, Canada. Also one of the parent varieties of the Queen of the
Vineyard cross that ripens around mid-September, and also Perel, both
useful as tablegrapes.
Tablegrape derived from a cross of Sultanina
and Queen of
the Vineyard tablegrape, commonly grown in Germany and France. Occasionally
used for home white winemaking by home gardeners. Has synonym name of Perlet. (No
other details as yet).
Early 19th century vinifera cross by Bouschet Père in France. Derived from
Aramon and
Teinturier
du Cher. Used to create mediocre deep red wines for use in coloring blends.
The Geilweilerhof Database (above) lists over thirty synonym names for this
variety.
Has synonym name Orion Gris.
V.vinifera red-wine creating variety sparsely grown in the Valle d'Aosta region
of N.E Italy. Reportedly capable of aging well, developing fine aromas and
balanced flavors. Currently blended with Fumin varietal
wine by one winery to create the deeply colored "Vin de La Sabla" wine. Not
to be confused with the french-american hybrid Orion
cultivar.
Historically has been something of a "mystery" vine. When first imported
into California this variety somehow acquired the subject name possibly as a
result of a labeling error confusing it with Petite Syrah.
Is now a widely grown grape variety in California that a recent DNA analysis
report, (Meredith, C.P, et al., Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 50(3):236-42 1999), has
shown to have a very high probability of being derived from the cross of a Peloursin
seedling with the variety Syrah, both
grown in the Rhone region of France. It has subsequently been identified as (and
is therefore a synonym name for) the variety named Durif (in
honor of the developer) chosen and recorded in France around the early 1880's.
Traditional Californian wine blends under the name of Petite Sirah are known to
have contained a proportion of Barbera or
Zinfandel
grapewine. Suffice to say that, whatever the provenance of the grapevine(s)
currently known as Petite Sirah, they produce dark red, tannic wines in the
warmer regions of California, used mainly as backbone for Central Valley "jug"
wines. In the cooler northern regions, where many very old vines still exist, it
is often made into a robust, balanced red wine of considerable popularity.
Grape grown in limited amounts. Found mainly in the temperate Bordeaux
region St.Émilion subdistrict and used to make a red wine later blended with
other famous Bordeaux varietal wines. Recommended for growing in the State of
Virginia. Has higher titratable acid and is slightly more cold-hardy than Cabernet
Sauvignon, ripening around the same time in mid-late October.
Synonym name for Cinsaut
variety where grown in the southern Rhone region of France. Occasionally used in
red wine blends but finding less favor in the last decades of the 20th century.
Listed as a synonym name, by the international grape variety database
(above) at Geilweilerhof, Germany, for the Bourboulenc
white wine producing variety grown in the southern Rhone and Provence regions of
France. (No other details as yet).
Synonym name for Folle Blanche
variety where grown in the Languedoc region of France. Used for creating
vinosity and freshness in the regional white wine blends. Also has the alias
name Picpoul. In
the Cotes de St-Mont VDQS zone adjoining the Madiran AC of SW France it is known
as the Meslier. In
Spain the variety has the name Picapoll.
Also has synonym names Avello and
Picpoule
Blanc.
Red-wine grape grown in Campania, Italy. Reportedly has synonym name Pere'e
Pallummo. Used as a blending wine in the Naples area product known as
"Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" along with Olivella
and Aglianico
grapewines.
White-wine producing variety found in Northern and Central Italy. Has
several synonym names including Uva Grilli.
Used to make dry wines said to have a resemblance to Riesling
Italico, and some sweet/sparkling varietals.
Variety used to produce DOC sturdy red wine, with some aging ability, in the
Friuli region of N.E. Italy. Has nearly a dozen synonym names including Ribolo that
possibly is an alias name for the Ribolla
(Nera) variety. (No other details as yet).
(a.k.a Aunis).
Ancient and increasingly rare variety used to create good rosé and red wines in
the Touraine and Anjou-Saumur AOC's of the Loire region in France. Has the
synonym name Chenin
Noir in California.
Also known as Pinella.
Indigenous white-wine variety grown in the Veneto region of Italy and used to
create a sweet varietal or spumante-type wine in the Colli Eugenei DOC.
Minor grape grown in the Pyrenees region of France and one of the grapes
used to create a red wine blend known as "Madiran". The grape is also known as
Fer, (or Fer Servadou)
and also, in other regions of France, is named Brocol or Braucol. The
other grapewines in the "Madiran" blend are the Bouchy, Courbu and Tannat
grapes. In Argentina the grape known as Fer is
thought to be a clone of the Malbec grape.
Cultivar widely grown and successful in South Africa since its release in in
1925. Also currently grown in California (USA), Canada and Zimbabwe. Derived
from the crossing of Pinot Noir x
Cinsaut.
Used to make a popular, hearty red wine that ages well - (and often requires
it). Reportedly grown in some quantity on New Zealand's North Island where it is
used to produce flavorsome, early-maturing wines that are considerably less
concentrated/complex than South African versions.
Italian version of the grape known as Pinot Blanc.
Grown mainly in the Trentino and Fruili regions of Italy. Usually made into a
fresh, fruity white wine.
Mutation of the Pinot Gris
vine. Grape is generally used to make dry, crisp, rather intense white wines in
the Alsace, parts of Burgundy and in Austria. In the latter country it is known
as the Weissburgunder.
In California, a similarly named grape is used to make a fruity, rather subtle
wine similar to the simpler versions of Chardonnay.
Used in many of the better champagne style sparkling wines of California because
of its acid content and clean flavor. However, recent research speculates that
some plantings of this California grown grape variety are actually the Melon de
Bourgogne, (a.k.a Muscadet de
Bourgogne), a grape grown widely in the western reaches of the Loire region
of France, and famous for producing the "Muscadet" tart white wines that match
so well with shellfish meals.
(Pronounced "pee-nOH gree-zOH"). Synonym name of the Pinot Gris
where grown in Italy. Planted extensively in the Venezia and Alto-Adige regions
where it can produce crisp, dry wines with good acid "bite". (Also see below).
Mutant clone of Pinot Noir
grown in western coastal regions of the U.S.A. and ripening earlier than Chardonnay in
mid-late September. Currently, 1997, also recommended for Michigan and New York
Finger Lakes growers. Several clones available that seem to vary in resistance
to bunch rots. Ohio researchers are currently (1999) testing clone #143 using
rootstocks 3309 and 101-14. Also called Fromentau, Malvoisie or
Pinot
Beurot in the Loire, and the former name in the Languedoc, regions of
France. In Germany and Austria it is known as the Ruländer or
Grauer
Burgunder where it is used to make pleasant, young, white wines in the
southern regions. Similar aliases are used in the german settled regions of
Australia. In northeastern Italy it is known as Pinot Grigio.
Versions named Auxerrois Gris
and Tokay
d'Alsace are also grown in the Alsace where the latter variety is used to
make a golden-yellow wine with aromatic, fruity flavors that improves with a
couple of years in the bottle - (but not to be confused with the
Hungarian Furmint
grape used to make the famous "Tokaji" sweet wines).
(Pronounced "pee-noh muh-ny-ay"). (a.k.a Meunier).
Clone of Pinot
Noir cépage. Is late-budding and matures earlier than Pinot Noir with larger
clusters. Widely grown in the Champagne (Aube) region of France. Used in a blend
with Chardonnay to
make "Blanc de Noir" style sparkling wines. In the Finger Lakes region of New
York state it has the alias name Black
Riesling. Where grown in Germany it has the alias name Müllerebe.
A mutation of this grape known as the Samtrot,
notable for characteristics closer to Pinot Noir clones, is also cultivated in
certain N. American vineyards and Germany. Also grown in Australia where it
shares the name Meunier
with other aliases such as Millers
Burgundy and Schwarzriesling.
V.vinifera variety widely grown in Europe. Seems to be of ancient origin,
possibly a mutant clone of Pinot Noir.
Has over 40 synonym names listed in the Geilweilerhof database (see above),
including Früburgunder
(or Fruheburgunder).
(No other details as yet).
No other details as yet other than this aromatic white-wine variety has
several synonym names including (in South Africa) Kanaan. Is
also grown in France and Spain.
A red-wine grape variety that behaves as a teinturier colorant and
originally native to south-west France but, at last report, now only to be found
on small acreages in the Constantia region of South Africa. Used by a few
wineries to produce a varietal version and the historically interesting
"Constantia" sweet wine blend with wines made from Orange
Muscat grapes.
Black-skinned variety grown in eastern France. Used to produce a light-red
wine with attractive flowery aroma useful as a blending agent for enhancing less
flavorsome local wines.
Variety grown in Central Europe, best known as one of the parents of the
cross Irsai
Olivér. Has synonym names Feher Dinka
and Feher
Kadarka. (No other details as yet).
Has several synonym names, including Frueher
Malingre and Malingre
Précose. Variety with long history in France. Described as having shrubby
growth that responds best when pruned to six bud spurs as opposed to normal cane
pruning. Very early ripening and recommended for cool sites. Used to make a
light white wine.
Indigenous variety grown in only one vineyard in the Valle d'Aosta region of
Italy. Used to make an acclaimed light red, almost onion-skin, varietal wine
having a spicy (cloves) aroma, good mouth-fillng palate and decidedly tannic
finish. Has synonym name Primaticcio.
Minor variety mainly confined to Apulia in southern Italy where it is used
to produce a heavy, robust portlike red wine made from raisined grapes. A recent
Italian report tentatively links this grape to some mutated members of the Vranac
variety grown in Montenegro, part of what remains of former Yugoslavia. There is
also another clonal contender. The widely grown Plavac
Mali cépage, also known as Mali
Plavac, variety found in Dalmatia - (a province of Croatia, also part of the
former Yugoslavia) - contains several mutated varieties. According to a recent
report, (7/98), one or more of these appear to share some DNA characteristics
with Primitivo
indicating a possible parental *or* offspring relationship. In California, where
it is now believed to have been translocated via purchase from a historically
interesting plant and seed merchant on Long Island in New York State during the
mid-19th century, - (see "A History of Wine in America" by Thomas Pinney, 1989)
- it is famous as one of that states most popular winegrape varieties - Zinfandel.
Minor grape grown in Veneto region of northern Italy and generally used to
make both crisp, dry whites and also sparkling sweet wines having a uniquely
perfumed aroma and nutlike flavor nuance in the better versions. Where locally
found under the synonym name Serprina it
is usually a varietal, or may be blended with Verdiso
grapewine.
(a.k.a Putscher).
Wine/table grape native to Hungary and also grown in other countries of eastern
Europe under many synonyms. Also found in California where it has the alias name
Green
Hungarian. Used to produce a bland white wine mainly used for blending.
Derived from a Riesling 88
x Riesling
64 cross. Mostly confined to the Mosel region of Germany, this variety has
moderate vigor limited yield and ripens at the same time as its parent. (No
other details as yet).
Variety used for white wine production throughout Portugal. Has the synonym
name Rabigato that,
itself under the alias name of Boal/Bual, is
one of at least three other varieties used in the production of the fortified
wines for which the island of Madeira is famous. On the mainland these varieties
are used in several wine blends, including some in the Bucelas DOC, Extremadura
region of Portugal where the Arinto
grapewine is the main ingredient of a blend that also includes Esgana Cão
grapewine.
Reported as an Australian developed variety accessioned around 1956. Used as
a wine or tablegrape. (No other details as yet other than it may be the variety
also known as Chasselas Raisin
de Palestine).
Unique to Portugal, this red-wine producing variety is grown in the Colares
region on the Atlantic coast not far from Lisbon. Used to make an intense,
tannic wine with prominent spicelike aroma and taste components. Claimed to need
ten or more years of cellaring for maximum enjoyment.
Ancient minor grape still sparsely grown in the Alsace region of France.
Used occasionally in the "Vin d'Alsace" generic white wine blends along with
other wines made from the Knipperle,
Chasselas,
and Müller-Thurgau
grapes. Also grown within the environs of Zurich canton, Switzerland and used to
produce a discreetly fruity, elegantly acidic white varietal wine.
Ancient native grape grown in Friuli-Venezia-Giuia region of Italy. Has many
synonym names in Italy and surrounding countries, including Canina
(Nera) and Terrano.
Made into what is often considered to be a robust, very intense red wine with
moderate complexity that can match the heartiest meal course. According to Pliny
the Elder the favorite wine of Livia, second wife of Augustus Caesar, was
created from this grape. Limited plantings are also to be found in the cooler
coastal regions of Australia and California. Some think the Savoie region Mondeuse
variety of France is identical.
White-wine grape mainly grown on small acreages in Germany, England and New
Zealand. Derived from the Müller-Thurgau
cross and a couple of modern table-grape crosses. Used, among other things, to
produce wine of mediocre complexity useful for blending etc.
Ancient indigenous variety once common in the Valais region of Switzerland.
Thought to have been Roman in origin. Now almost unknown due to its excessive
acidity, other than as "Vin du Glacier Gletscherwein" the extraordinarily old,
oxidized wooded white offered in minute amounts to special visitors.
Indigenous to the Friuli-Venezia Guilia region of N.E. Italy, this white
wine grape is mainly used as a varietal or in blends suitable for early
consumption. Thought by some to be identical with the Robola
variety of Greece. Is also known under the synonym name of Avola. Has
good varietal citrus aroma/character flavor with short term aging ability in
good vintage years.
Ancient indigenous variety grown in the Friuli-Venezia Guilia region of
Italy. Has synonym names Pocalza and
Schioppettino.
Used to create a popular varietal red wine with some aging ability that some
liken to certain lesser Syrah's of the
Rhone region of France.
Riesling x
Silvaner
cross variety. Has two synonym names - Mainriesling
and Wuerzburg.
Grown in Ungstein region of the Pfalz, Germany, for limited amounts of
Beerenauslese (BA) quality sweet white wine production.
(Pronounced "ar-kat-si-TEL-lee"). In Georgia (CIS) it has the synonym name
Rkatsiteii.
Widely grown in eastern Europe, this ancient vinifera reputedly originated in
the Caucasus Mountains bordering Armenia and Turkey. Planted on small acreages
in Australia and the Eastern U.S., mainly in the Finger Lakes region of New York
state. Makes noticeably acidic, balanced white wine with flavors somewhat
reminiscent of an aromatic Gewürztraminer
and (Johannisberg)
Riesling blend.
White-wine grape used to create strong, citrus flavored dry wines found
mainly on the islands, (e.g: Cephalonia), off the west coast of Greece. Probably
known/grown in Italy as the Ribolla
Gialla.
(a.k.a Rhoditis).
White-wine grape widely grown in central Greece. Usually blended with the Savatiano
and Assyrtiko
grape-wines in order to create "Retsina", the ubiquitous resinated wine
associated with Greece.
White-wine grape mainly grown in the Provence region of France. Thought to
have originated from an ancient grape imported by the first Phocean Greek
settlers around 500 BC, the grape is used to create a crisp, almost pungent
white wine mostly consumed in the Bellet area of the Cote d'Azur.
Rare grape, introduced in the 16th century, grown near Chambord in the Loire
et Cher region of France and used to produce local dry, white "Cour Cheverny"
wine blend.
Red wine grape mainly grown in the Veneto region of Italy and used in blends
such as "Valpolicella" and "Bardolino". The main grape used for these blends is
the Corvina.
Winter hardy red wine vitis vinifera hybrid cross created at Geisenheim,
Germany between St.
Laurent and Saperavi
Severnyi. Has synonym name of Geisenheim
6494-5. Used to create a vinous, full-bodied, color stable wine, with good
tannins and character, suitable for blend-enhancing purposes. (No other details
as yet other than it is gaining popularity among growers in the United Kingdom).
Ancient grape variety found in the Liguria region of Italy. Has synonym name
of Bianco di
Nizza. Makes good value light red wine best drunk when newly released.
Better known under its synonym name of Gropello,
this variety is grown in the Lombardy and the Veneto regions of Italy. Optional
ingredient in Valpolicella red wine blends along with Corvina and
Rondinella.
Minor variety grown on limited acreages in Austria. Used to make a white
varietal wine possessing good acidity and aging potential. Not related in any
way to the Grüener
Veltliner variety.
Result of a cross with the Trollinger
variety. Used to produce fruity, early maturing light red wines in cool-climate
areas. Has no relationship with the Rotburger
variety bearing nearly similar name.
