UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE 
 
 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 
 
 BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 
 
 CIRCULAR 356 
 
 August, 1943 
 
 GRAPE VARIETIES FOR WINE PRODUCTION 1 
 
 M. A. AMERINE 2 and A. J. WINKLER 3 
 
 Although California Wineries have utilized a considerable tonnage of 
 raisin and table grapes since repeal of Prohibition, their preferred material is 
 wine grapes. In this state there are now only 170,000 acres of such grapes, pro- 
 ducing about 600,000 tons per year. The average annual winery crush (1937 to 
 1941) has exceeded 900,000 tons, but the annual crush of wine grapes has not 
 exceeded 450,000 ; hence wine grapes have constituted approximately only 50 
 per cent of the total crush. 4 Should normal winery demands continue, the 
 acreage of wine grapes could probably be expanded with profit. The grower is 
 interested in planting varieties that produce well, but the consumer is con- 
 cerned with securing a product of good quality. 
 
 Interest in wine-grape adaptation to the climatic regions of California has 
 extended from the time of Agoston Haraszthy in 1860 to the present. From 
 1880 until Prohibition, the California Agricultural Experiment Station con- 
 ducted detailed studies, first under Dean E. W. Hilgard, later under Professor 
 F. T. Bioletti. Since Prohibition repeal the studies have been continued, and 
 the present circular summarizes the best information available. 
 
 Table wines may be either sweet or dry. They contain less than 14.0 per 
 cent of alcohol, and the dry types should have over 0.6 per cent acid. The sweet 
 types contain 0.5 to 5.0 per cent sugar and appear balanced with only about 
 0.5 per cent acid. The best grapes for the standard dry types should not exceed 
 24° Balling nor have a must aciditj^ of less than 0.65 per cent. The natural 
 sweet types of table wines will require musts with a Balling degree of 24 to 
 28, because it is necessary to maintain residual sugar in them; yet their 
 acidity should be about 0.60 per cent. 
 
 Dessert wines also may be either sweet or dry. They contain over 18.0 
 per cent alcohol. Since this concentration is not easily obtained by natural 
 
 1 This publication summarizes the recommendations of the Hilgardia article, Composition 
 and Quality of Wines and Musts of California Grapes, by M. A. Amerine and A. J. Winkler 
 (in press). Those interested in more complete information on the merits and defects of 
 specific varieties should write to the Division of Viticulture at Davis stating the varieties, the 
 proposed region of planting, and the type and quality of wine desired. 
 
 2 Assistant Professor of Enology and Assistant Enologist in the Experiment Station. 
 
 3 Professor of Viticulture and Viticulturist in the Experiment Station. 
 
 4 For more complete data see Bulletin 651, Commercial Production of Dessert Wines, by 
 M. A. Joslyn and M. A. Amerine. The percentage of wine grapes in the crush increased in 
 1942 because of the almost complete diversion of raisin grapes to drying. 
 
 [1] 
 
2 University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 fermentation, grape spirits must be added during or after the fermentation 
 to give the required amount of alcohol. The more alcohol produced by fer- 
 mentation, the smaller the amount required to arrest the fermentation. Musts 
 of high Balling readings (over 24) are therefore preferable for making des- 
 sert wines. Such musts also yield wines with a higher extract content. The 
 grapes should not, however, remain on the vines until they have become rais- 
 ined and have lost their fruitiness. Since a sweet-sour taste is undesirable, the 
 acid concentration should be only moderate — from 0.4 to 0.6 per cent in the 
 finished wine is considered desirable. If the acidity is below 0.4 per cent, the 
 wine is likely to taste flat and be unpalatable. 
 
 Fig. 1. — Vineyard on low coastal hills, region I. Note the redwood stumps. 
 (Courtesy of the Wine Institute.) 
 
 The term "high-quality" as used here will describe wines whose character 
 and composition favor the maturation of the wine in the wood or the bottle. 
 A "standard" product is a sound wine that lacks the flavor, the composition, or 
 both, to develop much character by aging. This is no condemnation of standard 
 young wines, which have a very definite place in the industry. Dry white wines 
 in particular can be sold early. 
 
 INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 
 
 Regional Environment. — The environmental-varietal interrelation is com- 
 plicated but important. Under cool conditions ripening proceeds slowly ; the 
 mature grapes retain a higher degree of acidity, have a lower pH ; and red 
 grapes possess much more coloring matter than those grown under warm con- 
 ditions. These conditions favor the production of musts that are well suited for 
 table wines. Under relatively warm ripening conditions, high sugar and 
 moderate acidity are secured. Musts of such grapes are best suited for dessert 
 wines. With some varieties the composition and flavor in certain regions is so 
 superior that typical wines of high quality have been developed. 
 
