Hybrid Grape
Variety · Intermediate · 3 min read
A hybrid grape is a vine bred from two different grape species, almost always Vitis vinifera crossed with an American species such as Vitis riparia or Vitis labrusca. The goal is to combine the flavour of the European wine grape with the disease resistance and cold tolerance of the American parent. Several hybrids, including Seyval Blanc, Regent and Rondo, are grown commercially in the UK.
Why hybrids exist
European Vitis vinifera vines are notoriously vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases, including downy mildew, powdery mildew and phylloxera. American species, evolved in a different environment, are much more resistant. By crossing the two, plant breeders hoped to get the best of both worlds: the wine quality of vinifera and the resilience of the American species.
The first generation of hybrids, bred in France in the late 19th century after the phylloxera crisis, was disappointing. They produced wines with strong off-aromas, the so-called foxy character from labrusca parentage, and they were widely banned in classic regions. Modern hybrids, bred with much more care, are cleaner and more widely accepted.
PIWI varieties
The German term Pilzwiderstandsfähig, often abbreviated to PIWI, refers to fungus-resistant varieties. These are the modern descendants of the hybrid tradition, bred using conventional and marker-assisted techniques. They include Regent, Rondo, Cabernet Cortis, Souvignier Gris, Sauvignac and several others. Many of them are now grown commercially in the UK, particularly in organic and biodynamic vineyards.
Hybrids in the UK
The most widely planted UK hybrid is Seyval Blanc, a French cross of Seibel and Rayon d'Or that produces a clean, crisp white wine with citrus and apple character. Regent, a German red cross, produces a deep-coloured, tannic red that is grown on the warmer South East sites. Rondo, also German, is an early-ripening red that gives deep colour and good acidity. Other hybrids grown in smaller quantities include Phoenix, Schönburger, Ortega and Reichensteiner, the latter two of which have significant UK heritage.
Hybrids are particularly valuable in the more marginal UK sites, where the disease pressure is high and the season is short. The English Wine PDO rules allow hybrids for still wine, although not for the most prestigious tiers. The English Sparkling PDO is more restrictive, requiring Vitis vinifera varieties only.
Criticisms of hybrids
Critics of hybrids argue that the wines are intrinsically less interesting than Vitis vinifera wines, and that the foxy or herbaceous characters of some older hybrids can dominate. Defenders argue that the modern PIWI varieties are clean, that they allow organic and biodynamic farming, and that they give growers a viable option on difficult sites.
In the UK, the practical case for hybrids is strong. The cool, damp climate pushes disease pressure to the limit, and reducing spray applications is a clear win for both the environment and the economics. As the industry moves towards more sustainable viticulture, hybrids and PIWI varieties are likely to become an increasing part of the planting mix.