What are Hybrids
Hybrids are grapes created by the crossing two or more Vitis species. For example, the European species of grapevine, Vitis vinifera, may be combined with any number ofNorth American native grapes. With Vitis vinifera think Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, etc. Hybrid grapes come in the form of table grape varieties and wine grape varieties.
This site focuses on the wine grape varieties, which can make superb wines when well-grown and vinified. By combing different types of grapes winemakers can make new grapes that have really good qualities. They do this to make a wine that tastes amazing and can grow well even in difficult vineyard conditions.
History of Hybrid Grapes
Hybrids came about in the 1860s & 1870s to fight the phylloxera epidemic, which was a vine killingroot “louse” that practically decimated Europe’s vineyards. During this time French researchers created more than 500 different plants with research continuing in the early 1900s. The solution that arose was using American rootstock with Vitis vinifera grafts. Notable breeders included Seibel, Couderc, Kuhlmann, and Bertille Seyve. For quite some time hybrid grapes were quite popular.
Grape Research & Development
Fast forward to today, the University of Minnesota and Cornell University are active in the development of hybrid grapes. University of California, Davis, (UC Davis) is also quite involved with grape research. Hybrids are planted all over the East Coast, Midwest, and the Southern part of the U.S.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota has over 12,000 grape plants in their experimental vineyard, many of which are genetical distinct from each other. Here are some of their grape releases:
| Variety Name | Year Released |
|---|---|
| Clarion | 2023 |
| Itasca | 2015 |
| Frontenac blanc | 2012 |
| Marquette | 2006 |
| Frontenac gris | 2003 |
| La Crescent | 2002 |
| Frontenac | 1995 |
| Edelweiss* | 1977 |
| Swenson Red* | 1977 |
| Bluebell | 1944 |
| Blue Jay | 1944 |
| Moonbeam | 1944 |
| Red Amber | 1944 |
Source: Grape breeding at the University of Minnesota
* Released jointly with Elmer Swenson
Cornell University
Other the other hand and not to be out-done, Cornell is credited with the development of the following grapes going all of the way back to 1906:
| Variety Name | Year Released | |
|---|---|---|
| Aravelle | 2023 | |
| Everest Seedless™ | 2018 | |
| Arandell | 2013 | |
| Aromella | 2013 | |
| Noiret | 2006 | |
| Corot noir | 2006 | |
| Valvin Muscat | 2006 | |
| Geneva Red | 2003 | |
| Marquis | 1996 | |
| Traminette | 1996 | |
| Chardonel | 1991 | |
| Einset Seedless | 1985 | |
| Melody | 1985 | |
| Horizon | 1982 | |
| Remaily Seedless | 1980 | |
| Canadice | 1977 | |
| Glenora | 1977 | |
| Cayuga White | 1972 | |
| Lakemont | 1972 | |
| Suffolk Red | 1972 | |
| Canada Muscat | 1961 | |
| New York Muscat | 1961 | |
| Alden | 1952 | |
| Bath | 1952 | |
| Himrod | 1952 | |
| Naples | 1952 | |
| Romulus | 1952 | |
| Interlaken Seedless | 1947 | |
| Schuyler | 1947 | |
| Steuben | 1947 | |
| Kendaia | 1939 | |
| Athens | 1938 | |
| Buffalo | 1938 | |
| Eden | 1938 | |
| Ruby | 1938 | |
| Bronx Seedless | 1937 | |
| Hector | 1937 | |
| Yates | 1937 | |
| Van Buren | 1935 | |
| Westfield | 1935 | |
| Erie | 1932 | |
| Seneca | 1930 | |
| Stout Seedless | 1930 | |
| Watkins | 1930 | |
| Hanover | 1928 | |
| Fredonia | 1927 | |
| Golden Muscat | 1927 | |
| Wayne | 1927 | |
| Keuka | 1923 | |
| Melton | 1923 | |
| Pontiac | 1922 | |
| Sheridan | 1921 | |
| Dunkirk | 1920 | |
| Brocton | 1919 | |
| Portland | 1912 | |
| Ripley | 1912 | |
| Urbana | 1912 | |
| Westfield (discarded) | 1912 | |
| Ontario | 1908 | |
| Goff | 1906 |
Source: Cornell Grape Varieties
Common American Hybrid Species
The American Vitis species that researchers have crossed with Vitis vinifera are:
Vitis labrusca is known to have a strong “musk” flavor and aroma that is not endearing to most wine drinkers. The grape has strawberry notes.
Vitis riparia is considered to be more subtle than Vitis labrusca. The grape has herbal or blackcurrant themes.
Other North American wild species include Vitis aestivalis lincecumii (the Post Oak Grape), Vitis rupestris (the Sand Grape), and Vitis riparia (the Riverbank Grape).
Hybrids Around the World
Less than five percent of the vineyards globally are planted with hybrid grapes. In 2021, the European Union updated their regulations to allow member states to use vine varieties containing non-Vinifera, such as those of American or Asia origin, in the production of protected designations of origin wines. The EU’s decision to do so is in response to the growing challenges presented with climate change and to help Europe become more sustainable. Wine producers in Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon were among the first in France to embrace these new grapes. In Canada hybrid grapes such was Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Marquette have already been grown for decades.
Summary
Hybrid grapes are a result of crossbreeding two or more Vitis species, primarily involving the European grape species, Vitis vinifera, and various North American native grape varieties. Notable Vitis vinifera grapes include Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, while hybrid grapes come in both table and wine grape varieties.
The history of hybrid grapes dates back to the 1860s and 1870s when they were developed to combat the phylloxera epidemic, which severely affected European vineyards. French researchers, such as Seibel, Couderc, Kuhlmann, and Bertille Seyve, played a crucial role in this effort by creating over 500 different hybrid plants. Their solution involved grafting Vitis vinifera onto American rootstock.
Today, research and development of hybrid grapes continue at institutions like the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, and UC Davis. These grapes are cultivated in various regions, including the East Coast, Midwest, and the Southern United States. The University of Minnesota and Cornell have introduced numerous hybrid grape varieties over the years, contributing to the diversity of grape cultivars available for winemaking. Hybrid grapes have demonstrated their resilience and adaptability in challenging vineyard conditions.
Globally, less than five percent of vineyards are planted with hybrid grapes. The European Union has updated regulations to allow the use of non-Vinifera vine varieties, like American or Asian hybrids, in the production of protected designation of origin wines, primarily due to climate change challenges. This shift has been embraced by wine producers in regions like Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon in France. In Canada, hybrids like Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Marquette have been cultivated for decades. Hybrid grapes offer the potential to create wines with unique qualities and sustainability in changing climates. Cheers!