 California has a wide range of climatic conditions. Utilizing the differences 
 
Cm. 356] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 3 
 
 in the temperature or more specifically the summation of heat as degree-days 5 
 above 50° F for the period April 1 to October 31, the grape-producing area 
 of the state may be conveniently divided into five climatic regions. These 
 regions, together with representative localities, are : 
 
 Region I (less than 2,500 degree-days) : 
 
 Napa and Oakville in Napa County; Hollister and San Juan in San Benito County; 
 Woodside in San Mateo County; Mission San Jose and Saratoga in Santa Clara County; 
 Bonny Doon and Vinehill in Santa Cruz County; and Guerneville, Santa Rosa, and 
 Sonoma in Sonoma County. Figure 1 shows a typical vineyard.) 
 
 Vineyard on hillside in region II. (Courtesy of the Wine Institute.) 
 
 Region II (2,501 to 3,000 degree-days) : 
 
 Soledad in Monterey County; Rutherford, St. Helena, and Spring Mountain in Napa 
 County ; Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County ; Almaden, Evergreen, Guadalupe, and 
 Los Gatos in Santa Clara County; and Glen Ellen in Sonoma County (fig. 2). 
 
 Region III (3,001 to 3,500 degree-days) : 
 
 Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County ; Calpella, Ukiah, and Hopland in Mendo- 
 cino County ; Calistoga in Napa County ; Alpine in San Diego County ; Templeton in San 
 Luis Obispo County ; Loma Prieta in Santa Clara County ; and Alexander Valley, Asti, 
 and Cloverdale in Sonoma County (fig. 3). 
 
 Region IV (3,501 to 4,000 degree-days) : 
 
 Guasti in San Bernardino County; Escondido in San Diego County; Acampo, Escalon, 
 Lockeford, Lodi, and Manteca in San Joaquin County; Cordelia in Solano County; Ceres, 
 Hughson, and Vernalis in Stanislaus County; Ojai in Ventura County; and Davis in Yolo 
 County (fig. 4). 
 
 Region V (4,001 or more degree-days) : 
 
 Fresno and Sanger in Fresno County; Madera in Madera County; Arena and Livingston 
 in Merced County; and Trocha in Tulare County (fig. 4). 
 
 5 For example, if the mean temperature for a period of 5 days was 70° F, the summation 
 would be (70°-50°) x 5 = 100 degree-days; and, if the mean temperature for June was 65°, 
 the summation would be (65°-50°) x 30 = 450 degree-days. 
 
University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 
 
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 Fig. 3. — Vineyard in the Livermore Valley, region III. Note the very coarse, 
 gravelly texture of the soil. (Courtesy of the Wine Institute.) 
 
 
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 Fig. 4. — A typical midsummer scene in a vineyard in regions IV and V. 
 (Courtesy of the Wine Institute.) 
 
 Regions I and II should produce the best table wines ; IV and V, the best 
 dessert wines. When mature, only a few varieties will retain enough acidity 
 to produce good table wines in regions IV and V, while only in a very hot 
 season or in an exposed vineyard with an early variety will regions I and II 
 produce grapes ideally suited for dessert wines. 
 
Cm. 356] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 5 
 
 Seasonal Conditions. — Although grapes reach maturity practically every 
 year in most parts of California, their composition is not always the same. 
 In a warm season the color content and titratable acidity are lower, and the 
 pH is higher, than in a cool season. Such are the differences between certain 
 years that a moderately acid variety, normally best suited for table wine, may 
 sometimes become better adapted for dessert wine. This is particularly true 
 in the regions of intermediate temperature ; namely II, III, and IV. 
 
 CHOICE OF VARIETY 
 
 Whereas a few varieties can produce high-quality wine, many others be- 
 cause of unfavorable composition, neutral flavor, or susceptibility to rot or 
 disease can never produce a fine wine. Fortunately there is a large demand 
 for ordinary wines of sound character and low cost. If the grower chooses to 
 produce this latter type, varieties that produce heavy crops should be planted. 
 On the other hand, there is a limited but definite and growing demand for fine 
 wines. Unfortunately, the varieties capable of producing such wine are only 
 poor to moderate producers. The regional conditions suitable for fine wines 
 also put a definite upper limit on the amount of crop that can be matured 
 normally. Thus, planting heavy-producing varieties on poor soils of cool 
 areas will not yield grapes capable of producing high-quality wines. Likewise, 
 the planting of poor-producing varieties on fertile soil in warm regions is not 
 a proper utilization of the land. 
 