Also known as Bergeron
in the french Savoie region. Semi-classic grape grown in the Hermitage-Rhone and
southern Cotes du Rhone region of France. Still occasionally incorporated into
white wine blends, (e.g: with the Marsanne
grape wine), because of its acidity and aroma but finding less and less favor.
Red wine grape cross derived from Alicante
Ganzin and Trousseau
varieties. Mainly confined to the Central Valley of California as declining
acreages. Has similar characteristics to Rubired
cross. (See below).
(a.k.a Rubin).
Derived from a (fairly recent ?) Nebbiolo x
Syrah
variety cross. Grown extensively in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia where it is
used to make a varietal red wine presumably having some aging ability.
Teinturier derived red wine grape cross from Alicante
Ganzin and Tinta Cao
grape varieties. Mainly grown in California and Australia where it is used as a
blended "stretch" wine. Regarded as superior to Royalty,
(see above).
Red-wine grape cross originating from Carignan
and Cabernet
Sauvignon parentage. Bred for use in the hot San Joaquin Valley region of
California by Dr. H.P. Olmo, a UC Davis researcher, this variety may lack the
characteristic flavor of its parent yet have its aroma. Variable production
depending on location. Color is stable and the grape shows above-average
acidity. Susceptible to leafroll and fanleaf virus attack it shows better
promise in cooler coastal regions. Also found on small acreages in South Africa,
Chile, Argentina and Australia. Currently used in jug-wines as "backbone"
ingredient.
Also known as the Rouchet or Roche. Minor
grape grown in Piedmont region of Italy and used to make the aromatic "Ruchè di
Castagnole Monferrato" varietal wine.
(Pronounced "roo-FEH-teh"). Rare red-wine grape found in the border region
of Spain and Portugal just south of Salamanca. Generally used as a light
Portwine blending wine because of its easy oxidation, this grape reportedly can
also produce a deeply colored, candied berry fruit-laden, fleshy varietal
suitable for youthful drinking.
Red-wine grape used to make "Montefalco" sweet local wines in Umbria, Italy.
(No other details known as yet other than this variety is also under trial by
certain growers located in Victoria, Australia).
Mutated version of the Pinot
Meunier grape. Grown in British Columbia, Canada and other N. American
vineyards where it reportedly is used to create a varietal wine closer in style
to classic Pinot Noir
than does the Pinot Meunier. Limited acreages also (1997) found in Germany.
(Pronounced "sahn-joe-veh-zeh"). Semi-classic grape grown in the Tuscany
region of Italy. Used to produce the Chianti and other Tuscan red wines. Has
many clonal versions, two of which seem to predominate. The Sangiovese
Grosso clone Brunello
variety is used for the dark red, traditionally powerful and slow-maturing
"Brunello di Montalcino" wine. The other is the Sangiovese
Piccolo, also known under the historical synonym name Sangioveto,
used for standard Chianti Classico DOC wines. Old vine derived wine is often
used in the better versions, needing several years aging to reach peak. A third
clone, Morellino,
is used in a popular wine blend with the same name found in the southern part of
the province. Recent efforts in California with clones of this variety are very
promising, producing medium-bodied reds with rich cherry or plumlike flavors and
aromas.
(See Sangiovese
above). Also known as the Prugnolo
Gentile grape. Blended with Canaiolo
(Nero) grape wine, it is the basic format used for all contemporary Chianti
wines.
Red wine, acidic, teinturier-type grape variety capable of high sugar
content widely grown in the winemaking regions of eastern Europe. In cool
climates is mostly used as a blending wine. Small acreages are found in the
Finger Lakes region of New York state in the U.S.A where at least one winery
creates a blend with Sereksia
(Noire) wine and called "Black Russian". Also at least one winery in N.E
Victoria, Australia, produces wine from this variety. Several of the most
promising crossings with classic grape or cold-climate resistant rootstock
varieties, eg. Saperavi
Severnyi, have been made available by eastern European research institutes
since 1947.
Cold hardy hybrid variety developed in Russia from V. Amurensis and
(possibly) Précose de
Malingre. Limited acreages currently grown in Nova Scotia, Canada and also
British Columbia, Canada, where it is known as the Siewiernji.
Widely grown in the CIS (former Soviet Union).
Thought to be a mutated member of the Sauvignon
cépage family, the vine is low-yielding and the grape acidic yet capable of high
sugar content. Currently undergoing something of a revival in the region east of
Graves near Bordeaux, France. The white wine has a herbaceous taste similar to
that of its grape cousin, the Sauvignon
Blanc, and is noted by some as reminding them of "crushed blackberry
leaves". The wine is mostly used for blending purposes with its cousin's wine in
order to give a unique varietal aroma and taste.
Alternative name for the Tocai
Friulano grape of northern Italy. Also known there, and in France and
Argentina, as Sauvignonasse.
In California the grape known as Sauvignon
Vert is probably a Muscadelle
variety clone.
Semi-classic grape used to create the celebrated "Vin jaune" of the Jura
region of France. Also known by the synonym name Frankisch
in Austria. Is one of the few wines in which maderization is desirable and
acquired with long bottle-aging. Thought by some to be clonally related to the
Traminer
variety still grown in that area of Europe. Sometimes called Klevner in
the Alsace region of France. Known as the Heida (Paën)
in Switzerland.
White-wine grape widely grown in central Greece. Usually found as part of a
blend with Rhoditis
and Assyrtiko
grape-wines to create one of the resin flavored wines called "Retsina" so
associated with Greece.
Has synonym name Alzey S.
88. In Austria it is known as Samling
88. Grape variety developed in 1916 at the Alzey Research Institute,
Germany, from a cross between Silvaner
and Riesling.
Has good resistance to frost (to -5 deg. F. approx. -20 C.) and usually ripens
in mid-late season (mid-September to October). Extensively planted in the
Rheinhessen, Rheinfalz and Franconia regions of Germany. Currently, 1997,
recommended for planting in S.W. Michigan and the N.W. USA. Tolerant to lime
soils and has good resistance to Chlorosis. If fruit is unable to mature, the
wine quality will be of poor quality with an aroma described as similar to "cat
urine". Normally produces full-bodied, aromatic white wines with good acid
content that can reach "Auslese" Prädikat standard in the better vintage years
and has long life in the bottle; ie. a 55 year-old experimental version from
1945 was recently (2000 AD) discovered and recorked.
Has many synonym names including Frankenthaler
and Koelner
Blau. Also known as Trollinger
in south Germany. A variant found in the Trentino-Aldo region of Italy is known
as Schiava
Gentile and is locally used for making full-bodied fruity, mellow red wines
best served chilled and considered good value in better vintage years.
(a.k.a Schöenburger
or Schonburger).
Has synonym names of Rosa Muskat
and Geisenheim
15-114. Is claimed to be derived from a cross of Spätburgunder
x ((Chasselas
Rose RS x Muscat
Hamburg). The variety was released in 1979. Cultivation of this variety is
much simplified due to good behaviour at flowering and ready adaptability to
soil conditions. Normally used to create a full, fruity white wine in cool
climate regions such as England and Germany.
Variety used for red wine production in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Has synonym name of Scorzamara.
Reportedly a clonal relative of the Lambrusco
grape.
Corrupted english name of the portuguese Cerceal
grape when grown on the island of Madeira. Mainly used in fortified wines. Other
synonyms include Esgana Cão on
the Portuguese mainland.
Rare eastern European white-wine mutant variety thought to originate from
the Danube river basin region. In the Finger Lakes region of New York State
grapevine plantings on small acreages are used to produce a sweet - (9.2%
residual sugar) - fruit flavored white wine blend, along with the variety Rkatsiteli,
called "White Russian".
Has several synonym names including Sereksia
Tcheurnaia and Babeaska
Neagra. The traditional Sereksia (Noire) red-wine grape is apparently only
widely grown in Moldova, an area once part of Moldavia (a province of Romania)
bordering the Black Sea. Also can be found on limited acreages in the Finger
Lakes region of New York State where this V.vinifera variety was originally
successfully cultivated by Dr. Frank. Is used there to create an aromatic,
fruity red wine blend (called "Black Russian") with Saperavi
(Charni) grapewine and having excellent aging potential.
Accession variety, occasionally grown under the name Petite Sirah
in California, reported as derived from a Petite Sirah
x 3309
Couderc cross (the latter is a V.Rupestris x V.Riparia complex cross variety
commonly used as a rootstock). Recent DNA analysis (1999) by U.C. Davis
researchers has shown that some accession stock bearing the subject name is in
fact Pinot
Noir.
(a.k.a Melnik).
Variety indigenous to Bulgaria. Used to create an intense red wine varietal
capable of improvement with, some say long, aging. (No other details as yet).
(Pronounced "see-geh-RAY-buh"). Has synonym name Alzey
7957. Very early ripening (late August) grape derived from cross developed
(at the Alzey Institute, Germany) between Gewürztraminer
and the Madeleine
Angevine table grape. Cold-hardy to around -15 deg. F (approx -22 C).
Limited amounts are grown in Germany and used as small percentage additions (ie.
2-4%) in some Riesling
blends due to its very heavy perfume aroma and spicy taste. Ill-suited to very
hot regions in that much of the desirable perfume is lost. Susceptible to
Mildew/Rot diseases and stem necrosis in wet/humid regions. Chlorosis can be a
problem if planted on unsuitable rootstocks in lime-rich soils. Has variable
productivity of around 2-5 tonnes per acre, with a tendency to overcrop, on
fertile soils which should not be too rich because that is thought to cause
variable flower set with consequent reduced yields. Low acids have been reported
at harvest in Washington State (USA) where it has had best success as a
late-harvest wine product. Does well in the cool, short growing-season areas of
the Pacific Northwest of N. America and Finger Lakes region of New York State.
The early ripening fruit tend to attract the attention of birds, bees and wasps.
Has synonym names of Siegfried
and F.S
4-201-3. Is derived from an Oberlin 595
S.P x Riesling
complex cross. Credited as a Husfeld release from the Geilweilerhof,
Siebeldlingen, Germany. Noted as easily mistaken for the latter parent, the
cultivar ripens earlier, is much hardier and is much more resistant to Downy
Mildew disease. The fruit is reported by some as having modest results when made
into a wine. Currently grown in Germany and British Columbia, Canada.
(a.k.a Saperavi
Severnyi in Nova Scotia, Canada). Hardy, low-cropping, early variety
originating from Russia via Poland. Imported to Canada as experimental cultivar
by Dr. C. Bishop in the mid-20th cent. Buds around late May and ripens mid-late
August in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Very attractive to
birds. Also grown in Nova Scotia, Canada, where acids often remain high. High
trellising recommended for this vigorous, drooping growth, vine. Juice has good
color and the wine is thought suitable for blending with other red wines such as
Michurinetz.
V.vinifera variety developed and subsequently released in 1999 by the
Weinsberg/Wü:rttemberg Wine Research Station, Baden (De). Has synonym name Weinsberg S
377. Derived from a Silvaner x
Kerner
cross and so is quite similar to the Juwel
cultivar. Recommended as a good white wine producing variety. (No other details
as yet).
(a.k.a Sylvaner).
The Geilweilerhof database (above) lists over 60 synonym names for this variety,
including Osterreicher
and Sonoma
Riesling. Widely grown in the Alsace region of France, Germany and Central
Europe. Suited to temperate zones, the vine is high-yielding and the grape
produces an "easy" white wine with lightly spicy, floral flavors and mild
intensity. Once very popular in California, it seems to have fallen victim to
changing fashion in recent years and been replaced by (Johannisberg)
Riesling in current taste. Belief that it had been crossed with the latter
grape to yield the Müller-Thurgau
variety is now in doubt. It is still believed to be involved as one parent in
the creation of another crossed version called Scheurebe
as well as several other crossings of a similar nature - (e.g: Bacchus, Optima).
European Baltic States cold climate variety currently undergoing trial by
Geneva Research Station, NY. Has synonym name Moskovskiy
Ustoichiviy. Derived from a complex (Perle von
Csaba x Amurskiy) x Alpha cross.
Successfully grown in Latvia, Belarus and regions near Moscow, Russia, without
winter protection. Small amber colored berries are early ripening, with complex
muscat/pineapple flavor. Good sugar levels and acidity reported from european
sources. Vines have fair mildew and other disease resistance. (No other details
as yet).
(a.k.a Zierfandler
or Zirifahnler
grapevines). White-wine producing variety widely grown in Austria and often
blended with the Rotgipfler
grape derived wine to make the popular "Gumpoldskirchen" village wines.
Has no relationship to the Bordeaux region of France. Is the Cognac region,
(and Australian), alias name for the Ugni Blanc
variety. In France the grape is mainly fermented to produce wine used for
distilling into the fortified wine known as "cognac brandy". Alone, it creates a
thin, low-sugar wine in cool temperate regions and must be distilled in order to
concentrate the alcohol content.
Minor grape thought by some to be related to Pinot Noir.
Grown in Austria and Canada the grape is robust and resists many diseases. Early
budding, it ripens in mid-late September. Used to produce a rich-looking red
wine with pronounced fruity, flowery aromas. It is one of the parents used to
create the cold-resistant Rondo hybrid
cultivar, (see above), developed in Germany.
Variety unique to the St-Pourcain VDQS (Upper Loire region) on the River
Allier, north of the Cotes d'Auverne, France. Used to create white wines. (No
other details as yet).
V.vinifera cultivar with synonym name Weinsberg S
351. Derived from a Blaufrankisch
x Schwarzelbling
cross. This recent release from the Weinsberg/Württemberg Wine Research Station,
Baden (De), is currently recommended for red wine creation. (No other details as
yet).
Known as Thompson
Seedless in California (see below). A claimed mutated variety, known as Sonaka
(Seedless), is widely grown in India for use as a tablegrape.
Cold hardy to -40 deg. F. (ca -42 C.), this variety is reportedly a female
pollinate and where grown in Ontario or Nova Scotia (Canada) is planted in
alternate rows with other cultivars. The acidic wines are currently only
recommended for blends. (No other details as yet).
White-wine producing grape-cross derived from Muscat of
Alexandria and Grenache Gris
created by a Univ. Davis viticulturist. May be the variety grown in the Alsace
region of France known as Symphonie.
The grape is mainly found in the Central Valley of California and used for
blending purposes in the creation of sweet and sparkling wines.
Variety claimed to produce high quality aromatic white wines in Romania.
Suitably aged sweet or semi-sweet wines are described as having complex flavors
reminiscent of frankincense and honey. Attractive when young if the must has had
extended cold skin contact before pressing and fermentation.
White-wine producer variety widely grown in the El Bierzo region of N.W
Spain. Known as Tamarez or
Crato
Branco where grown in Portugal. Mostly used to make the young Vinho Verde
wines of the regions. Also found as local, acidic, varietal wines capable of
some aging. Has many synonym names in both countries and is the subject of
considerable confusion as a result. The Doña Blanco
variety found in the same region of Spain is thought by some to be a clone or,
by others, to have a synonym name.
Deeply colored and tannic minor grape grown in the Pyrenees region of
France. One of four grapes whose wine is blended to make the full-bodied red
wine known as "Madiran". The others are Bouchy, Courbu and Pinenc. Also
widely grown in Uruguay, S. America, where it has the synonym name of Harriague and
is used to produce a popular varietal wine.
Hot region red-wine grape variety cross quite popular in, and confined to,
Australia. Reportedly derived from Touriga and
Sultanina
grapes and possessed of low tannins and some acidity. Considered by some to be
Australia's equivalent to California's Petite Sirah
as an underestimated "quaffing" wine although in no way related.
Red wine producing variety found in N.E Italy. Has synonym name Tacelenghe.
Used for making a tannic varietal with moderate aging ability and also used in
blends that include some Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon.
Also known as Teinturier du
Cher. Of ancient origin, it is genetically present in the majority of
varieties grown in order to add deeper redness, due to its pink flesh, to
blends. In the late 20th century the name has come to be used as a generic term
in France for all pink-fleshed varieties. Best known offspring is Alicante
Bouschet. Many Gamay cépage teinturiers are thought to be derived from Gamay de
Bouze.
