Chelois

Chelois (French: [ʃəlwa]) is a variety of hybrid grape used in the production of red wines. The fruit are small blue-black berries, which appear in compact, medium-sized clusters. Chelois is among the less hardy hybrids of red-wine grapes.[1]

Chelois
Grape (Vitis)
Color of berry skinNoir
Notable regionsArdèche, France
HazardsDrought, Botrytis bunch rot, Eutypa die back, powdery mildew, crown gall, black rot, downy mildew, anthracnose
VIVC number2519

History and origins

Chelois is an interspecific hybrid developed by viticulturist Albert Seibel in Ardèche, France.[2] It was one of thousands of French-American hybrid grapes developed by scientists to combat powdery mildew and phylloxera, which infiltrated France in the 18th century. The naturally resistant American grape Vitis labrusca was combined with Europe's Vitis vinifera to prevent the eradication of Europe's vineyards.[3]

It was introduced to Canada in 1946 and was registered in the United States in 1948.[2] There is anecdotal evidence that it existed in Oregon prior to 1946.[3] It largely disappeared within the next decade, due to its susceptibility to Tomato Ringspot Virus.[4]

Offspring
A cluster of pale green-yellow grapes on the vine surrounded by grape leaves.
Ventura grapes, a hybrid of Chelois and Elvira.

In 1974, Chelois was crossed with Elvira (a white grape) to produce a hybrid called Ventura, designated as a white grape.[2] The Ventura grape is very productive and cold hardy.[5]

Viticulture

Chelois grapevines are vigorous and productive with an upright growth habit. The buds break late, reducing the risk of damage due to late frost. It ripens early.[6] Secondary buds are capable of producing a small crop. To prevent over cropping, it may be necessary to thin clusters. Chelois is highly susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot, Eutypa die back, Phomopsis stem and leaf spot, and powdery mildew.[7] It is also susceptible to crown gall, black rot, downy mildew and anthracnose, but to a lesser degree.[2]

It is moderately hardy in cold temperatures (-10 to -15 °F).[2]

Winemaking

Among French-American hybrid grapes, the wine quality of Chelois ranks highly.[8]

Wine regions

Ardeche, France

Chelois was first developed in France by Albert Seibel[2] in an attempt to produce hardy grape varieties that could withstand powdery mildew and phylloxera.[3]

Oregon, United States

King's Raven Winery and Epyllion Vineyard, both near Oregon City, Oregon, produce a small quantities of Chelois wine.[3]

New York, United States

Acreage planted with Chelois decreased drastically in New York during the 1980s when demand for red wine lessened. In the early 1990s, interest in the variety resurged as interest in red wine increased.[8]

Michigan, United States

Nathaniel Rose Wine consistently produce small quantities of varietal Chelois from fruit grown in the Domaine Berrien Vineyard.

References
  1. Cornell University handout Archived April 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  2. Smiley, Lisa (2008). "A Review of Cold Climate Grape Cultivars". Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: 34.
  3. Alberty, Michael (February 1, 2018). "Curious Case of Chelois: Obscure varietal finds home in Oregon City". Oregon Wine Press.
  4. Martinson, Tim; Fuchs, Marc; Puckett, Joshua; Kelly, Margaret; Schilder, Annemiek; Burr, Tom; Nita, Mizuho (2016). "Clean Plants for the Future of the Eastern Wine and Grape Industry" (PDF). Appellation Cornell. 2016–2: 2.
  5. Reisch, Bruce I.; Pool, Robert M.; Peterson, David V.; Martens, Mary-Howell; Henick-Kling, Thomas. "Wine and Juice Grape Varieties for Cool Climates". Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  6. Foundation Plant Services Grape Program. "Variety: Chelois". UCDavis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
  7. Ellis, Michael A. (2008). "Powdery Mildew of Grape". Ohio State University Extension.
  8. Reisch, Bruce I.; et al. Wine and Juice Grape Varieties for Cool Climates. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University. p. 4.
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