 Composition of Musts. — As already indicated, varieties for table wines 
 should attain a normal maturity and yet retain an acidity of at least 0.65 per 
 cent or higher, whereas dessert-wine varieties should have at least 24° Balling 
 and only a moderate acidity. The pH of grapes for table wines should, if pos- 
 sible, be below 3.3, while that of dessert wines may be as high as 4.0. The higher 
 the pH, however, the greater the care necessary during fermentation to pre- 
 vent spoilage by bacteria. The best red-wine grapes contain sufficient color and 
 acidity, though when grown in too warm a region or season even those whose 
 skins normally have sufficient coloring matter will produce poorly colored 
 wines. The amount of color is particularly important for port varieties. 
 
 The grapes recommended should of course mature without undue rotting, 
 sunburning, or raisining. The clusters should not be too tight, nor subject 
 to shattering. For standard-quality wines, in order to reduce picking costs, 
 large clusters are preferred. The skins should be thick enough to reach the 
 winery in good condition. The stems and berries should be easily separated 
 by a mechanical stemmer. Although ordinary wines can be prepared from 
 varieties with a large berry, the better-flavored wines require a smaller berry 
 size because of the more favorable surface-volume relation for extracting 
 flavor and color from the skins. 
 
 Time of Maturation. — Early-ripening varieties are at a disadvantage in 
 California : they mature in the warmest part of the growing season ; and the 
 ripening changes proceed too rapidly, so that low acid, excessive sugar, and 
 sunburning ordinarily result. Varieties that mature in midseason are also 
 considered better from the wine maker's point of view, since he can then crush 
 them when fermentation temperatures are lower. Although late-ripening va- 
 rieties have the advantage of lengthening the season, they run the risk of 
 being spoiled by early rains. 
 
University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES 
 
 Only varieties that yield the best product for their type — whether standard, 
 quality red or white table, or red or white dessert wines — are listed in table 1. 
 Varieties that cannot be unqualifiedly recommended are listed later. 
 
 Varieties for Region I. — Region I contains few fertile soils that are, or may 
 well be, planted to vines. As a rule only hillside slopes of very moderate fertil- 
 ity are available for grapes. Heavy-bearing varieties should not be planted, 
 since the region cannot produce them in competition with warmer and more 
 fertile districts. In general, white varieties should be preferred to red. Recom- 
 mended white varieties for high-quality dry table wines are White Riesling, 
 Chardonnay, and Sauvignon blanc, the first two being the most desirable. Red 
 Traminer, though useful, should be planted only in the very coolest locations 
 for producing an aromatic wine, and is not ordinarily recommended. Sylvaner 
 is not suited to this region, being oversusceptible to mildew in foggy locations. 
 Varieties such as Burger and Folle blanche should be avoided because they 
 will not ripen. Recommended red varieties for high-quality table wines are 
 Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot noir ; for standard table wines, Gamay Beau- 
 jolais and Grenache. 
 
 Varieties for Region II. — Region II contains both valley-floor and hillside 
 vineyards. The former should produce most of the standard red and white 
 table wines of California. The less productive hillside vineyards, though 
 unable to compete for a standard product, can yield fine wines. Recommended 
 white varieties for high-quality dry table wines are Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, 
 White Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc (the last-mentioned usually for natural 
 sweet wine). Recommended white varieties for standard or for blended dry 
 table wines are Semillon (for dry or natural sweet wine), Sylvaner, and Folle 
 blanche. Red Veltliner, though useful, is less desirable and is not ordinarily 
 recommended. The recommended red variety for high-quality table wines is 
 Cabernet Sauvignon; for standard wines, Grenache, Petite Sirah, or Refosco. 
 Also of possible utility for standard wines, but less desirable, are Mondeuse 
 and Tannat. 
 
