🍇 Vitis riparia
A wild grape of North America; the base of many phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.
Vitis riparia is a wild grape species from North America. The name "riparia" means "growing by the bank": it grows along rivers and in forests. The vine is undemanding and very frost-hardy, and its fruit is small, black and sour.
The species' main value is that its roots resist phylloxera. So Vitis riparia is the base of many rootstocks onto which European vines are grafted. Well-known rootstocks bear names such as 101-14 Millardet et de Grasset or Millardet et de Grasset 420 A. They saved European vineyards from destruction in the 19th century and are still used.
The species also took part in creating hybrid varieties. Clinton, Ironclad and Marion descend from it, as well as Baco Noir, Oberlin Noir and Alpha. Such varieties are cold-hardy and suit harsh places. The wild American vine proved to be the key to saving world viticulture. Its wine by itself is usually unappealing, but the benefit it gave is huge.
How it connects to Wine
🍇 Vitis riparia → kind of → 🍇 Grape varieties → kind of → 🍷 Wine
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Frequently asked questions
What is Vitis riparia?
A wild American grape species that is frost-hardy and resistant to phylloxera.
Why do growers need it?
Its roots resist phylloxera, and rootstocks for European vines are made from it.
Which varieties descend from it?
Clinton, Ironclad, Marion, Baco Noir, Oberlin Noir and Alpha.
What to read next
- 🍇 Millardet et Grasset 420 A — A classic 1887 rootstock: berlandieri × riparia; suited to limestone soils.
- 🍇 Alpha — An American hybrid with black berries; very cold-hardy, grown in gardens and as a rootstock.
- 🍇 Millardet et Grasset 143 A — An old French rootstock from 1882: Aramon × riparia.
- 🍇 Geisenheim 26 — A German hybrid from Geisenheim, from the early 20th century.
Similar
🍇 Vitis labrusca · 🍇 Berckmans · 🍇 Kensington · 🍇 Autuchon · 🍇 August Giant · 🍇 Janesville