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Delicatessen is a grape variety.

Answer: True.

Delicatessen is a hybrid of the grape varieties R.W. Munson and Delicious and is known for its tolerance to heat and drought. Pioneering viticulturist Thomas Volney Munson created Delicatessen in 1902. Munson, who studied wild grapes native to North America, catalogued more than 300 grape varieties. Most importantly, his work helped to save the European wine industry in the 19th century, after phylloxera destroyed more than 6 million acres of vineyards. Vintners grafted European (Vitis vinifera) grape varieties onto Munson’s hybrid rootstocks, which were tolerant of the ravaging insect. Today, viticulturists are reviving Munson’s work and studying heritage grapes for their potential in adapting to climate change. We’re not sure why Munson named one of his hybrids Delicatessen. Personally, I like the ring of “Pastrami on Rye.”

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