 Varieties for Region III. — The warm conditions bf region III favor grapes 
 of higher sugar content, without too much sunburning and too little acidity. 
 Although most of the vineyards are on fairly flat land, some of the soils are 
 rocky and of low productiveness. The better-quality natural sweet wines come 
 from the latter soils. It is a mistake to hope to produce dry wines of the finest 
 quality every year in this region, even on the less fertile soils, since the sum- 
 mation of heat is usually too great. Excellent natural sweet wines should, 
 however, be secured ; and, on the more fertile soils, good standard whites and 
 reds. Trousseau, though not recommended because of the production cost, 
 will produce very good red dessert wines. Recommended white varieties for 
 natural sweet wines are Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscat Canelli (by 
 itself) ; for standard wines, Pinot blanc, and French Colombard (Winkler, 
 Wests Prolific) . Also of possible utility for standard wines, but not ordinarily 
 recommended, are Folle blanche and Peverella. Recommended red varieties 
 
 G The varieties listed are as grown under these names in the variety collection of the Uni- 
 versity Farm at Davis. Since not all have been identified with certainty, some of the names 
 may be changed later. The current identification can be obtained from later publications of 
 this station or from the Division of Viticulture, Davis. 
 
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8 University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 for standard table wines are Barbera, Carignane, and Refoseo. Also possible 
 but less desirable are Gros Manzenc and Sangioveto. The recommended red 
 variety, if a red dessert wine is to be produced in this region, is Trousseau. 
 
 Varieties for Region IV. — The soils of region IV are usually fertile. Many 
 vineyards are irrigated and can yield large crops. Certain low-producing 
 vineyards of the foothills on the sides of the Sacramento and San Joaquin 
 valleys fall, however, into this climatic zone. These should perhaps not be 
 planted with grapes at all, since they cannot compete successfully with the 
 fertile, irrigated valley soils. Although natural sweet wines are possible, in 
 warm years the suitable grapes become sunburned and raisined. White dessert 
 wines can be secured, however, as well as good red dessert wines. The standard 
 white and red table wines from this district are fairly satisfactory if produced 
 from high-acid varieties. For standard table wine the recommended white 
 variety is the French Colombard (Winkler). For muscatels, recommended 
 varieties include Malvasia bianca, Muscat Canelli, and Orange Muscat ; for 
 white dessert wines, Mission, Palomino, and Verdelho ; for standard red table 
 wine, Barbera. Also possible but less desirable are Grignolino (for pink wines) 
 and Gros Manzenc. Recommended red varieties for bulk-quality table wines 
 are Carignane and Refoseo. Valdepenas, though useful, has certain deficien- 
 cies. Recommended red varieties for dessert wines are Tinta Madeira and 
 Trousseau. The Tinta Cao is nearly as good and may sometimes be planted in 
 place of Trousseau. Aleatico is recommended for red muscatel. 
 
 Varieties for Region V. — Region V, the hottest region where wine grapes 
 are grown in the state, is also the most uniformly fertile. Except for a few 
 vineyards near Redding, and some in the lower foothills, the district is entirely 
 in the highly productive, irrigated interior valleys. Although bulk-quality 
 red table wines can be produced from the varieties of very high acid, white 
 table wines should not be attempted because of the warm storage conditions 
 and the necessity for maintaining a high sulfur dioxide content in order to 
 keep the color sufficiently light. Region IV vineyards are better adapted for 
 producing the former quality ; region III for the latter. Very good white and 
 red dessert wines can be produced. Recommended varieties for muscatels are 
 Malvasia bianca and Orange Muscat. The Muscat Canelli, though a possi- 
 bility, grows weakly under these conditions, and the fruit often sunburns 
 badly. Recommended for white dessert wines are Palomino, Mission, and 
 Grenache. Best for red dessert wines are Trousseau (although preferably 
 planted in III and IV) and Tinta Madeira. Tinta Cao is also practicable; 
 and Black Malvoisie may be useful because of possible dual use as a shipping 
 grape, but is not recommended. A desirable variety for special or blending 
 wines is Salvador. 
 
 White Varieties. — The Chardonnay, although a vigorous grower, is only 
 a moderate producer. Short canes should be employed in addition to the usual 
 number of spurs during the early life of the vines. This variety has small 
 clusters, ripens before midseason, and reaches the crusher in good condition. 
 The must yield is below average. The wines are distinctive in quality, with a 
 rich body and a normal acid content. 
 
 The Folle blanche produces well. The clusters are medium-sized and so 
 compactly set with berries that they develop bunch rot in seasons of early 
 rainfall. The grapes are easily crushed and yield a satisfactory amount of 
 
Cm. 356] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 9 
 
 juice of good acidity. The wines are fruity, slightly distinctive in flavor, and 
 inclined to be tart. They make excellent average-quality table wines by them- 
 selves and have been very successful as a champagne stock. 
 