Fine winegrape used in best quality red wines of Spain. Also known under the
alias name of Cencibel in La
Mancha. Has several other mutated versions such as the Tinto Fino of
the Zamora region, Tinta del Pais
of the Ribero del Duero and Tinta de Toro
in the Toro region. In Portugal the grape is known as the (Tinta) Roriz
and Aragonez. Large
acreages are grown in Argentina. Also found in the Central Valley of California
where it is known as Valdepeñas
and mainly used to make grapejuice much favored by home-winemakers sold under
the "Valdepenas"
name in N. America.
(aka Teroldego
Rotaliano). Red-wine grape grown in the Trentino region of Italy. Used to
normally produce an agreeable, deep red, blackberry flavored varietal wine. In
the right conditions it is capable of creating a great wine with a depth of
color all winemakers would like to achieve and a perfumed aroma of extraordinary
finesse which suggests both wild berries and a delicate incense. It then
explodes in the mouth showing its velvety structure with nuanced oak if done
well, followed by an unforgettable length. While usually drunk young, the wine
can age well for up to ten years.
Variety found in the Carso DOC region, Fruili, Italy. Has several synonym
names including Refosco
d'Istria and Teran. Is
thought to be a mutant clone of Refosco.
Used to make a flavorsome, dark red wine with berry-like taste requiring 3 to 6
years cellaring. Considered by many to be an excellent match with Slavic cuisine
such as Goulasch.
Minor grape grown in the southern Rhone region of France. Still allowed in
local red wine blends in order to enhance acidity as far as is known but finding
less favor as the decades advance. Also grown in Australia where it is known
under the alias name of Claret and
in the Ukraine it has the alias name Terre
Cherny.
Grape grown in enormous quantities in the Central Valley of California,
U.S.A. Used to produce a very neutral white wine for stretching blends
consisting of select varietals in order to create the so-called "jug" wines made
by the bulk producers. Most of the crop goes towards dried grapes, an apt
product for the grape known to the rest of the world as the Sultanina.
Black-skinned ancient grape variety grown in Provence, southern France.
Mainly used for producing full-bodied rosé wines with a distinctive regional
bouquet. Has synonym name of Antibois.
In Germany the variety is known as Geysserin.
(No other details as yet).
Variety grown in Portugal and used mainly as a secondary ingredient in
fortified Port wines as an aroma enhancer. Also grown in Australia where it is
known under the alias name Portugal
Malbec.
Red wine Portgrape variety grown in the Douro region of Portugal. In the
Stellenbosch region of South Africa it is used as a blending wine, along with Souzão, to
produce fortified Port-style wines. Also used alone for good varietal still
wines.
Variety grown on the island of Madeira and currently mainly used for
secondary blends of Madeira fortified wines in amounts not to exceed 15% volume
of the blend. Also widely grown in Australia under the alias name Tinta
Madeira. (See above).
Variety used for red wine production in the Dão DOC, Beiras region of
Portugal. Can be found in blends also containing Jaen, Alfrocheiro,
Touriga
Nacional and Tinta Roriz
wines.
Red wine producing grape variety grown in the Zamora region of NNW Spain.
Reportedly a mutation of Tempranillo
with higher tannin content than the parent grape. Used to make a popular
varietal wine of high alcohol (>13%) content.
Widely grown in the Fruili region of Italy. Also to be found in Argentina.
Thought to be identical with the Sauvignon
Vert grape grown in Chile. Used to produce lightbodied white wines with
flowery and nut-like flavors and should be drunk when young.
Fragrant white-wine grape cépage widely grown in Argentina; and also in
Chile where it is known as Moscatel de
Austria. Thought to have been imported early in the 20th century by Basque
winemakers from Spain where it is currently grown in Galicia on the border with
northern Portugal. Mainly used in the production of South American fortified
Brandy and as a dry table wine with good acid content somewhat reminiscent of a
Traminer
wine.
Variety of disputed origin currently mainly grown in Sardinia where it has
the alias name Torbato.
Also known elsewhere as Caninu.
Regarded as capable of producing a fragrant, crisp, well-balanced white varietal
wine.
Has synonym name of Mortagua.
Classic red wine grape used for still and Port wine production. Extensively
grown in the Douro and Dão regions of Portugal, and other hot climate regions of
the world. Regarded as the premier grape for use in fortified Port wines. In
Australia this grape is known under the alias name of Touriga and
is known to be one parent to the Tarrango
grape cross. Small acreages are also found in California, South Africa and South
America.
Parent grape of the popular Gewürztraminer
clone. Still grown in France and in California but almost everywhere has been
replaced by its much more intense and aromatic offspring clone. This name is
still used in Australia as an alias name for Gewürztraminer
and itself is also known there under the alias name of Sauvignon
Rose, (and should not be confused with an identical alias used in
France for a member of the Sauvignon Blanc
cépage).
White-wine grape widely grown in Spain. The grape is known as the Trajadura in
Portugal. Mainly used as a component wine in "vinho verde" style low-alcohol,
(7-9%), blends in addition to wines from such grapes as Arinto, Azal (Branco),
Esgana
(Cão), Loureiro,
and Rabigate, all
to be consumed as young as possible.
(a.k.a Sacy de
Lyon). White-wine grape unique to the Saint Pourcain region of France.
Mainly used as 50% of an unusual blend that also includes Sauvignon
Blanc, Chardonnay and
Aligoté
wines.
Red wine variety grown in the Alentejo region of Portugal and used to make a
somewhat spicy varietal wine. Reportedly is a synonym name for the Castelão
Francês variety.
German name for the Schiava
Grossa red wine grape originating in the Tyrol region of Italy. A cross
resulting from this grape carries the name Rotberger
and is used to produce similar light red wines.
Has the synonym name Tressot
where grown in the Chablis (Burgundy) region of France. Red-wine grape also
sparsely grown in several regions of southern France. Recently investigated as
one of the varieties found in vineyards and collectively known as Petite Sirah
in California. Something of a mystery grape, it may also be the variety known as
Bastardo
in both Australia and Portugal. Also thought by some to be the rare variety
known as Cabernet
Pfeffer in California. Also, by some, known as Cabernet
Gros in Australia. A mutation known as Trousseau
Gris is also found in France.
(a.k.a Chauché
Gris). Mutated version of the Trousseau
red-wine grape. Mainly found in the Jura region of south-west France and used to
produce white wine. Thought to be the grape known in California as Grey Riesling
despite having no relationship to the Riesling cépage.
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Mostly found in dry white wine
blends along with Tsolikouri
and Krakuna
wines. It is also made into a dry varietal version. (No other details as yet).
Has synonym name Agria.
Hungarian red wine variety with deeply colored flesh, released in 1985, with
complex parentage of Bikavar 8
(resulting from a Teinturier
x Kadarka
cross) and Gardonyi G,
the offspring of a Malbec x Perle de Csaba
cross. Widely grown in Hungary and other Eastern European countries where it is
most commonly used as a color-enhancing blend wine with Blauburgunder
or to increase color intensity in wine blends such as "Egri Bikavar". Also grown
on small acreages in British Columbia, Canada, where it has achieved some
success as a varietal wine with flavors claimed to have a resemblance to wines
made with certain Pinot Noir
clones. Having high vigor growth, training to a double separated vertical
spur-pruned cordon is recommended in cool climate regions. Normally ripens in
early September with good sugar content.
Grown in Georgia (CIS), this V.vinifera variety is used in semi-dry blended
red and rosé wines along with other varieties such as Saperavi
and Asuretuli etc.
(No other details as yet).
(a.k.a Trebbiano).
Widely grown in Italy and Southern France. There it produces a fruity, acidic
white wine, best drunk when young and chilled. In the Cognac region of France
and in Australia it is known as the St.
Émilion grape. Australian growers also know this variety under the alias
names of White
Hermitage and White Shiraz.
V.vinifera variety grown in Georgia (CIS). Has several synonym names
including Okourechouli.
Used to create a semi-sweet red varietal wine. (No other details as yet).
(a.k.a Bonarda
Novarese). Minor grape found in the Piedmont region of Italy. Used in red
wine blends for creating roundness in the normally hard and tannic wines made
with the Nebbiolo
grape locally known as Spanna in the
"Gattinara" area of Vercelli province.
Minor grape grown in the southern Rhone region of France. Used to create
color, body etc. in local red wines. Reportedly is responsible, in part, for the
characteristic "pepper, tobacco, licorice" aroma detected in blended wines from
this region.
Warm region minor grape widely grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of
southern France and known also under the alias name of Gros
Auxerrois. Used to create backbone in the high alcohol "vin de table" red
wine blends that originate from the Midi. In California it has the alias name of
Napa
Gamay and can produce surprisingly good wine. (See above).
White-wine producer variety grown in central Italy. Known to be an
ingredient in the best Orvieto Classico wine blends of Umbria. Has synonym name
of Breval. May
be a clone of the Spanish Verdelho
variety, imported around the 15th century.
(Pronounced "ver-DEE-kyo"). Has synonym name of Verdeca.
White-wine producing variety grown in the Italian provinces of Apulia, for use
in a local dry, fruity blend to accompany fish dishes, and Campania, for use in
the popular Neapolitan blend "Lachryma Christi del Vesuvio" along with three
others, the Coda
di Volpe, Falanghina and
Greco di
Bianca grapewines.
Rare native grape grown and used for making light white, sparkling wines and
blends - (eg. with Prosecco
grapewine) - in the Fruili-Venezia-Giulia region of Italy.
Ancient indigenous grape variety found in the N.E. regions of Italy. Used to
produce popular sweet, sparkling and also light, dry white wines with fragrant
aroma for youthful drinking accompaniment to desserts (former style) or, with
the latter style, fish-based dishes.
Alias name for Malvasia.
This named grape is grown in Liguria (Riviera) region of Italy, Northern
Sardinia and Corsica where it is used to produce full-bodied, dry white wines
that go well with sea-food. Also found in Spain, Greece, E. Europe and
Australia. Best when young.
Minor grape of ancient origin grown in Tuscany region of Italy.
Traditionally produces dry, lean white wines that soften after two or more years
bottle aging. Also used to create sweet golden white wines.
(Pronounced "VEE-oh-nee-aye"). Semi-classic grape variety grown in the
northern Rhone region of France. Has full, spicy flavors somewhat reminiscent of
the Muscat
grape and violets. Recent research indicates a clonal relationship to the Chasselas
grape variety. New plantings in California have created much anticipation among
that States wine community. Viognier wine can vary from almost Riesling-like
character to almost Chardonnay character, depending on production method, but is
not noted for aging ability and is best drunk while young. Variety clones are
currently undergoing trial by the Cornell Horticultural Research Unit (NY) for
cool climate region suitability. Recently planted small commercial acreages in
the eastern Finger Lakes region of New York state are now (1997) yielding enough
grapes to allow one winery to make limited amounts of varietal wine.
Grape used to make a dry white varietal wine in the Fruili-Venezia Giulia
region of Italy. Unique to the Carso DOC close to the border with Slovenia.
Capable of lasting for around four years if from good vintage year.
(Translation: "Early (from)
Loon (county)"). Red wine variety, claimed to be a Pinot Noir
clone seedling selection, discovered and propagated by M. Bellefroid, Borgloon,
Belgium in the late 1940's. Ripens earlier, with low acidity, than the parent
variety. No other details as yet other than it is still (1999) reportedly
cultivated by the aged discoverer.
(See also Italian
Riesling above). Austrian name for the grape of ancient, but unknown,
origins. May have Eurasian antecedents. Has no relationship to the german Riesling
grape, which is called the Riesling
Renano in Italy. Used for producing acidic dry and sweet white wines in
Austria that have the label name "Riesling" which usually refers to this
varietal, not the true german Johannisberg Riesling that is known by the name Rheinriesling.
Widely grown in many countries of Eastern Europe such as Hungary where it has
the synonym name of Olasz
Riesling.
Ancient grape mainly grown in, and thought to originate from, Austria. Used
to produce popular rosé "Schilcher" still wines that are very acidic and drunk
very young and also rosé sparkling wines that are mainly found in western
Styria. The variety is also grown in small amounts in northeastern Italy and the
nearby former Yugoslavian state of Slovenia.
White-wine producing variety. (No other details as yet other than it is
reported to be a recently released V.vinifera cross with Gewürztraminer
as one parent).
Red-wine grape commonly grown in Macedonia, N.E. and Central Greece. Often
used in a blend with Negoska
grape-wine or with the Stavroto
and Krassato
wines.
Variety developed in Hungary in the early 1950's. Widely planted in Central
Europe. Has synonym name Badacsony 7.
Derived from a Ezerjó x Bouvier V.
vinifera crossing. Usually ripening around early to mid-September it is mainly
used to create a pleasant, crisp, general purpose white-wine.
Also known as the Spätrot or
Zirifahnler
varieties. (See above). Contrary to some reports there is no evidence that this
grape has a clonal relationship to the Zinfandel
grape of California.
European Baltic States cold climate variety, developed in 1964, currently
undergoing trial at the Geneva Research Station, NY. Has synonym name Dvietes
4-2-108. Reported to be a complex (V. amurensis x V. labrusca x V. vinifera)
cross. Berries are small, with Bilberry flavor profile. Vigorous, productive and
very early ripening in cool conditions. Claimed to have survived harsh cold
conditions of -40 deg. F. (ca -42 C.)in Belarus. (No other details as yet).
Recent crossing of St.
Laurent and Blaufränkisch
grapes finding favor in Austria and Canada. Has capability for creating good red
wines with some aging ability. Reportedly is among the most cold-hardy vinifera
varieties. Synonym names include Zweigeltrebe
and Rotburger,
the latter having no relationship with the Rotberger
variety with nearly similar spelling.
The term "hybrids" indicates that, unlike many of the naturally evolved
vines, and crosses, covered above, two or more vine growths of different species
have been crossed genetically by human intervention to produce a quite unique
species that combines the best possible characteristics of the parent vines and
eliminates their weaknesses to the greatest feasible extent. The term
"French-American" indicates that the two parent growths came from, on the one
side, a european "Vitis Vinifera" and, most often, a "Vitis Labruscana" that
evolved via random fertilization from a North American "Vitis Labrusca" vine
growth native to the East coast. There are several other types of native vine
common to N. America (eg. many discoveries, "V. Borquiniana" etc.) that do not share the species
specific "foxy" taste characteristic of the labrusca. Instead they are each
capable of producing individual flavors, several of which are essentially
neutral, and in some cases can bear a close resemblance to european wines.
Nearly all played some part in the creation of the interspecific cultivars now
used worldwide in various roles.
Many of the "hybrids" listed were created as a response to the seasonal
temperature extremes commonly encountered in the northernmost temperate zones of
Europe and N. America; and as counter to various disease's that can affect most
of the vine transplant growths after importation to N. America from Europe. Each
of the hundreds of hybrid crossings created yearly is allocated a number, e.g.
"Seibel 5279", until they become commercially acceptable after extensive field
trials, as the mentioned example did, eventually being named "Aurore". Only
named varieties appear below, most of them capable of proven consumer acceptance
when converted to varietal wine or wine blends although, in the face of the
success of traditional vinifera wines with consumers, their market future has
become, (1997), uncertain. Note that they currently cannot be labeled lawfully
in many countries as "Quality Wines", a phrase reserved for use with
Vinifera-derived wines only, and so are designated solely as "Table Wines" in
those countries.
Growers in cool/cold climates should be aware that most vines vary in their
sensitivity to low temperatures. Grafted vinifera planted in locations where
minimum temperatures occasionally fall below 0 deg. Fahrenheit (-17 Centigrade)
can be expected to suffer some cold injury. Protecting the graft union by
"hilling-up" with earth, snow or mulch during the winter months assures the
likelihood of trunk renewal and vine survival. In locations where minimum
temperatures frequently fall below -10 deg. F. (ca -23 C.), trunk and cane
protection is absolutely vital.
This variety is a V. Labrusca/Vinifera hybrid, created by E. Rogers, dating
from the 1850's. It was derived from a Carter x Black
Hamburg cross. Can be used to make a refined light red or rosé wine having a
"foxy" flavor. (No other details as yet).
Complex V.rotundifolia (i.e. Muscadine)
cultivar created at Leesburg, Florida. Derived from a Fry (Early) x Southland
cross by J. Mortenson and J. Harris. Is a black-skinned berry variety
recommended as suitable for planting in the Gulf States of USA. (No other
details as yet).
