History & Wine

Let’s chat grapes, shall we?

In the intricate world of viticulture, the terms hybrid grapes, crossings, and grape parents often crop up, each playing a unique role in the creation of the wines we love. To appreciate the nuanced flavors and characteristics in your glass, it helps to understand the differences between these terms. Let’s delve into each concept, using well-known wine grape examples to illustrate these fascinating aspects of grape breeding.

Hybrid Grapes: Bridging Species

Hybrid grapes are the result of crossing two different species of grapes, typically involving at least one Vitis vinifera parent (the primary species used for wine production) and another species such as Vitis labrusca or Vitis riparia. The goal of creating hybrid grapes is often to combine desirable traits from both parent species, such as disease resistance, cold tolerance, or unique flavors.

Example: Vidal Blanc Vidal Blanc is a hybrid grape created by crossing Vitis vinifera and Vitis riparia – Ugni blanc and Rayon d’Or. It is known for its ability to withstand cold climates, making it a popular choice in regions like Canada and the northeastern United States. Vidal Blanc produces aromatic, fruity wines and is famously used in the production of Icewine.

868 Estate Vineyards in Virginia makes a Vidal Blanc passito that won the Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2020.

Crossings: The Vinifera Variety Combinations

Crossings, unlike hybrids, involve the crossing of two Vitis vinifera grapes. This process combines characteristics from two vinifera parents to create a new grape variety. Crossings are often developed to enhance specific traits such as flavor profile, yield, or resistance to certain pests and diseases.

Example: Müller-Thurgau Müller-Thurgau is a classic example of a crossing, developed in the 19th century by crossing Riesling with Madeleine Royale. The resulting grape is known for its early ripening and high yields, producing light, floral, and fruity wines that are especially popular in Germany and Switzerland.

Terlan Müller-Thurgau is a wine from the Alpine Alto Adige region of Italy.

Grape Parents: The Origins of Iconic Varieties

Grape parents refer to the specific parent grapes used in the crossing to produce a new grape variety. Understanding the parentage of a grape can provide insights into its flavor profile, growing conditions, and overall characteristics.

Example: Cabernet Sauvignon One of the most renowned examples of grape parentage is Cabernet Sauvignon. This popular variety is the offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The crossing of these two vinifera varieties likely occurred by chance in the 17th century in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet Sauvignon inherits certain structural components like acidity from Sauvignon Blanc, while Cabernet Franc contributes its aromatic complexity and finesse.

Quintessa makes a classic Cabernet Sauvignon from the iconic Napa Valley.

Example: Pinotage Pinotage is a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, developed in South Africa in the early 20th century. Pinot Noir lends elegance and complexity, while Cinsault contributes hardiness and high yield. This unique combination produces robust, deeply colored wines with distinctive flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.

If you’re unfamiliar with the variety, try a Pinotage next chance you get!

The Craft of Grape Breeding

The process of breeding new grape varieties, whether through hybridization or crossing, is a meticulous and time-consuming endeavor. It often involves years of experimentation and testing to achieve the desired balance of traits. The resulting grapes can open up new possibilities for winemaking, introducing diverse flavors, improving vineyard sustainability, and adapting to changing climate conditions, which will become ever more important with the effects of climate change on viticultural practices.

Tasting the Results

Next time you enjoy a glass of wine, consider the intricate lineage behind the grapes in your glass. Whether you’re savoring a hybrid like Vidal Blanc, a crossing like Müller-Thurgau, or a variety with famous grape parents like Cabernet Sauvignon, each sip is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of grape breeders.

Exploring these differences not only enhances our appreciation for the wines we love but also deepens our understanding of the rich tapestry of viticulture.

Cheers to the fascinating world of grape breeding and the endless possibilities it brings to our wine glasses!