 The French Colombard is a vigorous, productive variety. Its medium-large 
 clusters are well filled with oval, firm berries. It is primarily adapted to the 
 conditions of region IV, where it retains high acidity and a moderate sugar 
 content. 
 
 Malvasia bianca, Muscat Canelli, and Orange Muscat are considered to be 
 best suited for making the muscatel type of wine in California. Malvasia bianca 
 has a large cluster with fairly thick-skinned berries. Its wines are particularly 
 fruity and rarely possess any raisin flavor. It is a fair producer. Muscat 
 Canelli, on the other hand, is a low producer, only average in vigor. Since the 
 fruit ripens early, raisining may occur. If the grapes are properly harvested, 
 however, the wine is very fruity in character, and under favorable conditions 
 is perhaps the best of the muscat types. Orange Muscat is both vigorous and 
 productive, has medium-large clusters and firm, hard, thick-skinned berries. 
 The flavor differs from that of the other muscat varieties, but is very pleasing 
 in sweet dessert wines. 
 
 Palomino is vigorous and productive. Its clusters are large, with berries 
 thick-skinned and moderately tough ; and its fruit reaches the crusher in good 
 condition. Its juice yield is below average. Its musts are of too low acidity 
 for table wines, even in the cooler regions, but it is adapted to the production 
 of soft sherry material of excellent quality. 
 
 Pinot blanc has a much more compact and somewhat heavier cluster than 
 Chardonnay. It is liable to rot in damp weather. The musts of the cooler 
 regions are well balanced when picking comes sufficiently early. The skins are 
 high in tannin, and the grapes should be pressed immediately after crushing. 
 The juice yield is good. The wines have a moderately distinctive character and 
 are above average in quality. 
 
 Sauvignon blanc is a poor producer unless pruned long. (See Chardonnay.) 
 It ripens early and has small clusters. The distinctive and aromatic flavor of 
 its musts carries over into the wine. The juice yield is below average. When 
 grown in the proper region Sauvignon blanc is suited for both dry and natural 
 sweet table wines of high quality. 
 
 The Semillon produces well ; its clusters are large and easily harvested, but 
 the berries are rather tender-skinned. Its juice yield is good. Its wines have 
 a recognizable flavor, most pleasant in natural sweet wine. Its table wines are 
 less well balanced and have a rather rough flavor. 
 
 The Sylvaner produces moderate crops. It ripens early, and unless promptly 
 harvested produces musts of very low acidity. Its wines, though less distinc- 
 tive than those of the White Riesling, have definite varietal character and 
 good quality. It should, however, be planted only in the cool regions, though 
 not in the more humid parts of region I. 
 
 The White Riesling is of below-average productivity with small clusters 
 and small berries. Its musts are somewhat better supplied with acidity than 
 those of the Sylvaner. In the coolest locations its wines are of very good 
 quality. 
 
 Red Varieties. — The Aleatico is an average producer. It ripens in mid- 
 season and, if the vines have sufficient leaf coverage, will reach a high degree 
 
10 University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 of sugar without raisining. Despite some deficiency in color, it is probably 
 the most desirable red muscat-flavored variety now available. Although defi- 
 nitely muscat in character, its flavor is distinguishable from that of other 
 muscat varieties. 
 
 Barbera, though vigorous, produces only moderately well. Since its musts 
 have a high amount of acidity even in regions III and IV, it should not be 
 planted in I or II. The wines are tart, moderately distinctive in aroma, of 
 good color and tannin. When properly aged they are probably the best of 
 those produced in regions III and IV. 
 
 The Cabernet Sauvignon is inclined, despite its vigor, to be a low producer. 
 It should therefore be pruned with moderately long canes during the early 
 life of the vine. It has fairly long clusters with small, tough-skinned berries, 
 which ripen in midseason. Its wines are distinctive and easily recognizable; 
 when properly aged they produce very high-quality red table wines. 
 
 The Carignane, a vigorous and productive variety, is susceptible to mildew 
 and should not be planted in humid locations. The fruit, though firm, can be 
 crushed without difficulty; and the juice yield is good. Its table wines are 
 clean but not distinctive, and are only average in quality. 
 
 Gamay Beaujolais, barely average in productivity, ripens early and will 
 raisin unless picked promptly. Although its musts are fairly well balanced, 
 the wines are inclined to be deficient in color and acidity. The best Gamays, 
 however, are very fruity and of good quality. 
 
