The white grape variety is an interspecific new variety between Concord x Iona. Synonyms are Diamond, Diamond Blanc and Diamond White. It contains genes from Vitis labrusca and Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was crossed by the breeder Jacob Moore in 1870 in New York State. It was a crossing partner in the new varieties Brocton, Golden Muscat, Ontario and Ripley. The vine is resistant to frost down to minus 29 °Celsius. It produces fresh white wines with a subtle foxtone, which are used for sparkling wines and varietals. However, the variety is also used as table grape. It is mainly grown in New York State. There are further stocks in New Hampshire, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In 2016, 24 hectares of vines were reported with a falling trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: UCDAVIS - Foundation Plant Services
The Wine lexicon helps me to keep up to date and refresh my knowledge. Thank you for this Lexicon that will never end in terms of topicality! That's what makes it so exciting to come back often.
Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden