Hybrid

A new grape variety developed by breeding two or more genetically distinct varieties from different species. When the hybrid is a cross of a European species (VITIS VINIFERA) grape and a grape from any one of several American species, it is referred to as a French-American hybrid. These hybrids were developed by French plant breeders after the massive PHYLLOXERA infestation in the late nineteenth century, but are now banned in most French appellations. Well-known hybrids include Baco noir, villard blanc, and seyval blanc, all of which are grown in the eastern states of the United States.