 The Grenache is vigorous and productive. In the coolest locations its musts 
 have enough acidity and color to be adapted for red or pink table wines. In 
 region V, on the contrary, its musts are high in sugar and low in acidity and 
 color ; hence if pressed off the skins after crushing, they are white, and well 
 adapted to the production of dessert wines of either the Angelica or the 
 sherry type. 
 
 With the coming of the padres, the Mission, the first variety of Vitis vinifera 
 origin, was planted in California. The vines are vigorous and productive; 
 the clusters large, loosely set with medium-sized, round berries. Table wines 
 of the Mission have been complete failures, largely through lack of acidity. 
 The dessert wines, on the other hand, have been average or better — smooth, 
 full-bodied, and fairly well balanced. Though the grapes are deficient in color 
 for red dessert wines, the sherries and Angelicas are very good. Mission is 
 adapted to regions IV and V. 
 
 The Petite Sirah produces above-average crops. Its clusters are compact 
 and will rot after early rains. In the hot interior and in warm seasons else- 
 where the fruit is very subject to raisining. In regions II and III it produces 
 standard, heavy-bodied, moderately distinctive red table wines except in the 
 hottest years. It should have a permanent place here, but here alone. 
 
 The vines of Pinot noir produce only moderate crops with long pruning. 
 Its fruit matures very early. When grown in the cool areas and harvested at 
 the proper time it produces wines of excellent aroma and flavor, fruity, soft, 
 and balanced. This variety is adapted to region I. 
 
 The Ref osco is moderately vigorous and productive. The clusters are large, 
 loosely set with firm berries that resist handling injuries and unfavorable 
 weather. In regions II and III it produces standard wines of moderate dis- 
 tinctiveness and excellent color. It does well on the fertile, flat soils of regions 
 
ClR - 85(3 ] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 11 
 
 II and III. In IV it produces a better table wine than Carignane, but is less 
 productive. 
 
 The Salvador, a hybrid of Vitis rupestris x V. vinifera, is interesting for its 
 intense color. Its vines, though low in vigor, are very productive. The clusters 
 are small. The flavor derived from its American parent is objectionable in its 
 wines. Its intense color, however, can be used in moderation without noticeably 
 injuring the wines into which it is blended. Though the color is most intense 
 in cool regions, this variety may be grown for its color in all regions. 
 
 The Tinta Madeira vines are vigorous and productive. The clusters are 
 medium-sized and well filled. This is strictly a dessert-wine variety. Its red 
 dessert wines are well colored, smooth, flavorsome, and well balanced. It is 
 recommended for regions IV and V. 
 
 The Trousseau is very vigorous and productive with spur pruning. Its 
 clusters are medium-sized and compact. The fruit ripens early and is rather 
 subject to raisining. This variety is not suitable for dry table-wine produc- 
 tion. Its red dessert wines, though deficient in color, are outstanding for mel- 
 lowness, flavor, balance, and other properties. The variety is adapted to regions 
 III, IV and V. 
 
 VARIETIES WITH LIMITED RECOMMENDATION 
 
 A number of varieties cannot be recommended without reservation. The 
 reasons differ from variety to variety. The most common objection is simply 
 that other varieties excel them under most conditions for their particular type 
 and quality of wine. Under particular conditions, some of these grapes have 
 given good results in California and abroad. The mere fact that a variety can 
 produce good wine does not, however, prove that others will not excel it if 
 adequately tested. Furthermore, some varieties have succeeded under special, 
 restricted conditions that can seldom be duplicated satisfactorily. This is true 
 of certain varieties that have found a place in local and minor regions of 
 European viticulture over a long period. The taste created for such varieties 
 as Nebbiolo and Chenin blanc will insure their continued propagation. But 
 to plant them here and expect their wines to compete with better ones is risky. 
 Perhaps, as the California industry expands and as greater attention is paid 
 to particular flavors, some additional varieties may find a local but permanent 
 place. 
 
 Other grapes listed here have special qualities of production, possible dual 
 utilization for wine and shipping, disease resistance, period of ripening, and 
 the like. Where one or more of these factors must be specially considered, some 
 variety in this group may prove useful. 
 
 Because of another factor — the present plantings — Zinf andel is included in 
 this group. It has a permanent place in California for a distinctive type of 
 wine. Since, however, it is already the most extensively planted red-wine 
 grape, its new plantings will seldom be as profitable as those of the varieties 
 listed previously. All the varieties listed in table 2 have one or more defects, 
 and one should plant them only after considering their handicaps. 
 
