Wine Grape Varieties

A growing number of home winemakers arehybrids.
searching for information on quality grape varietiesEuropeans developed French hybrid grapes
to grow in the backyard. Selection of the rightthrough very successful plant breeding programs.
varieties is important and several can be found inThe intent was to improve insect and disease
trade literature, university publications, nurseryresistance in vinifera grapes through the use of
sales catalogs, and over the Internet.American varieties without losing wine quality. This
Wine can be produced from any grape, but somerequired very careful selection for taste, aroma
varieties are better suited for winemaking thanand resistance genes. However, wine purists do
others in terms of their acid, sugar, flavor andnot care for the Labrusca flavors found in the
aromatic components. Varietal wine producedFrench hybrid wines, thus more interest is paid to
from red French hybrids (e.g., Chambourcin, Leonvinifera grapes.
Millot, Foch, DeChaunac, Baco Noir) will haveVinifera varieties are still considered by many to
robust aromatic flavors and full-body expressionbe the best for producing world-class wines. Ohio
of tannins. White French hybrids (e.g., Seyval,gardeners who wish to grow high quality wine
Vidal, Vignoles, Traminette) tend to have a fruitiergrapes can rely on Chardonnay, Cabernet ranc,
taste than do reds. You may pick up a peach,Riesling, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Gris vines to
apple, apricot or even banana flavors and haveplant in their backyards. Resistance to diseases
floral aroma as you swirl and sniff the wine. Theand insects is an important negative to growing
tannin flavors commonly found in red wines areviniferous.
due to phenolic compounds extracted grapeWinelines was founded by Martin de Rusett, an
seeds and skins during crush and fermentation.established Wine Merchant and lecturer in London.
They provide a strong, distinct taste in the mouth.The Company aims to expose the mystery that
Some may describe it as bitter or pungent andsurrounds wine tasting as well as wine making,
other may view it as a fullbodied character foundstoring and serving, in order to educate and
in dry to semi-dry wines produced from Frenchentertain.