Vigorous, productive V. Aestivalis hybrid female pollinate variety created
by T.V. Munson reported to be a Norton x Herbemont cross
variety. Has a very late season (reported as early October in Missouri)
maturity, even later than Villard
Blanc, and requires a hot climate to fully ripen. Recommended by some as
suitable for planting in Kansas and other south-central States. Does not
flourish in lime-contaminated soils. Growers report mixing rows of this variety
with any self-pollinating variety gives good pollination results. White wine
claimed to have somewhat spicy aromatic and taste flavor resemblance to Gewürztraminer.
Labruscana variety, derived from a Ontario x Gros
Guillaume cross, recommended for cool climate regions. Suitable for Table or
Wine use. Among the largest of the American cultivar grapes it is firm and meaty
with a light Muscat flavor
and is none-slipskin. Ripens early to mid-season, about two weeks before Concord.
Old-line V.labrusca
x V.vinifera
variety of unknown origin propagated before 1830 (when it was listed in the book
"Treatise on the Vine" by R.W. Prince the Long Island, NY nursery owner). Has at
least 20 synonym names according to the Geilweilerhof database - above in the
Foreword. Recommended as a winegrape for warmer climates than New York state, it
reportedly has a leaf profile reminiscent of the Syrah variety
but also displays strong V.labrusca flavors when made into wine. Reported
(Aug/2000) as one of the historically authentic vines currently planted in the
Thomas Jefferson Monticello vineyard, Monticello, VA.
Winegrape cultivar developed by U. Minnesota. Recommended for planting in
Saskatchewan, Canada. Similar heritage as Beta variety
(below). (No other details as yet).
Recommended as suitable for cool climate regions. Is an early ripening
American labruscana variety, derived from an Athens x Fredonia
cross, having tight clusters of large berries. Often needs cluster-thinning
because of tendency to overcrop. Recommended for juice, jelly or fruity wine
production in New York state and other favorable cool climate regions.
Green skinned variety derived from an Oberlin 716 x
Riesling
91 cross developed at the Geilweilerhof Institute, Germany. Has synonym name
Geilweilerhof
SBL2-(9-58). Regarded as a high quality vine giving a low yield. Ripens late
in the season, producing large quantity of small bunches with small berries. (No
other details as yet).
American labruscana variety, derived from a Hubbard and
Portland
labruscana cross, that is one of the parents of the recent (1996) Marquis
hybrid cultivar. (No other details available as yet).
(No other details other than this cultivar is the result of a complex
American hybrid cross of the varieties America x Delaware
and is recommended for planting in the State of Arkansas as disease resistant).
(No other details other than it is a tablegrape recommended as disease
resistant in the State of Arkansas. Has the synonym name of Dunstan 56
and is derived from a Villard
Blanc x Chaouch
Blanc cross).
(a.k.a Siebel 5279).
Hardy, early sweet French-american hybrid grape widely grown in New York State
(U.S.A), but no longer recommended. Fruit ripens very early in late August to
early September but is highly susceptible to bunch rots. Used to produce fruity,
short-lived white wines of mild intensity considered to be poor quality and
usually vinified for bulk production and blending. Also used for sparkling wines
and as a table grape resistant to most Mildew diseases. Mainly found in the
colder northern temperate regions of North America and is attractive to birds.
(Pronounced "bak-ko noo-w-arh"). Has synonym name Baco No.1. A
sometimes overly vigorous French-American hybrid grape released in 1902 suited
to heavy soils and used to make a high acid, deeply pigmented red wine regarded
by some as a good, if rustic, substitute for Cabernet
Sauvignon, particularly if given a suitable finish (eg. oak). Dating from
around 1955 many Canadian growers have obtained superior flavor results by
planting the "George" clone of this variety. Capable of aging, and sometimes
requiring it, its origins trace to the Folle Blanche
and a native American V. Riperia strain of grape. Buds early with consequent
danger of frost damage. Ripens in late September with susceptibility to bunch
rot problems and is attractive to birds. Extensively grown in the cool northern
regions of N. America.
Complex American/European cross variety created by T. V. Munson. Noted for
disease resistance and good productivity. Can be used to make neutral flavored
wine. Recommended by some as suitable for planting in Kansas and other
south-central U.S. States. (No other details as yet).
Derived from labruscana Fredonia
and N.Y. 10805 varieties by NY's Geneva Research Station in 1962. Once widely
planted in British Columbia, Canada. Ripens in late September; at last report
now almost entirely uprooted and replaced by other varieties except where grown
for tablegrape and juice production.
American hybrid cultivar developed by Byron Johnson of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Derived from a cross between Fort Worth
#3 and an unknown V. Rupestris variety. Used to create a deeply red-colored
wine with flavor described as reminiscent of blackcurrants. The vine is vigorous
and productive in cool-climate regions.
American hybrid cultivar suitable for Wine, Juice or Table use. Variety
reportedly developed by the late Byron Johnson of Ohio from a cross between the
T. V. Munson hybrid Headlight
and an unknown Labruscana variety. Ripens early to mid-season and is used to
produce a neutral white wine. Vine is vigorous and productive. Not to be
confused with a V. Riparia variety known by the subject name, developed
before 1900, of which no details are available as yet.
Is a complex American, Asian and Muscat
Hamburg hybrid cultivar grown in China and elsewhere. Developed at the
Northern Chinese Viticultural Institute, near Beijing, it is harsh-cold
resistant and bears heavy crops mainly used to produce table and wine grapes
having a distinctive yet non-"foxy" flavor.
Complex American cultivar created by T. V. Munson. Is a cross of Elvira x Delaware.
Attractive variety suitable for growing in the south-central States of the
U.S.A. (No other details as yet).
Extremely winter-hardy american labruscana derived from a Concord x Carver
variety crossing. Ripens late September in New York state. Also recommended as
suitable for growing in Saskatchewan, Canada. Similar to Alpha above.
(No other details as yet).
New cold climate and disease resistant cross-variety (Hungary patent
pending?) available in W. New York, USA and Ontario, Canada; also in Hungary and
Austria. Has synonym names Bianka and Egri
Csillagok. Clusters are loose, medium in size and mature in early
mid-season. Reportedly cold-hardy and tolerant to downy/powdery mildews.
Grafting to a phylloxera resistant rootstock is recommended. Is a V.vinifera Bouvier x Eger 2 cross
variety developed in Hungary and suitable for white wine production. Claimed to
have Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc wine character.
(a.k.a Blue
French, Burgundy, Jacquez and Lenoir). The
cultivar is an oldline 19th century bunchgrape, derived from a cross between an
unknown Vinifera and native American Bourquiniana species, recommended for use
in the lower Gulf States of the U.S.A. However reports indicate a low sugar and
acid balance in mature fruit and it is no longer high on the recommendation list
for those areas. Thought by some to have a clonal relationship to Herbemont. Has
good resistance to Pierce's Disease, producing large clusters of small red
fleshed berries. Does not propagate well from hardwood cuttings and grafting to
a suitable rootstock, such as Dog Ridge or Tampa, is
recommended if to be cultivated in deep sandy soils. Although used to produce a
white blending wine it is not recommended for use as a varietal red wine because
of limited color stability and a taste some find unacceptable.
White-wine producer cultivar with Muscat-like flavor released (1987) for use
in Florida where it has had medal winning success for vaguely Riesling-like
varietal still wine and sparkling wine blends. Developed by John Mortenson of
the Leesburg Research Station, University of Florida, it is the result of a
cross between FLA D6-148, a
Florida-developed hybrid (thought by some to be a V. aestivalis complex
derivative) and the Cardinal
table grape. Self-fertile, vigorous and productive, ripens early July in
Florida. It is resistant to Pierce's Disease but seems especially vulnerable to
Anthracnose and Black Rot.
Variety reported to be a complex hybrid with Post Oak, Norton, Herbemont and
Ten-Dollar-Prize
parentage. (No other details as yet other than it is reported to be a T.V.
Munson developed hybrid).
Derived from a Beta cross with
an unknown variety. Is high quality blue seeded variety developed by Univ.
Minnesota. Has good disease resistance and is cold-hardy to -40 deg. F. (ca -42
C.). Recommended as a tablegrape and for juice production in colder Mid-western
states of USA. (No other details as yet).
Developed by the University of Florida, this grape has good resistance to
Pierce's Disease and better resistance to other fungi diseases than most other
Southern State red fleshed bunchgrapes. Grafting is not needed except in soils
with pH greater than 7.0. Very productive and ripens evenly. Its berries are
very attractive to birds. Juice is used to produce white wine suitable for
blending for the same reason as Black Spanish
above.
Reported to be a complex V.riperia x V.labrusca x V.aestivalis female
pollinate vine resistant to fungus diseases. Appears to have been developed in
Connecticut, USA in 1985. No other details other than it is used for
cross-pollination purposes and making wine.
Thought to have been developed in Ontario, Canada, this cultivar is a cross
between the Clinton and
Black St.
Peter varieties. It has the synonym name of Arnold 8. Its
main current use appears to be that of a tablegrape grown by Parisian home
gardeners in France in order to make occasional small batches of varietal red
wine. Has medium productivity/vigor, and is susceptible to Powdery Mildew, other
fungus diseases and winter frost damage.
Vigorous, productive, early ripening (around 2 weeks before Concord)
variety derived from Herbert and
Watkins
varieties by NY's Geneva Research Station in 1938. Resembles its "Herbert"
parent. Once found extensively planted in the Okanagan region of British
Columbia, Canada and elsewhere. Moderately winter hardy, with good growth vigor,
it ripens in late September and can produce very sweet, blue slipskin fruit.
Produces best when trained to 4-cane Kniffen system. At last report this
Concord-type grape has been almost entirely uprooted and replaced by other
varieties except where used for tablegrape and juice production.
Winter hardy to -20 deg. F. (ca -29 C.) seeded, sweet red-fruited variety
derived from a Concord x Catawba
american labruscana variety cross first released around 1947. Heavy producer in
most climates, ripening in September. Recommended as good tablegrape for growers
in State of Arkansas. (No other details as yet).
One of the early 19th century American labrusca hybrids; created in Ohio
from two complex Concord
seedling derivatives named Moore Early
and the offspring of a (Belvidere x
Muscat
Hamburg) cross. Known also by the alias name Island
Belle in Washington states Puget Sound region. Ripening around early
October, is used as table grape and also to make wine in the Pacific Northwest
and British Columbia, (Canada). At last report a few acreages remain in N.
America, mainly for juice production.
Created by the Geneva Research Institute of New York in 1961, this cultivar
is a cross between Muscat
Hamburg and Hubbard. (No
further information available at present).
Very hardy sweet red-skinned seedless grape released in 1977 by the N.Y.
(Geneva) Research Station. Cold hardy, ripens in late September, and quite
similar to the Delaware
variety. Recommended mainly for tablegrape or juice production. Has slightly
"foxy" flavor.
Hybrid red bunchgrape developed and released in 1902 by the dedicated T.V.
Munson as suitable for certain areas in State of Texas. Has poor resistance to
Pierce's Disease although derived from similar types of parent grape as Conquistador
below. Regarded by many as the most delicious of the sweet tablegrapes grown in
humid summer regions of the southern U.S.A. and elsewhere where it ripens about
the same time as Himrod.
Made as a varietal by several U.S. wineries, mainly in Arkansas, N. Carolina
and Mississippi, this bronze colored complex V.rotundifolia (i.e Muscadine)
hybrid cultivar is derived from a Howard x (Topsail x Tarheel)
crossing. Has the synonym name North Carolina
57-56. Is a well-recommended, cold hardy, cultivar grown in the Southern
States of the U.S.A and generally made into sweet white wines and juice. Not
quite as resistant to Pierce's Disease as most other Muscadines. Has vigorous
growth and ripening can be controlled with a 90% dry (girdling) scar. Most
Muscadines ripen over an extended period of three weeks or more and because
Muscadines are harvested without their stems, a dry scar is usually needed in
order to retain the juice in all of the fruit until harvest crush or marketing.
Suitable for machine harvesting. The best known related variety is the Scuppernong.
Has several synonym names, including Mammoth
Globe, and was obtained from an Isabella
hybrid variety selected seedling. It is one of the parents, the other being Black
Hamburg, of several hybrid cultivars that include Agawam and Herbert.
Has synonym name Siebel
13053. Early, moderately hardy blue French-American hybrid grape
unfortunately attractive to birds. Used to produce a light red wine with low
body acidity. Because of vulnerability to soil borne virus diseases it is low on
the recommendation list for wine grapes.
This historically important variety is reportedly a N. Carolina chance
seedling, selected in 1802, that originated in the Piedmont region of that State
and was named after the nearby Catawba river. A native American - (ie. a
V.labrusca x V.vinifera hybrid) - red slipskin grape, it is commonly used to
produce sweet white, red and rose' wines distinguished by a so-called "foxy"
aroma component in cases where modern winemaking techniques fail to
remove/mitigate the agent responsible. May fail to ripen properly unless grown
in areas with a long growing season. Has some susceptibility to fungus diseases.
Suitable also as a Table grape. Commonly grown in the Eastern U.S. and Canada on
favorable sites. New York state wineries produce large amounts of sparkling wine
from this grape. Its high acid profile can be modified by blending with other
suitable labruscana derived red wines such as Rougeon.
Also quite popular when made into an ultra-sweet "ice-wine".
A recommended hybrid cross, developed 1947 and released in 1972 by the
Geneva (NY) Research Station, between the Schuyler
and Seyval
Blanc cultivars. Usually ripens around late September and is used to make a
fruity white wine of mild intensity somewhat similar to Riesling.
Widely grown in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and other hard-frost
to -5 deg. F. (ca -20 C.) susceptible regions of North America. Also recommended
for Arkansas. Noted for hardiness and bunch rot disease resistance, the grapes
should be picked at low sugars to avoid over-ripe, sometimes labrusca-like,
flavors. Young shoots reportedly fragile in strong winds.
Bunch rot resistant, mildly winter-hardy to -5 deg. F.(ca -20 C.)
french-american hybrid with French Rhone origins. Requires a long growing
season, often ripening in mid-October. Reportedly vulnerable to Crown-gall
disease in Missouri. Used to make very good quality red wines reportedly with
spicy aromas, fruity flavors and some herbaceousness if fruit clusters are
appropriately thinned. Somewhat low in tannins so can benefit from extended skin
contact during fermentation. Grown in the cooler regions of Eastern U.S., Canada
and Europe. Decreasing acreages also found in Australia. Note that due to
stringent European Union rules hybrid varieties can no longer be blended with
traditional varieties in western Europe although it remains a popular variety
and is still widely grown in the Bordeaux region of France.
Large, vigorous American hybrid grape with high heat and drought resistance.
Commonly grown in Texas and other Gulf States it is one of the few hybrids
developed by T.V. Munson that is resistant to Pierce's disease, the main
limiting factor to grape growing in the Gulf South. It is a cross between V.
Champinii and a Concord
seedling. Since Champanel also has excellent resistance to nematodes, has
tolerance of extremely alkaline soil and in spite of the fact that it has only
limited resistance to Phylloxera, it has been used as a rootstock in Texas.
Rootstocks are not usually expected to produce fruit of value, so most grape
growers have rejected Champanel for making wine. The grape, however, produces a
quite acceptable red wine judged generally superior to such red varieties as Miss(issippi)
Blue and Midsouth. The
vine's extreme vigor means it does well where other vines may not survive and
does not need to be grafted.
A french-american hybrid with origins in the Rhone Valley of France. Hardy,
ripens in early to mid-October but has extreme susceptibility to fungal
diseases, particularly downy and powdery mildew, in Michigan, Ohio and
currently, 1997, is not widely recommended. Was also grown and very popular in
France where it was used to produce high quality red and rose' wines. Now being
replaced by varieties stipulated by E.U. rules. Also grown in the cooler regions
of Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Recommended frost-hardy French-American hybrid cross released in 1990 and
descended from the Seyval Blanc
and Chardonnay
varieties. Planting has been limited in the face of success with Chardonnay in
the eastern and mid-west regions of the U.S. Noted for superior cold-resistant
properties since its release from W. New York's Geneva Research Station.
