The red grape variety (breeding number Walker 09356-235) is a complex, interspecific new breeding between varieties of the species Vitis vinifera (97%), Vitis rupestris (1.5%) and Vitis arizonica (1.5%). The Vitis vinifera varieties were Silvaner (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan Noir = Mazuelo and Chardonnay (12.5% each). The crossing was done in the 1990s by the geneticist Dr. Andrew Walker, professor at the University of California in Davis. The medium-late ripening vine is extremely resistant to the vine disease Pierce Disease, which is becoming more common due to climate change. It produces dark, tannin-rich red wines with aromas of herbs and plums that resemble Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)