 White Varieties. — These include blending varieties, Burger and Servant ; 
 varieties having a Muscat flavor, Muscadelle, Muscat of Alexandria, and Red 
 Traminer ; table or natural sweet wine varieties, Aligote, Chenin blanc, Gray 
 Riesling, Peverella, Red Veltliner, and Vernaccia Sarda; and dessert-wine 
 

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Cir. 356] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 13 
 
 varieties, Inzolia and Verdelho. These have a wide range of climatic adapta- 
 tion, some being suited to the cooler regions and others to the warmer. 
 
 The Burger is widely planted in California, largely because of its produc- 
 tivity. Its clusters are large, compact, and very subject to handling injuries 
 and to damage by rain. The fruit lacks acid ; and its wines, used straight, are 
 deficient in flavor and character. Their neutrality and plainness has given 
 them recognition for blending to reduce excesses in other wines. In the cooler 
 regions the Burger is surpassed even for blending by Servant, which is like- 
 wise neutral, but which possesses a more favorable acidity. Neither variety is 
 adapted to the interior valleys; here the French Colombard may merit con- 
 sideration. 
 
 The Muscat of Alexandria is pre-eminently a raisin grape. Because it tends 
 to raisin on the vines, and because its flavor is not pronounced until the fruit 
 is fully ripe, it does not readily produce quality wines in many areas. With 
 great care in harvesting, good dessert wines may be obtained. The flavor is not 
 equal to that of several of the muscat varieties recommended previously. 
 
 Of the other white varieties with a limited recommendation, the Aligote, 
 Red Traminer, and Red Veltliner are deficient in acid for producing quality 
 wines in most areas. In localities where their musts are well balanced they 
 will merit planting. The Peverella and Vernaccia Sarda are fairly well sup- 
 plied with acid and yield mildly distinctive wines, but they have been insuffi- 
 ciently tested. The Gray Riesling, Inzolia bianca, and Verdelho are deficient 
 in acid for dry table wines, and not productive enough to compete with the 
 highly productive dessert-wine varieties, except under special conditions. The 
 Chenin blanc and Muscadelle show more than average promise for sweet table 
 wines. 
 
 Bed Varieties. — Most of the varieties listed here are suitable for red table 
 wines in one or more regions. All, however, have one or more defects that limit 
 their usefulness. Included are Aramon, Beclan, Bolgnino, Charbono, Fresia, 
 Grignolino, Gros Manzenc, Lagrain, Mammolo Toscano, Meunier, Mondeuse, 
 Nebbiolo, Negrera Gattinara, Raboso Piave, Saint Macaire, Tinta Cao, Val- 
 depenas, and Zinfandel. Also listed is a variety that produces blending wines, 
 Alicante Ganzin ; two dessert- wine varieties, Black Malvoisie and Tinta Cao ; 
 and a muscat-flavored variety, Muscat Hamburg. 
 
 Though the Aramon has never produced a quality wine, its wines in the 
 cooler regions are distinctly fruity, mature rapidly, and are markedly free 
 of vinification difficulties. Except for pink wines the variety is deficient in 
 color. It is a tremendous producer. 
 
 The Black Malvoisie produces only standard-quality red dessert wines but 
 may be used, in addition, as a table grape. Its clusters and berries are very 
 large and attractive. It will not produce dry table wines. 
 
 The Grignolino is a moderate producer. Its clusters are large and handle 
 well. Its wine has a distinctly varietal aroma and flavor, appealing strongly 
 to those who like it, but not meeting with general favor. It is high in tannin 
 but only light orange-red in color. 
 
 The Gros Manzenc is a moderate producer with long spur pruning. Its 
 medium-sized clusters handle well. Its wines are distinctive, fresh to tart, wel] 
 balanced, and well colored. Perhaps it should displace some of the Carignane. 
 Zinfandel, or Petite Sirah in certain localities of regions III and IV. 
 
14 University of California — Experiment Station 
 
 The Mondeuse, a heavy producer, tends to mature its fruit poorly. Though 
 of average acid content and distinct aroma, its wines have been only of stand- 
 ard quality in the coastal areas. They have tended to be somewhat coarse and 
 lacking in finish, better suited for blending than for aging straight. 
 