Requires good locations (low tolerance of poorly drained soils) with long
growing season. Ripens later than its vinifera parent, usually early to
mid-October. Used to make quite popular white tablewine in Arkansas, Michigan
and Missouri. Recently found to be susceptible to crown gall in wet spots and,
in Virginia, to damage by grape root borers.
French-american hybrid grape, with Jaeger 70, Aramon, Piquepoul
(Blanc), Emily and
several others in its genealogy, used to produce very good, robust, fruity red
wines claimed to hint of Burgundy and often finished in a dry style. Prone to
attack by fungal diseases and vulnerable to bunch rot near harvest in some
years. Usually requires cluster thinning and ripens in early to mid-October.
Recommended mainly for cooler regions of the N. American continent.
Oldline American native labrusca variety used to make simplistic, inky red
varietal wines with strawberry-like aroma and "foxy" flavor. Still found in
vineyards of N.E USA and Italy.
Ripening in mid-October this productive, slightly cold hardy,
French-American hybrid red-fleshed wine grape is often used in small quantities
as a teinturier-style
grapewine for its deep coloring effect in blends. Also known as Siebel 8357.
Creates a low quality, very dark red wine as a varietal. The Vincent
grape - (see below) - is very similar, (although not as deep in color), somewhat
hardier and makes a better wine.
Historically important - (introduced to the Northeast USA around 1850) -
very hardy native American V.labrusca cultivar producing the characteristic
"foxy" flavored style of red wine associated with vitis labrusca vines. Ripens
mid-late October. Like its popular offspring Niagara,
(created by a Concord x Cassady
crossing in 1868), it produces small vines and low crops unless grafted onto a
good growth rootstock (eg. "3309") and planted in soils of optimum fertility.
Mainly grown in the Eastern and Mid-Western U.S. and Canada to produce sweet
finished wines, grape-juice and desirable fruit-flavored dessert grapes. Has
susceptibility to skin cracking and postharvest shelling; also to Eutypa-dieback
disease. A very similar grape called Fredonia is
grown in the Erie region of New York state, ripening about two weeks earlier,
and acts as an insurance crop against early frosts. Another version, named Sunbelt, has
been developed to give more even fruit ripening in the hot conditions of the
Southern and Gulf States of the U.S.A.
Is possibly the most successful of the hybrid red bunchgrapes developed for
Florida and the lower Gulf States of the U.S.A. in order to have resistance to
Pierce's Disease etc. Is a cross between two cultivars, each of which has one Concord
parent. It is less vigorous than other red cultivars such as Champanel, Blue Lake or Midsouth.
Regarded as far superior to Concord for use in the southern Gulf States despite
uneven ripening characteristics that force multiple pickings. Vines are not
suitable for machine harvesting. Requires grafting to rootstocks such as Dog Ridge or Tampa for good
growth and yields in sandy or highly (7.0 pH) alkaline soils. Recommended as a
seeded tablegrape that has the usual slightly "foxy" taste. When used for wine
production it suffers color instability and is only recommended for "Blanc de
Noir" style wine.
(No other details other than this V. Labrusca cultivar is the result of a Concord x Unknown I.D.
hybrid cross, or possibly a Concord variety clone. Recommended as disease
resistant for the State of Arkansas).
French-American hybrid, still widely grown in France, derived from the V.
lincecumii and rupestris seedling Jaeger 70 and
an unknown Vinifera variety. Normally produces a dark red, berry flavored
varietal juice. Currently used to produce rosé wines suitable for blending
purposes that have some aging ability.
V.labrusca variety that has synonym names that include Bloom, Catawissa
and Laura
Beverly. (No other details as yet other than it is a tablegrape variety some
believe to be a 19th cent. hybrid developed in Canada).
Local lore suggests this oldline red wine producing grapevine was a "chance
find" wild growth in the State of Arkansas. Ampelographic characteristics are so
similar that most experts considered it identical, or closely clonally related,
to the Norton
grapevine claimed to have originated from the State of Virginia - (see below).
DNA analysis carried out in the Geneva Research Station, New York, has shown the
two cultivars to be identical members of the V.aestivalis vine group. There is
controversy about which cultivar has best resistance to Pierce's Disease.
Successful and prized in Arkansas and Missouri where it reportedly ripens in
late September and keeps well. It has proven somewhat less adaptable in more
southerly States, low productivity small berry clusters having been reported
along the Gulf Coast. At the height of the mid-19th century phylloxera crisis in
France this variety was the vine of choice for vineyard restoration. However its
poor calcium tolerance defeated all efforts at replanting, due to the high lime
content of most French soils, and it has never regained that popularity.
Grafting is not required. Requires soils with good drainage if disease is to be
avoided. Wine color is stable, a characteristic that helped promote its 1873
acclamation in Europe as "best red wine of all nations".
Productive, hardy to -15 deg. F (ca -26 C.), mid-October ripening
french-american hybrid grape that is not currently recommended because of
susceptibility to soilborne viruses and poor, (1997), market demand conditions
for some hybrid grapes. It gives a fruity, balanced red wine of only fair
quality usually possessed of low to mild tannic content. Having low popularity
as a varietal it is commonly used as a tannin diluting blending component in
tannin-rich bulk wines. Planted mainly in the cooler regions of the Northeast
U.S. and Canada where it once had the name Cameo,
changed in 1972 because of certain proprietary and other objections.
Has synonym names Muscat de St.
Vallier Blanc, Muscat Santa
Valliere. Technical name is Seyve Villard
20-473. Derived from a Pense x Seyve Villard
12-129 cross. French/American hybrid grape suitable for wine or tablegrape
use. Ripens mid-late October in most areas. According to the list where the
information appeared this grape has the alias name of Waltham
Cross where grown in "New World" regions. A little known selection
(originating before 1900 from Vaucluse, France) named Dattier de
Beyrouth is reportedly still grown under glass in Calgary, Alberta (Canada).
Is a Southern bunch grape bred in Florida. In areas with hot nights it
ripens with a pink blush. If cold nights, the berries are red. The cultivar is
resistant to Pierce's disease, but in many areas it seems to be a shy bearer.
Grafting not required. Recommended for dooryard planting as a tablegrape.
A native American hybrid grape variety used to make dry, sweet and sparkling
white wines of good quality and barely perceptible "foxy" character. Commonly
grown in the Eastern U.S. on deep, fertile, well-drained soils where it ripens
in early to mid-October, it has considerable popularity when made into
"ice-wine". Has some susceptibility to fruit and foliage fungus diseases and
requires grafting to a phylloxera-resistant rootstock for best growth. For
Arkansas the main recommendation is to cold-press grapes that were grown on
grafted rootstocks and finish as a 1.5 - 2.0% residual sugar, or as a true
dessert, wine. Also described as an excellent (seedbearing) Tablegrape. A
selected seedling of this variety named Jewel with
synonym names Burr 1 and
Burr's
Early, was very popular in the first years of the 20th century, ripening a
little earlier than its better known sibling. NB: this seedling should not to
be confused with the recent (1999) Juwel
V.vinifera cultivar release with a similar synonym name.
This variety is a productive, disease resistant, complex (7-species) T.V
Munson bred hybrid cultivar suitable for planting in Kansas and Oklahoma, USA,
or anywhere that the Concord
variety can be successfully planted. It is used to produce what some consider to
be an overly vinous, fruity product, with no detectable "foxy" flavor, that
invariably needs softening with neutral blending wine.
V. bourquiniana variety, suitable as wine/tablegrape, grown in U.S.A and
Brazil. According to the Geilweilerhof database (above) has several synonym
names including Black July and
Buenos
Ayres. (No other details as yet).
Also known as Moore's
Diamond. American native vine and vinifera hybrid grape created (1885) in
Brighton, N.Y. by Jacob Moore by crossing the Iona
vinifera-labrusca hybrid with Concord.
Ripening in early to mid-October, it resembles the latter parent and has been
widely grown in western New York state and used for creating sparkling blends
and dry varietal wines. Susceptible to fruit-cracking under wet conditions. It
is also popular as a tablegrape.
Is an old-line nineteenth century American labruscana variety named after
Diana Crehore, the originator, first exhibited in 1843. Once commonly grown in
the Finger Lakes region of New York, it was one of the primary parents, along
with Muscat
Hamburg, whose offspring was then crossed with the Concord,
itself a labrusca-vinifera hybrid, to create the historically interesting
secondary hybrid Brighton, one
of the later importantly successful american hybrids derived from a vinifera and
labrusca variety.
V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
complex variety derived from a Topsail x
(Lucida x
Wallace)
cross. Has synonym name N.C. 88-102.
Useful as a wine or tablegrape, this self-fertile variety is recommended as
suitable for growing in the Gulf or southeastern States of the U.S.A.
V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
variety derived from a Fry x Georgia
S.29-49 cross. Has the synonym name Georgia 5-7-5.
This self-fertile variety is recommended for use as a tablegrape where grown in
the Gulf or Deep South states of the U.S.A.
Propagated to resist Pierce's Disease for use in Florida and the lower Gulf
States of the U.S.A. Recommended by U. Florida for use as rootstock for Black Spanish,
Conquistador,
Orlando
(Seedless) and Stover
varieties in those areas particularly if soil pH exceeds 7.0.
V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
variety derived from a Higgins x Dixie cross.
(No other information yet on this grape listed as suitable for the Gulf and
Southeastern States of the U.S.A).
American hybrid grape derived from a Concord
seedling pollinated by mixed pollens of Delaware,
and the long-forgotten Vinifera, Labruscana, Bourquiniana cross Walter
variety. These grapes were developed by the prolific hybridizer A.J Caywood in
1868 at the Hudson River (NY) vineyard now occupied (1998) by the Benmarl
Vineyard. Used to make fruity, quite sweet white wines with little perceptible
"foxy" character. Mainly found in the N. American cool-climate regions of
Ontario, Canada and Finger Lakes of N.Y. State where it typically ripens during
early to mid-October.
Created by Elmer Swenson, this cultivar is derived from an Ontario x
(Beta x Witt) cross.
Very winter-hardy, reportedly to -30 deg. F (approx -34 C). Produces amber
colored fruit suitable for wine or as a tablegrape. Usually ripens around a
month to five weeks before Concord.
Disappointing vitis hybrid variety, synonym name N.Y 11737, for
New York State. Derived from an Ontario x
(Triumph
x Mills)
crossing. Reported as having medium-poor vigor, low productivity and lacking in
sufficient hardiness. This cultivar seems more suited to the mid-South and Deep
South States of the U.S.A. (No other details as yet).
Has alternate name Seyve-Villard
12-375 O.P and so appears to be a selection related to Villard
Blanc. (No other details as yet other than this cross variety is grown in
Hungary, and elsewhere, and is one of the parents of the Bianca and Landot Noir
cultivars).
Patented, released in 1985, early ripening, shy-bearing cool-climate hybrid
red tablegrape cultivar with unique strawberrylike flavor from W. New York's
Geneva Research Station derived from the Fredonia
and Canner
varieties. Claimed as resistant to Botrytis and very hardy. Also recommended as
useful for raisin production.
American hybrid variety developed by T. V. Munson. Lavendar colored grape
with few soluble color pigments. Hardy and productive, this cultivar is capable
of producing a flavorsome white wine. Suitable for growing in climates/soils
that are known to support the Concord
vine. Recommended by some as suitable for growing in Kansas and other
south-central U.S. States.
Variety developed by T.V Munson from a cross reported as Elvira x
(complex V. candicans, V. riparia, V. labrusca) variety. The cultivar is
vigorous and hardy, self-fertilizing with subsequent open clusters of
medium-sized berries that are somewhat sweet with slight V. candicans flavor.
Generally ripens in late season and recommended as suitable for winemaking.
Reportedly discovered in Missouri in 1870, this old-line complex american
labrusca/riparia/vinifera parentage variety is now considered to produce very
mediocre and strongly "fox" flavored sparkling white wine blends. Vulnerable to
fruit cracking because of thin skin, the grape typically has high acidity.
Ripening at same time as Concord, it
is resistant to Mildew and its general hardiness recommends it for difficult
growing areas. A new variety, named Ventura,
that upgraded the older cultivar in its resistance to fruit cracking was
released in the 1970's by the Ontario Horticultural Research Institute of
Canada.
Labrusca-vinifera hybrid variety, created by Peter Raab of Philadelphia in
the 19th century. Historically interesting as one of the main varieties that
allowed the eventual breeding of Chelois and
other disease, pest and lime resistant french-american hybrids and rootstocks.
Cultivar developed 1925 by N.E. Hansen in S. Dakota. Derived from a cross of
Lady
Washington (a complex Concord
descendant) and the Beta variety.
Has white/pink berry skin, growing in small, loose clusters. It is productive
female pollinate, claimed as winter-hardy to -35 deg. F (about -38 C.), with a
taste described as "mildly foxy". Main use is as a tablegrape.
Patented American x Vinifera cultivar developed in Wisconsin as suitable for
wine or table use in short season, cold regions such as southwestern Wisconsin.
A seedling derived from Villard
Blanc it is claimed to possess some resemblance as a white wine to that
produced from the Chardonnay
variety. Ripens early to mid-season.
American labruscana derived from labrusca, vinifera and aestivalis
parentage. Suitable for Table grape and Wine use. Ripens late mid-season. (No
other details available other than it is of unproven ID).
Tablegrape variety developed by Vineland Research Station, Ontario, Canada
and released in 1976. Has synonym name Vineland
53033. Derived from a cross between the Alden and Verdelet
cultivars. Very vigorous and productive with moderate cold-hardiness.
Susceptible to the Mildew fungus diseases, it ripens in late September (about a
week before Concord).
Seedless table grape, also suitable for wine-making, widely grown in
Australia. Also found in the cooler regions of N. America where it ripens during
late September. Similar to the Himrod grape
listed below.
Tablegrape variety. Appears to be a synonym name for a mutated version of
the Ahmeur Bou
Ahmeur variety listed in the Geilweilerhof database (above). (No other
details as yet).
Complex V.rotundifolia (i.e. Muscadine)
self-fertile cultivar derived from a Triumph x Florida AD
3-42 varieties cross. (No other details as yet other than it is claimed to
have good resistance to Pierce's Disease and is recommended as a tablegrape
variety suitable for growing in the Southern States of the U.S.A).
Hybrid variety with Gamay Noir
heritage. Has synonym name Burdin
7705 and is reportedly a french cultivar released in 1959. The vine lacks
vigor, has early budbreak, ripens early with medium compact berry clusters. It
has susceptibility to Botrytis. In the USA it apparently was only recently
planted on an experimental basis by one grower in S.E. Pennsylvania and by the
N.Y. Horticultural Station at Geneva NY.
Very winter hardy native American labruscana hybrid red wine grape similar
to and regarded as a close relative of the Concord
grape. Although less flavorsome, it ripens some two weeks before its kin. Needs
careful pruning for vigor and production to approach that of its kin. Developed
in early 20th century. One of the parents of the Bath and Van Buren
hybrid grape varieties and useful as an excellent table grape. (See above).
Vigorous, extremely winter-hardy to -30 deg. F (ca -35 C.), heavy producing
and disease resistant V. Riperia
89 x Landot 4511
(Noir) french/american hybrid variety created by the U. Minnesota Research
Institute for upper midwest USA conditions. Susceptible to Powdery Mildew
disease, but near-immunity to Downy Mildew, in excessively humid conditions.
Ripens in late mid-season with good sugar content. Important to let fruit hang
until fully mature in order to reduce troublesome high acids to reasonable
levels. Used to produce a high quality, full-bodied red wine with cherry/plum
aromas and moderate-to-low tannins that usually needs malolactic fermentation to
reduce its cool climate acidity. Reportedly contains little trace of the wild V.
Riperia herbaceousness. Recommended for North-Central regions of USA.
Complex V.rotundifolia (i.e Muscadine)
cultivar derived from a Georgia
19-43 x USDA
19-11 cross. According to the Geilweilerhof (Genres) international database
it has the synonym name Early Fry.
Recommended as a (female pollinate) tablegrape variety suitable for use in the
Southern States of the U.S.A. Claimed to have good resistance to Pierce's
Disease.
Once very popular in southern France. This french-american hybrid red wine
grape needs Mediterranean-style heat to perform its best and is most suited to
the Southwest U.S and Texas.
Considered to be an extremely high-quality, moderately winter-hardy seedless
large black table grape similar to the yellow-fleshed Himrod.
