Crystal

The origin of the white grape variety is unclear. Supposedly, it was introduced to China in 1965 by the Dongfeng Farm together with other grape varieties such as French Wild and Rose Honey. According to another hypothesis, it came from Europe as early as the beginning of the 19th century, but there is no proof of this. According to the Chinese ampelographer Qin Sun, it is a cross between Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca. It is possibly identical to the US labrusca variety from Connecticut with the same name, which is listed in the VIVC catalogue as table grape. Incidentally, the VIVC catalogue also lists another table grape variety called Kristal (with synonym Crystal) originating in South Africa.

The early-maturing vine (from China) is well resistant to frost and vine diseases in general. It yields white wines with foxtone (indicating Vitis labrusca genes) and rose-like aroma and is also used as table grape. The variety is grown in the southwestern province of Yunnan. In 2016, acreage under the Crystal name was reported in Russia (171 ha), as well as overseas in Chile (2 ha) and Peru (2 ha), but no quantities were reported for China (Kym Anderson). However, it is unclear which of the possibly different Crystal varieties is involved.

Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012

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Crystal

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