 The Saint Macaire is only moderately productive. Its fruit is not covered 
 sufficiently to prevent sunburning in warm seasons. The wines are heavy and 
 full-bodied, with intense color. They require long aging. For blending, in 
 regions IV and V, their acid, color, tannin, and body may have value. 
 
 The vines of Sangioveto are vigorous, but only moderately productive. The 
 wines are well balanced as regards acidity, body, tannin, and color, and are 
 distinctive in aroma and flavor. This variety should replace some of the bulk 
 sorts in certain localities in regions III and IV. 
 
 The Tannat is vigorous and moderately productive, with medium-large 
 clusters that handle well. In the coolest areas its wines have considerable 
 character, are delicate and balanced. Under somewhat warmer conditions, 
 however, they tend to be coarse and tannic, and to require too much time to 
 mature in the wood. 
 
 The Valdepenas is both vigorous and productive. Its clusters are large and 
 resist handling injuries. Its musts have regularly been too low in acid to pro- 
 duce balanced dry table wines. In the cooler areas where the acidity of the 
 fruit is higher, the variety is subject to mildew and bunch rot. Its dessert 
 wines are generally better balanced, but they tend to be astringent. 
 
 The Zinf andel is very widely planted in California. It ships fairly well, and 
 its distinct varietal aroma and flavor are passed on to the wine. When sound, 
 uniformly well-matured fruit is used, the Zinf andel produces a well-balanced, 
 fruity, distinctive wine of average quality. In region IV it has also yielded 
 standard red dessert wines. The variety possesses, however, the defect of 
 ripening its fruit unevenly; some berries may be raisining before others are 
 more than changing from pink to red. Because of its compact clusters it is also 
 very subject to bunch rot during humid periods or after rains. 
 
 Of the other red varieties of limited recommendation, Beclan and Charbono 
 can justify places for themselves only in the cooler areas where their resistance 
 to mildew offsets their lack of vigor or their other defects. Bolgnino, Fresia, 
 Nebbiolo, Mammolo Toscano, Negrera Gattinara, and Raboso Piave produce 
 well-balanced wine of greater or less distinctive aroma and flavor and above- 
 average quality ; but they are deficient in productivity or in some property 
 of the wine, such as color and finish. In the interior the Lagrain may have 
 some value because of its intense and stable color, and in coastal counties the 
 early-maturing Limberger might be used to lengthen the harvesting season. 
 Muscat Hamburg shows promise for sweet table wines. Although Tinta Cao 
 is only moderately productive, its fruit withstands unfavorable weather con- 
 ditions much better than the other red dessert-wine varieties. In quality its 
 wines are standard or better. 
 
 VARIETIES NOT RECOMMENDED 
 
 Many varieties are so devoid of merit that they cannot be recommended any- 
 where in California under present conditions. The wine grapes listed below 
 fail for various reasons to qualify as varieties recommended for planting. 
 The most common objections are lack of sufficient sugar, acid, or both, low 
 
Cir. 356] Grape Varieties for Wine Production 15 
 
 production, and susceptibility to rot or diseases. Some varieties listed here 
 have flavor, but in quality or production are so inferior to other closely related 
 varieties that they need not be considered. 
 
 White varieties not recommended include Bombino bianca, Clairette blanche, 
 Feher Szagos, Green Hungarian, Hibron, Hungarian Millenium, Kleinberger, 
 Malmsey, Marsanne, Mathiasz y-ne, Mourisco branco, Muscat Pantellana, 
 Muscat Saint Laurent, Nasa Veltliner, Nicolas Horthy, Palaverga, Pavai, 
 Roussette, Saint Emilion, Sauvignon vert, Selection Carriere, Steinschiller, 
 Terret, Vermentino Favorita, and Vernaccia bianca. 
 
 Red varieties not recommended include Alicante Bouschet, Antibo, Aspiran 
 noir, Black Hamburg, Black Prince (Rose of Peru), Blaue Elbe, Bonarda, 
 Chauche noir, Chenin noir, Coristano, Criolla Mesa, Criolla Vino, Croetto 
 Moretto, Dolcetto, Early Burgundy, Grand noir, Grec rouge, Grosse blaue, 
 Kadarka, Koptcha, Lambrusche Langhre, Lenoir, Macaroli, Marzemino, 
 Mataro, Meunier, Negro Amaro, Neiretta, Pagadebito, Petit Bouschet, Petite 
 Verdot, Pf effer, Picpouie noir, Pinot Pernand, Pinot Saint George, and Tinta 
 amarella. 
 
 20m-9,'43(6623)