Generally ripens during mid-late October.
Hardy, productive vine derived from a (Moore's)
Diamond and Muscat
Hamburg variety cross. Suitable for white wine production. Tendency to have
high acid content in cool climate regions if not fully ripened by mid-late
October, but can make intense semi-sweet aromatic wines in good years.
Thought to be a hybrid cultivar derived from a vinifera and aestivalis vine
(ie. "Borquiniana" species) chance crossing. Named after Nicholas Herbemont who
had developed this grape earlier than 1830. Is resistant to fungal diseases
encountered in hot, humid summer regions such as the Gulf States of the U.S.A.
Seldom ripens properly in cool climate regions. Used to create red or white
wines similar to those of the (possible) clonal relative Black Spanish
cultivar above.
Derived from a Carter x Black
Hamburg cross. Vigorous, productive and moderately winter hardy cultivar
suitable for cool climates such as the Finger Lakes region of N.Y. State. Is one
of the parents of the Buffalo
grape found on decreasing acreages in British Columbia, Canada and elsewhere.
No other details other than this variety, developed in Germany, is derived
from a Seibel 7053
x Riesling
cross and has the synonym names Geisenheim GM
322-58 and Hybernal.
Currently under test for use as a white wine grape in Ontario, Canada and in
Central Europe.
Complex V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
female pollinate cultivar derived from a Yuga x Unknown white
male pollinator cross. Has synonym name Georgia 3.
Grown in the Southern Gulf States of the U.S.A, it has good resistance to
Pierce's Disease and is recommended for tablegrape use.
Seedless grape released in 1952 and fairly widely grown in Western New York.
Very winter hardy, usually ripening in early September. Derived from a cross
between Ontario and
Sultanina.
Recommended as a deliciously flavored tablegrape and raisin producer. Is also
used for white wine production.
According to the USDA database, this T.V Munson developed variety was
derived from a complex Cynthiana
(lincecumii, aestivalis, labrusca) cross with the obscure variety Post Oak. Some
reports claim it makes a slightly superior red wine to the Norton
variety. Does not flourish in lime-contaminated soils. (No other details as
yet).
Productive, vigorous patented white-wine hybrid grape variety derived from a
Seyval
Blanc x Schuyler
cross. Recently released, (1996), from the Geneva Research Station of W. New
York. Has synonym name Geneva White
7. Usually ripens during early to mid-October with bunch rot problems in
some years. Claimed to produce pleasant apple peel flavors in its wine, although
some taste experts have noted labrusca and hybrid aromas in some samples. Also
recommended for juice production.
V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
female pollinate variety derived from a Flowers x White Male#1
cross. Used for wine or tablegrape. No other details as yet.
American labruscana cultivar developed by T. V. Munson and recommended by
some as suitable for planting in Kansas, Texas and other south-central States of
the U.S.A. (No other details as yet).
Derived from the same parents as Himrod, this
hybrid seedless variety is mainly recommended for use as a strongly flavored
table or raisin grape. Usually buds late May and ripens in late August. Capable
of producing a white wine, having some aging potential, suitable for blending.
Currently grown in some quantity in the Pacific northern coastal regions of N.
America and elsewhere. Vigorous with good quality grapes in warmer regions. In
cooler areas it is hard frost sensitive. Also may show poor sets with unevenly
sized berries. Berry splitting can also be a problem, so much so that some
recommend the Reliance,
Mars or Vanessa
varieties as better tablegrape substitutes.
Native American hybrid variety developed for use in New York State in 1855.
Historically interesting as one of the parents, the other being Concord, of
Diamond.
Mild labrusca "foxy" flavor allows use in sparkling wine blends.
Moderately cold-resistant American labruscana grape grown on limited
acreages in New York state for use as a tablegrape and in varietal and sparkling
wine blends. A selected "bud sport" cultivar is currently grown in California
under the name Pierce (has
synonym name Royal
Isabella). Still grown in cooler regions of Italy and Australia, where it is
named Fragola. A
selection with the name Albany
Surprise is now grown in New Zealand. Also found in eastern Europe under a
variety of alias names, (such as Seksarda in
Croatia, former province of Yugoslavia and as Izabella in
Hungary and Georgia CIS). This historically significant variety has over fifty
synonym names (see Geilweilerhof database in the Foreword section above) as a
result of its post-phylloxera popularity in the late 19th century. Thought to be
derived from a native Vitis Labrusca grape of N. America and an unknown european
vinifera probably created by random pollination as a result of the 18th century
attempts to establish European vines in the U.S. Reputedly discovered in
Dorchester, N. Carolina around 1816 it was promoted by William R. Prince, an
influential nursery owner established in Flushing, N.Y, and named after a famous
"southern belle", the wife of Col. George Gibbs. Currently being selectively
removed and replaced by varieties that lack the "grapey/foxy" taste and flavor
of this grape although it still has its admirers. Modern winemaking techniques
have succeeded in eradicating the agent responsible, resulting in a popular,
strawberry/boysenbery-like flavored wine where those techniques are practiced.
It is still grown in quantity in Brazil and other fungus prone regions of South
America. An example of random hybridization involving only N. American vine
species that resulted in a successful wine is the Norton grape.
(See below).
(No information on this V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
variety as yet other than it was patented by William Ison in Griffin, Georgia,
USA and is currently (1998) grown by a family winery in N. Carolina for use in
creating a red, dry, varietal wine).
Early 19th century American labrusca grape discovery used to produce red
wines strongly "foxy" in flavor. Highly vulnerable to Ozone gas pollution which
causes diminished vigor and productivity. Should be planted in deep,
well-drained soils or grafted on a vigorous rootstock such as "3309". One of the
most deeply colored "tooth-stainers". Still widely grown in Brazil and other
hot, humid, fungus prone regions of South America. Also found in Australia where
it has the synonym name Kittredge.
American variety derived from an early 19th century cross, created by
Hermann Jaeger of Neosha, Missouri, between the native Vitis Lincecumii and
Rupestris species. Played an important role in the development of hybrids
because, as a female pollinate, it could be used to produce cross-pollinated
seeds between American species and Vinifera, resulting eventually in the disease
and pest resistant french-american and rootstock varieties of modern times.
Early variety with moderate vigor growth and yield used for creating
red-wines. Reported by some to be a Kuhlmann hybrid closely related to Marechal
Foch. Others point to ampelographic differences and regard it as an "Unknown
ID" variety.
Complex V.rotundifolia (i.e. Muscadine)
female pollinate cultivar. Reported as derived from a Higgins x GA 19-11
cross. Recommended for use in the Southern States of the U.S.A as a tablegrape.
Not to be confused with a similarly named V.labrusca variety that is
reported to be a Concord O.P
derived cultivar with the synonym name Big Concord.
Elmer Swenson patented American labruscana, released in early 1980's,
suitable for table, juice or white wine use. Claimed to be hardy to -40 deg. F.
(ca -42 C.). Very vigorous, heavy bearer. Disease resistant, with some
susceptibility to Black Rot. Ripens early in season with small clusters making
it a poor tablegrape choice. Some use it to make a labrusca-style white wine
that has the reputation of easy oxidation, so it is not high on commercial
growers recommendation list. Currently grown on limited acreages in South
Dakota. (No other details available as yet).
Reported to be an early ripening variety created at the Geneva Institute of
New York from a Chasselas
Rose x Mills
crossing. Has some ampelographic resemblance to the Delaware
variety. Ripening around a week before Catawba it
is moderately winter hardy with a V.vinifera flavor. (No other details as yet).
(No information on this variety suitable for winemakng other than it is
listed as an American hybrid developed by the late Byron Johnson of Ohio. Hardy
to -35 deg. F (ca -38 C.) and usually ripens in late August where planted in
Oregon).
Patented cold hardy American hybrid suitable for white wine or juice use.
Derived from the Seyval Blanc
hybrid variety. Ripens early to mid-season and claimed to have superior cold
temperature resistance to its parent. Currently grown in Wisconsin, S. Dakota
and elsewhere in the Midwest U.S.
(No other details other than this cultivar, recommended for disease
resistance in the State of Arkansas, is the result of a Siebel 14665 x
Seyve Villard
20-365 hybrid cross that ripens around mid-September and has the synonym
name of Illinois
182-1).
Developed for resistance to Pierces Disease it is now mostly used as a
rootstock in Florida. Was the first hybrid cultivar released by the University
of Florida at Leesburg. Productive and vigorous in Florida it will test to 19.5
deg. Brix sugar content but has proved disappointing in recent Louisiana trials.
Requires rapid cooling at harvest.
Hardy, early to mid-October ripening grape developed by Geneva Research
Station in Western New York. Suitable for making sweet, white dessert wines
similar to, but milder than, Himrod, (see
above), having been derived from the same parent cross. Also recommended as a
tablegrape.
(aka Habitant
Blanc). Technically known as cultivar V53261 created by the Ontario
Horticultural Institute in Ontario, Canada. Moderately winter hardy white wine
producing grape ripening around late September. Vee-trellis support is
recommended for this moderately vigorous cultivar successfully grown in Nova
Scotia, Canada.
White-wine producing variety grown on small 1 acre plot in Finger Lakes
region of W. New York. New name for French hybrid Seyve Villard
23-512. Used to make a dry wine.
Cold-hardy French-american hybrid grape with complex French/American hybrids
(ie. Landot
244 x Eger
2) as parents. Mainly used for making fruity red wine of mild intensity that
has had international medal recognition. Claimed by some to possess moderate
resistance to Pierce's Disease and is successfully grown in several
middle-latitude states of the U.S.A.
Earlier (September) ripening french-american hybrid red wine grape than,
although derived from same cross, Marechal
Foch below. Also known as Millot.
Extensively grown in the Alsace region of France where it is known as "le
medicin du vin" (or "wine doctor") for its ability to increase the color
intensity of a red wine (eg. Pinot Noir)
without perceptibly altering the quality. Also extensively planted in the
Northeast and Midwest USA. Some consider the wine to be superior to Foch because
of more distinct berry aromas. Best harvested at pH 3.4 and 19+ Brix in warmer
climates if Carotene-caused discoloration is to be avoided. Market demand
thought to be hampered by lack of name recognition.
Is a hybrid bunchgrape once considered suitable for use in Florida and the
Gulf States. Usually ripens during mid-October for use as a tablegrape. However,
it has shown problems with Pierce's Disease and uneven ripening of fruit on the
bunch and is no longer on the recommended list for Florida.
Has synonym name ES 4-8-33.
Developed by Elmer Swenson in 1980 and released around 1994 this harsh-cold (to
-40 deg. F.) tolerant variety is a cross between ES 2-3-17 and
Kay Gray.
Disease resistant, other than susceptibility to easily controlled anthracnose,
the fruit can be used to create a light-bodied white wine described as having a
delicate and floral aroma. Current use is to blend it with Prairie Star
wine.
Kuhlmann french-american hybrid suitable for producing red wine. Very
vigorous cultivar ripening early to mid-season. Wine is described as
well-balanced and mild, with a taste reminiscent of Gamay profile.
(No other details available at present).
According to the Geilweilerhof database (above) this cultivar is classified
as a North American V. Labrusca derived from the Dracut Amber
O.P. variety. Once fairly commonly grown in the Northeast region of the USA
it can currently (1999) be found in certain U.S. North Central states. (No other
information on either of these cultivars available at present).
Very early ripening seeded variety with large berries in small, open
clusters. (No other details as yet other than recommended for the Pacific N.W.
region of the USA).
Is a complex V.rotundifolia (i.e Muscadine)
cultivar derived from a (Thomas x Scuppernong)
x (Topsail x Tarheel)
cross. Has synonym name North Carolina
60-60. Is recommended as a wine (or tablegrape) cultivar. Used to make sweet
white wines with floral flavors in the South-East and Gulf States of the U.S.A.
Has some disease problems, particularly with fruit-rot, but has good resistance
to Pierce's Disease.
Complex V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
self-pollinating cultivar derived from a Thomas x Burgaw cross.
Claimed as resistant to Pierce's Disease, it is currently recommended for
growing in the Southern and Gulf States of the U.S.A for use as a tablegrape
crop.
(pronounced "mar-esh-shall-fosh"). Has synonym name Kuhlmann
188-2. Short season french-american hybrid small-cluster grape with good
hard-cold tolerance to -20 deg. F. (ca -29 C.) and diseases, ripening in early
September. Grows well in sandy soils, but may need grafting for use in heavier
soil types. Prof. Kuhlmann, the hybridizer, reported using an American
riparia-rupestris hybrid variety as one of the parents but, confusingly, others
argue that he instead misleadingly used the Gamay based
french-american hybrid Oberlin 595
S.P, developed by his father-in-law, as the cross with Goldriesling
in order to create the offspring cultivar. Noted for producing somewhat light,
yet deeply colored and strongly varietal, wines described as having a
"Burgundian" character. Usually needs the help of carbonic maceration or
hot-pressing to enhance quality. Birds find the small berries very attractive.
Also known under the name Foch. (See
above).
Newly released (1996) variety by W. New York's Geneva Research Station from
a cross between the Athens and Emerald
(Seedless) grapes. Large cluster, winter hardy, seedless, delicate
white-wine producing or excellent tablegrape with mild "foxy" flavor and
moderate disease resistance. Ripens in mid-September as a mildly fruity berry,
developing a rich Labrusca flavor if left to ripen on the vine. Promising
results have been reported for Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan and New York.
Largest of the seedless blue berries in medium clusters. Hardy, early
variety with moderately vigorous productivity. Recommended as good tablegrape
for Oregon. Some describe labrusca flavor profile as similar to the Concord.
Normally ripens in the mid-to-late September timeframe.
Productive, cold-hardy, bunch rot resistant, white wine grape developed by
Geneva Research Station of N.Y. that does not require cluster-thinning. Released
in 1985, the grape claims Pinot Blanc
as one of its parents and its off-dry wine versions tend to have the same
fruitiness as the parent grapewine product. Currently, (1997), overshadowed by
the success of Cayuga
(White) and consequent poor market demand.
Tablegrape variety derived from a Carter x Black
Hamburg cross. Appears to have been commonly grown in the Finger Lakes
region of New York State in the 19th cent. Has synonym name of Rogers 19.
Vigorous, moderately productive/hardy, ripening after Concord.
(No other information available at present other than it is a hybrid
developed for resistance to Pierce's Disease in Florida and other Gulf States of
the U.S.A. and reportedly has similarities to the Blue Lake and
Conquistador
bunchgrapes).
Variety developed in the 19th century in Canada, reportedly from a Muscat
Hamburg x Creveling
cross. Winter tender and has medium vigor/productivity in New York State. (No
other details as yet).
This cultivar is reported as derived from a Galibert
261-12 x (Extra x Marguerite)
seedling, the latter two varieties being complex V.lincecumii varieties reported
as created by T. V. Munson. Used in the production of white-wine blends for
sparkling wines in Florida, it was developed by N.H. Loomis at a USDA experiment
station (long since closed) in Mississippi. Released by Mississippi State at the
same time as Miss(issippi)
Blue and Midsouth. All
three are resistant to Pierce's disease.
This variety is reported as derived from a Moore (Early)
x Dog Ridge
cross, the latter variety being V.champini, developed by N. H. Loomis at a (long
closed) USDA station in Mississippi and released at the same time as Miss(issippi)
Blanc and Midsouth, all
three being resistant to Pierce's disease).
Has synonym name Grein
1;Riesling. Derived from a Taylor x
Unknown V. riparia, V. labrusca cross. (No other details as yet other than it is
an old-line nineteenth century American labruscana variety once commonly grown
in the Finger Lakes region of New York).
V. hybrid cultivar derived from a complex (Fredonia x
Niagara)
x (Fredonia x
Athens)
parentage cross. Released in 1973, this productive, disease resistant variety
resembles Steuben (see
below). Normally ripens around two weeks earlier than Concord and
can be used to make a fruity, mildly "foxy" wine of good quality.
Reported as a medium vigor but poorly producing Concord x Unknown
variety tablegrape cultivar that ripens around 2-3 weeks before the former
variety. (No other details as yet).
(a.k.a Muench).
