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WineEast where Vitis vinifera (European grapevines) would quickly succumb to Pierce's disease— and where it was previously believed that only the hardy Muscadine species (Musca- dinia rotundifolia) could survive. The Lenoir winegrape has a long history in the southern United States, and its progress in the wine industry continues to evolve and expand as its wine quality gains recognition. P Southern roots of Lenoir The history of Lenoir (pronounced Leh- nwahr) is quite possibly one of the most mysterious of the PD-tolerant winegrape va- rieties in the South. Many Lenoir enthusiasts have researched the parentage of this vin- Lenoir Gains Recognition A Pierce's disease-tolerant winegrape succeeds in the South By Fritz Westover erhaps the longest standing com- mercial red winegrape variety to survive in the South, Lenoir is often planted in areas of the country ifera-like grape, yet its exact history remains unresolved. The details of vine movement and potential crosses with European vinifera grapes are far too intricate to cover in this space, but there are a few details of Lenoir's past where there is general consensus. The National Grape Registry lists the spe- cies of Lenoir as Vitis bourquiniana and its pedigree as V. aestivalis, V. cinerea and V. vinifera. Most will agree that the likelihood of vinifera parentage is very high based on clus- ter and seed characteristics, vine growth habit and wine quality. However, it is not known if the crossing with vinifera was intentional or accidental—or if it occurred in the New or Old World. Gougie Bourquin wrote in the late 1800s about a "blue" and a "brown" grape (referring to Lenoir and Herbemont, another PD-tolerant grape, respectively), which were said to have come from France when Georgia When You Require A Consistent Supply GRAPE SOURCING: WINERY SUPPLY: TRANSPORTATION: By variety, appellation or specification All equipment and supplies for all phases of winemaking Logistical network operating daily from coast to coast More than 120 acres of Lenoir are in production was first settled. This does not necessar- ily mean that the vines were hybridized in France. Growers have used several synonyms for Lenoir (Black Spanish, Jacquez and Ohio, for example), though the TTB-approved name remains simply "Lenoir." Lenoir production has been documented in Alabama, California, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana and Texas. Perhaps the oldest planting of Lenoir in Texas is thought to be that of the Qualia family of Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, Texas, which dates back to the 1880s. With more than CORK SUPPLIER? All Natural Cork Closures NEED A BETTER Fresh Corks Directly From Portugal 4th Generation Family Cork Producer FREE BRANDING FREE SHIPPING FREE IS BETTER Ask about our Progressive Discounts CALL TODAY Phone (203) 681-7743 Cell (860) 335-0667 email: reliablecork@gmail.com www.reliablecorksolutions.com Your Source For Quality Products including: fresh grapes, juice and bulk wine 101 Reserve Road * Hartford, CT 06114 * 877-812-1137 * Sales@JuiceGrape.com 94 Wines & Vines MAY 2012