Native American variety developed by T.V Munson in 1888 from Herbemont and
Neosho
varieties and known to be one parent of the complex American/Vinifera St. Francis
cultivar. Reported as suitable for growing in Missouri. Because of its lack of
soluble pigments it is used for producing a varietal "gris" (ie. light pink)
wine reported as being interesting, and spicy, somewhat in the manner of Gewürztraminer.
(No other details as yet.)
Best known name for native American "Vitis Rotundifolia" species of
grapevine commonly found in the Southern states of the U.S. and Mexico. Scuppernong
is one of the more familiar variety names.
(a.k.a Kuhlmann
296-1). Hybrid variety used to produce a blending wine with reported strong
Pinot Noir
profile taste. Used almost exclusively as a flavoring grape due to its
uneconomical small bunches of tiny berries. (No other details as yet).
Muscat-type variety suitable for wine or tablegrape production. Moderately
hardy with loose, large-berried clusters. Claimed to make a pleasing red wine
with fairly low acidity.
Has synonym name of California L
11-3. Developed by H. Olmo in 1942, this cultivar was released in 1958 and
is derived from an (Early)
Campbell x Niagara
cross. The vine is vigorous and productive and tolerant to Powdery Mildew.
Ripens in mid-season, with large berries on the bunch. Occasionally used for
making semi-sweet wines, this variety is more generally recommended as use as a
tablegrape. Currently grown in many countries. A variation with the name Early
Niabell has the synonym name California L
11-2.
Root disease and cold resistant, reportedly to -15 deg. F (approx -22 C),
native American labruscana hybrid grape derived from Concord and
Cassady
American hybrids. Introduced in the Northeast USA in 1882. Like its parent
Concord counterpart this variety requires quite high heat, soil of optimum
fertility and grafting to a good growth rootstock (eg. "3309") for best results.
Used to create fruity white wines with strong "grapey" flavor, usually sweet
finished, but also found in dry versions. Suitable also as a Table grape.
Possibly one of the few native American hybrids that will remain popular in the
U.S. because of a wide consumer base created after World War II. Plantings are
mainly found in the Eastern and Mid-West regions of the U.S. where it ripens
about 1 week earlier than Concord. At
its best when blended with a neutral wine.
19th century (1869) labrusca white-wine producing grape with somewhat "foxy"
flavors. Parents are Hartford - (a
cross between Isabella
and an unnamed labrusca) - and the interesting 19th century Taylor
variety. Has several synonym names including Belo Otelo, Charvat and Tatar Rizling.
At last report small acreages are still planted on the eastern seaboard of the
U.S. and in cooler areas of Croatia, Romania and France.
Complex V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
cultivar, derived from a Thomas x Tarheel
cross. Has synonym name N.C 20-119.
Widely grown in the S.E and Gulf states of the USA. Successfully used in
Arkansas for producing red wine and juice. Also recommended as a tablegrape.
Similar to the Carlos grape
above.
Is a bunchgrape hybrid resistant to Pierce's Disease for use in Florida and
the lower Gulf States of the U.S.A. However latest reports indicate low
resistance to fruit cracking and anthracnose so it is no longer recommended.
This well-known native N. American V.aestivalis cultivar, with the alias
name Virginia
Seedling, is thought to be derived by chance pollination involving the
American aestivalis native species. Is mainly found in the warmer regions of the
southeast U.S.. DNA analysis carried out in the early 1990's has shown that this
cultivar is identical to the Cynthiana
variety listed above. Substantial acreages are grown in the State of Virginia,
and Missouri where it has had over a century-long presence, that reportedly
ripen in late September. The deeply pigmented, aromatic characteristics of the
fully ripe fruit used to create this historically interesting full red wine are
said to include coffee and spice-like flavor with little or no "foxy" aroma
providing problems with both high pH and high titratable acidity are
appropriately addressed. Vines are tolerant of common fungal infestations and
easily protected with fungicides. Planting in well-draining soils is required if
rot is to be avoided. Foliar Magnesium spray application is recommended in
Arkansas. Crops are best enhanced with high training, preferably Geneva Double
Curtain. Birds find the small fruit very attractive.
Is reportedly a hybrid created from the cross between a Gamay and
American riperia variety. Reported by some to be one of the parents of Marechal
Foch. Used to produce a tannic, somewhat rustic red wine with good aging
ability. Quite widely grown in France due to its care-free hardiness.
This "provenance unknown" grape is reported by some to be a cold-hardy
native American labrusca hybrid. Alternatively, Canadian viticulturists believe
it to be a V. Berlandieri x V. Riparia cross variety named Teleki 8B
developed by the Teleki Research Institute, Hungary. Has synonym name of Inkameep
Riesling. Usually ripening around mid-September, it is currently found on
small acreages in British Columbia, Canada, the N.W. USA and, possibly, in New
Zealand. Known to have no relationship to the german Riesling V.
vinifera variety (see above). Berries reported to have a Muscat-like flavor, at
around 18 deg. Brix sugar content, which can then degenerate into labrusca-style
flavors if allowed to ripen much further. Can be used to produce a bland
varietal white-wine best used for blending although some report varietal success
with a short (up to 36 hour) skin contact during fermentation.
Developed in 1908 at the N.Y. Research Station, it is now used sparingly as
a white tablegrape because of its strong American labruscana flavor. It in turn
was derived from the Winchell and
Moores
Diamond cultivars. Its main claim to fame is being one of the parents, the
other being Zinfandel,
of the Schuyler
hybrid cultivar.
Is a mid-to-late September ripening hybrid bunchgrape resistant to Pierce's
Disease. Propagated for use in Florida and the lower Gulf States of the U.S.A as
a tablegrape. According to the U. of Florida it requires grafting on Dog Ridge
variety rootstock for good growth and yields under alkaline (7.0 pH) soil
conditions or sandy soil. Normally grafting is not required.
Variety derived from a Optima x Seyval Blanc
cross. Has synonym name Geilweilerhof
GA-58-30. Has achieved some popularity in the United Kingdom as a white wine
producer although currently overshadowed by the somewhat similar Phoenix
cultivar. Not to be confused with the V.vinifera Orion Gris
variety. (No other details as yet).
Developed Ontario, Canada in 1859, this cultivar is the result of a cross
between the Clinton and
Black
Hamburg varieties. Historically interesting as one of the cultivars widely
planted in Europe as replacement for vinifera varieties devastated by the
phylloxera crisis in the mid-19th century. Acreages still exist in France where
the produce is used to make a white sweet dessert wine.
(No other details other than this is a tablegrape cultivar Soraya x IAC 544-41
hybrid cross allegedly developed in Brazil. Has synonym name of IAC 871-41.
Not to be confused with a similarly named chance seedling discovered
around 1915 in Ontario, Canada that is vigorous, disease-resistant, productive
and matures early with a close resemblance to Concord and
recommended for planting in Arkansas).
(No other details other than it is a recent promising release with synonym
name Geilweilerhof GA
49-22. Has direct parentage of Bacchus x Villard
Blanc and is reported as a German white-wine creating variety cross planted
in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada and, recently, in England).
French-American hybrid, technically known as Kuhlmann
191-1, suitable for winemaking. The small berry bunches ripen early. Its
highly flavored grapes are mainly used to flavor neutral wines toward the
Burgundian profile.
This variety is reportedly the french-american hybrid Seibel 5455
and is thought by some to be related to Jacquez and so
not suitable for the New York State Finger Lakes (USA) or other hard-freeze
liable regions. Still one of the most widely planted hybrids remaining in France
because of its reliable productivity. Mainly used in that country to produce a
decent table wine.
Has synonym names Jean Mace and
Raisin
Superbe. (No other details other than it is a white-wine producing variety
developed in France and derived from a Boskokisi x Madeleine
Royale variety cross.
Also known by the synonym name ES 3-24-7. Is
a cross between ES 2-7-13 and
ES 2-8-1.
Developed by Elmer Swenson in 1980 and released around 1994. Harsh-cold (to -40
deg. F) tolerant, this variety is quite disease resistant other than a
susceptibility to easily controllable Anthracnose. Reported as capable of making
a neutral varietal wine in most years it is currently used to add body and
finish to such other white wines as Louise
Swenson.
This variety is a Vinifera and American native Labrusca cross developed by
T.V Munson dating from the late 19th century and once popular in eastern Canada
where it was used in varietal sparkling, and other, wines by the now defunct
Brights Winery of Ontario province.
V. champinii variety used almost solely as rootstock. Has synonym name Saltcreek.
Noted for superior resistance to wet, saline soil conditions. (No other details
as yet).
French-American hybrid with the technical name of Ravat #6 and parentage of
Chardonnay
and Seibel
5474. According to Phillip Wagner, late dean of eastern U.S. winemakers,
this variety can produce high-quality white wines reminiscent of its famous
Vinifera parent. Requires grafting to a suitable rootstock and needs careful
spraying regime for protection from fungus diseases.
Variety widely grown in the cooler regions of the northeast American
continent, including Canada, and middle band of states of the USA. This very
cold-hardy, late budding, french-american hybrid small-cluster grape ripens in
late September. Requires grafting to good vigor rootstock for fruit-bud
development. Due to high acid content, is recommended for making white dry,
late-harvest and ice-wines. Reported to have Pinot de
Corton and Le Subereux
french-american hybrids as direct parents. Currently very popular as a high
quality dessert wine because of its restrained fruitiness, high acid and good
balance.
French-american hybrid grape related to Pinot Noir.
Some stock, usually ripening around mid-September, is planted in the Eastern
states of the U.S. in order to make a currently light, candy-flavored red wine.
Sometimes misnamed Ravat 34, a
much lighter skinned grape.
Cool-climate white-wine and table grape. Created early in the search for
suitable french-american hybrid grapes and is one of the parents of the Vidal Blanc
cultivar. Produces fruit with high sugar content suitable for making crisp,
well-balanced, semi-sweet or sparkling wine blends. This variety is still grown
in the Loire region of France. It is successful in the state of Missouri where
it is used to produce a good quality wine with a distinctively Loire-valley
taste profile. Takes Botrytis (ie. Noble Rot) infection extremely well and the
bunches hang until Thanksgiving in that State allowing production of an
exceptionally successful sweet wine.
Is a vigorous and productive red Muscadine
variety. Regarded by many as similar to the Noble hybrid
cultivar. Sugar content tends to be fairly low, about 15 deg. Brix. The grape is
juice rich and color stability is good. The wine is reported to have less
varietal character than other red Muscadines with the advantage that it appeals
to consumers who tend to reject the standard varietal wine.
(Pronounced "ray-ghent"). Has synonym name of Geilweilerhof
67-198-3. Has complex parentage of Diana x Chambourcin
cultivars. Bred for disease resistance, a recent (1998) vintage in the Pfaltz,
Germany, required no spraying during the season and produced a good red wine.
Growers in Michigan, USA, report winter hardiness is better than Riesling
with frost resistance of at least -16 deg. F. (ca -27 C.) with no protection.
Wine reported to have good color, moderate tannins and a fruit aroma/taste
profile reminiscent of Rhone, France red wines.
Very productive and hardy cultivar recommended as seedless tablegrape
suitable for state of Oregon (USA). Medium pink/red berries on large clusters.
Reportedly has fruity, diluted, muscat flavor profile. Ripens in mid-to-late
September.
Very hardy French/American hybrid, (a.k.a Seibel
1000), cultivar with medium-sized berries that ripen in mid-season.
Historically interesting as the first french-american variety import to be
introduced into Canada and one of the first, after Geneva (NY) research station
propagation (post-1927), to be planted - (1930's by the Urbana Wine Company,
later known as Gold Seal of Keuka Lake, and one other 5-acre private plot) - on
trial acreages in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Currently recommended for
use in New Mexico and elsewhere as basis for acceptable rosé and red wines.
Has better resistance to Pierces Disease than other French/American hybrids.
Also known as Seyve Villard
12-309. In dry, long-season regions it is mainly used to produce a
well-balanced, somewhat rustic, red wine. Reported to lack fruit quality and
productive vigor when planted in the Gulf Coast regions of the U.S.A.
(a.k.a Siebel
5898). Red wine grape currently grown in the Finger Lakes region of New York
State and recommended for New Mexico as a hardy vine with somewhat erratic
production potential in that it sometimes bears biennially. Usually ripens in
early October. Susceptible to bunch rot in some locations and requires
harvesting at lower soluble solids in most years. Its wine is recommended for
blending with wines made from American labruscana grapes, such as Catawba, in
order to give good red color/intensity. Useful component in certain Port blends.
Reported as a Keuka x Ontario
cross developed around the mid-1930's at the Geneva Institute of N.Y. Found to
lack vigor and overbears with poor hardiness in New York State. Usually ripens
around 1 week before Catawba.
This red-fleshed grape cultivar is reported to be the popular name of the Seibel 123
hybrid. It is presently listed as grown on small acreages in Brazil, Romania,
Spain and the USA. Currently used in the latter country to enhance the color of
Californian fortified Port wines. Another grape, Salvador
(Blanca) is listed by at least one database as commonly found in Spain. (No
other details as yet).
Is a cross between Zinfandel
and Ontario
varieties. A heavy producer, it is early to mid-season ripening. Severe pruning
is needed to keep it from overbearing. The juice is sweet with a vinous taste.
Unlike most American hybrids it does not have slip skin fruit. Suitable for
Table, Juice or Wine production.
Historically notable native american Muscadine
grape variant with the usual characteristic "musky/grapey" flavor. Cultivated
since 1809, although wine was reportedly made by French immigrants from wild
vine fruit as early as the mid-16th century. Mostly confined to the South-East
and Gulf states of the U.S. where it is used to produce sweet-finished white
wines. Reported to be very resistant to Pierces Disease.
Reported to be the result of a Lignan Blanc
x Ontario
cross. Very early ripening, (late August), french-american hybrid white-wine
grape, also suitable as a seeded tablegrape, recommended for use in New Mexico
and other cool-climate areas. Moderately winter hardy and is susceptible to
Powdery Mildew. Widely planted in the North-East regions of the USA.
No other details other than it is a white-wine producing variety developed
at Geisenheim, Germany and derived from a Saperavi
Severnyi x (Foster x Prachttraube)
complex cultivar cross. Currently under test for use as a white wine grape in
Europe.
(a.k.a Seyval). A
french-american hybrid grape that can be used to make high quality white wines
of various styles. Crisp, fruity dry versions have sometimes been likened to
French "Chablis" in aroma and taste. Wine intensity tends to be perceived as
"thin", consequently either malolactic or barrel fermentation followed by oak
aging is recommended to enhance quality. Grown extensively in the colder
northern temperate zones of N. America and Europe, grafting to disease-resistant
rootstock (eg. "5BB") is recommended for most sites. Ripening usually occurs
around mid-late September. Fruit has high vulnerability to Botrytis bunchrot.
This variety also one of the parents of Chardonel,
a hybrid-grape cross sharing Chardonnay as
the other parent.
American labruscana variety that produces big, compact clusters of large Concord-type
berries that normally ripen in late September. Vigorous and productive, often
requiring heavy pruning. Very hardy to -15 deg. F. (ca -26 C.), disease
resistant and suited for most growing sites. Derived from a Herbert x Worden
variety crossing.
No other details other than this variety was developed at Geisenheim,
Germany, and is a Saperavi
Severnyi x (Foster x Prachttraube)
complex cultivar cross. Currently under test for use as a white-wine producer
grape in Europe.
V.rotundifolia (i.e Muscadine)
variety derived from a Thomas x Topsail O.P
crossing. Has synonym name Meridian
13. Claimed to have good resistance to Pierce's Disease. (No other details
as yet other than it is recommended as a Tablegrape suitable for the Gulf States
of the U.S.A).
Patented cold hardy American hybrid suitable for Wine and Juice production.
Reported by growers to be hardy to -25 deg. F. (ca -32 C.), lower if snow/mulch
covered. Disease resistant and ripens early. Cluster thinning often needed on
this vigorous vine. Plantings can be found in Wisconsin, S. Dakota and elsewhere
in the U.S Midwest.
Patented sibling cold hardy to -20 deg. F. (ca -29 C.) American hybrid
related to LaCrosse
suitable for making fruity white wine claimed to have Riesling
character, or as a good tablegrape. Ripens early in season. It must be planted
near other grape varieties because it is a female pollinate and requires
cross-pollination. Some trials are currently underway in S. Dakota and other
moderately cold-winter States.
Late ripening (Oct) harsh-cold hardy red wine grape variety grown in
mid-Ohio that is thought by some to be a Dr. Hansen release from the Missouri
State Grape Research Station at Mountain Grove. If the assumption is correct it
is a V.
vinifera x complex T. V. Munson american hybrid. Another report has it as a
Chambourcin
x Pinot
Noir chance seedling. Reported in the literature as a discovered
well-adapted "provenance unknown" vine in Missouri during the mid-1970's. Has
some ampelographic similarities to the DeChaunac
variety. Used in Ohio to produce wine with mild tannins and elevated acid
content best enhanced with french oak flavors. Finished wine is regarded by some
as vaguely similar to a young Italian "Chianti" beverage.
Hardy, vigorous American native labrusca variety derived from a Wayne x Sheridan
labrusca cross. Commonly used to make mild, grapey, red wine. Usually ripens
around late September. Also used as juice and tablegrape provider. Found mostly
in the Eastern and Mid-West regions of the U.S.. Easily adaptable to most
growing sites, cluster thinning is usually necessary.
Is a hybrid bunchgrape derived from a complex V.Shuttleworthii O.P
(Aestivalis?) Mantey x Seyve Villard
12-309 cultivar cross. Is resistant to Pierce's Disease and designed for use
in Florida and the lower Gulf States of the U.S.A. Requires grafting on Dog Ridge or Tampa
rootstock in alkaline soils for good yields and growth. Mainly used in single
varietal or blended sparkling wines.
Patented, very hardy seeded grape similar to Concord and
better suited to Southern U.S.A. climate where ripening evenly can be a problem.
Excellent disease resistance. Claimed to produce juice of intense color and
flavor.
V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
female pollinate variety reported as derived from a Lebanese
No.9 x Gar- Supreme
cross. (No other details as yet other than it is listed as suitable for planting
in the Gulf and south-eastern regions of the U.S.A.)
American hybrid variety derived from a Minn 78 x Seibel 11803
cross. Mainly suitable as tablegrape. Claimed by some as capable of making a
good rosé wine. Susceptible to Downy Mildew. Ripens early and claimed to be
hardy to -30 deg. F. (ca -35 C.). (No other details available as yet).
Has synonym name ES 6-1-43.
Very vigorous variety developed in 1980 and released around 1994 by Elmer
Swenson at the Univ. of Minnesota from an Edelweiss x E.S. 442 cross
that ripens around early October. Has thick-skin berries of moderate acidity.
Claimed to be very frost (to -30 deg. F) and disease resistant, with a hardiness
exceeding that of the St. Pepin
variety (above), and reported as closely resembling the latter cultivar in wine
quality. Recommended as a candidate for the production of Late Harvest and
"Eiswein" (ie. white Icewine) in Minnesota.
Commonly used as rootstock for the Conquistador,
Orlando
(Seedless), Black Spanish
and Stover
bunchgrapes in order to promote good growth and yield on cultivated alkaline
soilsites in Florida and the Gulf States.
Complex V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
cultivar. Derived from a Luola x (Eden x (Eden x V.
Munsonia)) cross. Mainly grown in the South and Gulf States of the U.S.A
where it is recommended as a suitable wine or tablegrape variety, having good
Pierce's Disease resistance.
Historically important American (V. labrusca x V. riparia) variety. Has the
synonym name Bullitt. One
of the most compatible vines used by the hybridizers during the 19th century
phylloxera crisis in Europe. Still grown on that continent where it is mainly
used to produce a sweet dessert wine. Is best known as one of the pedigree
parents of the Missouri
Riesling and Noah oldline
varieties.
Derived from a Herbert x Worden cross.
This hybrid variety is widely grown in Georgia (CIS) and the wine from it is
extensively used in that countries blended red wines.
Complex V.rotundifolia (ie. Muscadine)
cultivar. Derived from a Latham x Burgaw cross.
Mainly grown in the Deep South and Gulf States of the U.S.A where it is
recommended as a suitable tablegrape variety with good Pierce's Disease
resistance.
French-American hybrid, (a.k.a Baco 2-16),
suitable for Winemaking. Derived from Baco 45A and
Baco 1 and
as such is of labrusca/riperia/vinifera ancestry. Ripens very early in season.
The acidic white wines produced by french growers from this variety are mainly
used for distillation into Cognac Brandy.
Newly, (1996), released variety derived from a Traminer Rot x
Joannes
Seyve 23416 cross by Cornell Univ. viticulturists. Quite cold-hardy, bears
large clusters and is suitable for cool climates, although own-rooted cuttings
are reported to show rooting problems and shy fruit productivity in some areas.
Suitable grafted roots are recommended by the developers. Vine has moderate
vigor, requires no spraying against Powdery Mildew but may need a couple for
protection against Downy Mildew if season is unusually wet. This late midseason
- (generally early to mid-October) - ripening white-wine producer variety is
claimed to be superior in its balance of sugar, acid and pH levels to that of
the most famous of its parents, (see above), and also has less bitter phenols.
Initially simple, the wine ages well; developing honey and apricot flavors in 2
to 5 bottle years. Small trial commercial and nursery acreages can be found in
the Canandaigua and Seneca Lakes area of New York State's Finger Lakes region,
and other regions, because of the current acceptance of this hybrid grape. State
of Virginia trial crops proved to be very resistant to bunch rot after the
unusually heavy rainfall of 1996.
Variety derived from a MG 101-14 x
Knipperle
cross. Has synonym name Kuhlmann
319-1. Early ripening hybrid cultivar gaining popularity in the United
Kingdom where it is used as a red wine producer. (No other details as yet other
than it is attractive to birds and insects).
This vitis hybrid cultivar, used for tablegrape production, is a Concord x Chasselas
Musque hybrid cross that has several synonym names including Campbell's
Concord and Jossling St.
Albans. Not to be confused with the similarly named V. Rotundifolia
cultivar, synonym name Georgia
9-62, developed earlier by T. V. Munson from a Fry x Georgia
29-49 cross).
No other details as yet other than it is reported to be a collective name
for american rootstock varieties currently grown in certain southern Styria and
South Burgenland districts of Austria. The fruit is used there to make typical
labrusca-style wines (legal since 1992) having strawberry-reminiscent aroma's
etc.
Very early ripening, hardy American Labruscana (Fredonia x
Worden)
seeded table cultivar developed and released in 1935 by the Geneva, N.Y.
Agricultural Station. Has characteristics similar to the Worden
variety. Susceptible to fungus diseases like Downy Mildew and problems with
split-skin etc.
Popular name for the promising Cliche 8414
variety derived from a Vandal 64 x
Vandal 163
1984 cross by a private breeder resident in Quebec, Canada. No other details as
yet other than it is a cold-climate hardy cultivar that has successfully created
a white wine and is currently (1999) undergoing field trial in Upper Canada.
Moderately hardy, early ripening (around mid-September) hybrid cultivar
released by Ontario, Canada, Research Station that generally buds in late May.
Is the result from crossing Seneca and a
cultivar descended from the Bath and Interlaken
varieties. Fruity, sweet-tasting variety resistant to cracking in wet
conditions. Very disease resistant and winter hardy. Very vigorous when first
planted but growth slows down eventually.
Cold-hardy to -40 deg. F (ca -42 C.) red wine grape cultivar developed from
a local cultivar cross with Fredonia at
South Dakota State University. Currently grown in Minnesota, S. Dakota and in
some other US and Canadian midwest states. Mostly used in blends, it ripens
about three weeks before Concord. (No
other information on this cultivar at present).
Experimental French-American hybrid developed at the Vineland Horticultural
Research Institute of Ontario, Canada in 1961 from a 1953 cross between the Cascade and
a Seyve-Villard hybrid cultivar. (No other details as yet).
Cold hardy to -25 deg. F. (ca -32 C.) American hybrid developed in 1974 by
the Ontario Horticultural Research Institute of Canada. Is a cross between the
Elvira V.
Riparia variety and Chelois. Has
improved resistance to fruit cracking. Recommended as suitable for making crisp
labrusca-flavored wine, or juice production. Ripens late September, with berries
that are high in sugar and acid content if left past maturity. The vine has some
susceptibility to tomato ringspot virus and requires grafting if grown on
virus-infected sites. Currently grown in Canada, S. Dakota and other mid-west
U.S. states.
Vigorous seedless hybrid variety released by the University of Arkansas.
Generally buds in late May and ripens around mid-to-late September. The cultivar
gives large berries, in well-filled medium clusters, with a distinctive "grapey"
flavor profile, with muscat and spice. Not always completely seedless. Has
susceptibility to rot in wet/humid conditions because of packed berries in the
bunch when ripe. This blue-black skinned grape was developed for use in the
middle band or south-central states of the U.S.A. Recommended for tablegrape and
grapejuice production.
Mainly planted in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York state and in
the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario and Okanagan, B.C. regions of Canada. Suitable
for eating as a table grape as well as for making white wine. Cold hardiness is
not as good as that of competing varieties. Usually ripens around mid-October.
Moderately productive and marginally hardy old-line nineteenth century
American V. labrusca variety once widely grown in New York. Has Dracut O.P
(Amber) variety listed in USDA database (above) as pedigree parent. (No
other details as yet other than it appears to have a similar relationship with
the Lutie
variety).
Popular late-season (around mid-late September) maturing french-american
hybrid white-wine creating variety producing large clusters with fruity, floral
flavors and good balance. Requires sites with long growing season and is
moderately cold-resistant to -5 deg. F. (ca -20 C.). Needs grafting (eg. "SO4"
rootstock) for extra vigor when used in certain soil conditions. Descended from
the Ugni
Blanc of France, (aka Trebbiano
of Italy) and Rayon d'Or, it
usually needs cluster thinning to achieve superior results. Made in a variety of
styles - (i.e: Dry to sweet including late-harvest dessert style and ice wines).
Cool region grapes vinified in a Rhine/Mosel manner are said to have a Riesling-like
character.
French-american hybrid grape derived from a Seibel 6468
x Seibel
6905 cross. Has technical synonym name Seyve-Villard
12-375. Vigorous, productive, fungus disease resistant. Used mostly for
making a fruity, mildly intense white wine. Benefiting from oak-aging, it has a
nuanced "smoky" flavor in the better vintage years that some find reminiscent of
Chardonnay.
Still widely planted in France despite E.U. rules attempting to phase-in strict
variety limitations. It is also grown in the cooler regions of the Northern U.S.
and Canada. Does not always fully mature its fruit in very cool regions such as
the Finger Lakes region of N.Y. because of late ripening around late
October-early November. Claimed by some to possess moderate resistance to
Pierce's Disease. Best grown on shallow, mild lime-content soils because it has
been reported that juice from vines grown on rich soils develops a protein haze
during fermentation. Currently recommended for planting in Kansas, Missouri and
Oklahoma. Also recommended as a tablegrape when fully ripened.
Variety derived from a Seibel 7053 x
Seibel 6905
cross, the latter variety also being a parent of Villard
Blanc above. Has synonym technical designation Seyve-Villard
18-315. Still commonly grown in France for use as a winegrape where it
ripens late mid-season and is a fungus disease resistant heavy producer.
Very deep red wine grape-cross released in 1967 by the Horticultural
Research Institute of Canada at Vineland, Ontario. Suitable for producing
full-bodied table/port style wines. Limited acreages of this cold hardy variety
are grown in the Finger Lakes region of W. New York mainly for use as a "teinturier-style"
blend coloring agent. Ripens in mid-October. Has some susceptibility to Powdery
Mildew fungus.
Hybrid cross released in 1983 by Ontario Horticultural Research Institute of
Canada. Ripens early October in Ontario. Hardiness slightly less than Concord yet
vulnerable to fungal diseases. Although vigorous and productive this cultivar
has not excited much interest despite claims of good white wine - similar to
Riesling - production.
American/vinifera hybrid variety developed by the prolific New York (USA)
hybridizer Andrew Jackson Caywood in the mid-19th century. Its claim to fame now
rests on its use in the development of the Dutchess
cultivar. (See above).
Reported to be a cross of Ontario x Mills. (No
information on this grape as yet other than it is an early ripening variety
developed at the Geneva Institute in the Finger Lakes region of N.Y State and is
one of the parents of the Buffalo
grape found on small acreages in British Columbia, Canada).
Reported to be an early ripening cross of the Ontario x Mills
varieties. Developed at the Geneva Institute of New York around the mid-1930's.
Similar to the Watkins and
Yates
varieties.
Is a 19th century cross between a Vinifera and American Labrusca species.
Vigorous and hardy to -35 deg. F. (ca -32 C.), it ripens two to three weeks
before Concord,
requiring similar pruning and yield control. This blue-black skinned grape
variety is claimed to be resistant to Downy Mildew.
Early ripening variety developed at the Geneva Istitute of New York around
the mid 1930's. Reported to be the result of a cross Mills x Ontario,
similar to Watkins and
Wayne.
--------------------------------------- Grapes are fairly
tolerant to a wide range of soils, well-drained sandy loams being the optimum
soil-type. Soil pH requirements vary according to cultivar with American
varieties on the low end favoring 5.6-6.0 and V. Vinifera requiring a range of
6.5-7.0. Potassium and Nitrogen deficiencies can be remedied with Nitrogen
compound addition of 50-80 lbs/acre annually, while Potassium is best applied at
the rate of 250 lbs/acre before planting is commenced with later supplementary
annual amounts of about 100 lbs/acre. Controllable "drip" irrigation
installation is recommended for best results under arid region conditions.
Planting new vines. ------------------
One to two-year old vines with suitable grafted rootstocks are recommended as
relatively risk-free. Roots can reportedly be cut back to around 8-10 inches
length if absolutely necessary although this action does seem to retard growth,
during the first season, in some varieties planted in cool climate regions. Dig
a hole about 10 inches deep and plant the vine, spreading roots apart on a small
pile of soil so that the graft union will be 4 to 6 inches above ground level
when the hole is back-filled. The scion is best restricted to 2 buds (when any
danger of frost attack has passed). Point the 2-budded scion spur towards the
support-stake or wire so the new shoots will grow as close to the support system
as possible and will be easier to tie without bending and breaking. Backfill the
planting hole and pack soil firmly as you go (not compressing the soil too
much). Soil may have to be added later if it subsides too much after heavy rain.
In drought-prone areas it is best to cover the entire new plant with soil, or
other type of covering, for several weeks to prevent drying-out. Once growth has
taken hold the soil is pulled away from the plant so that the graft-joint and
buds/shoots are again correctly exposed above ground level.
If using own-rooted vines, all buds should be trimmed off except for the
upper two (to prevent unwanted shoots coming up from the root zone). Plant as
previously, making sure the two surviving buds are well above ground surface.
Cover completely with a mound of dirt, removed later when the shoots push out of
the mound and are well along. Make sure a hard crust does not form on the dirt
mound that would stop new shoots from emerging.
Unpruned plant growth is usually allowed for the first two years in order to
avoid stress with berries expected to make their appearance, in the 3rd year,
after first use of the preferred style of winter vine-pruning.
Grapevines are sensitive to too much moisture so occasional testing with a
soil moisture meter (available at most local nurseries) is a good investment.
Acknowledgments. --------------- The above Winegrape Glossary is a
composite of information obtained from several types of resource. Among them are
WWW sites, mailing lists, Usenet groups, and helpful individual email-ings,
particularly from Bill Hagerman on Gulf State cultivars, Andrew Bennett, Bill
Edinger, Lon J. Rombough and Steve Snyder for their personal lists of
French-American and other hybrids etc, Harald Trost for additions relating to
Austrian and Romanian varieties, George Gale for corrections to descriptions of
some French-American hybrid varieties, details about the rare "Bacchus" American
Riparia variety from Les Grosz and individual items from Robin Garr's Web-board
correspondents.
Confirmatory details about some lesser french grapes were adapted from "Guide
to the Wines and Vineyards of France" by Alexis Lichine, 2nd Edn, 1982. Other
sources include publications by the "New York Wine and Grape Foundation", Penn
Yan, N.Y. (U.S.A), newspapers such as the "New York Times", "Buffalo News" etc;
and winery/nursery grape descriptions from California, Oregon, Ohio and Finger
Lakes (NY) listings. My thanks to all those sources is heartfelt and sincere
because, without them, none of the above would have appeared in its present
form.