Cross Pollination
Cross pollination occurs when two different varietals of the same grape species are crossed.
Role of Cross Pollination in the Vineyard
In contrast, hybrids are a cross of two different grape species. Grape seeds can be fertilized by any other varietal. While cross pollination occurs naturally, human intervention can also be responsible. Depending on the locality, vines have cross pollinated, mutated or been weeded out by natural selection.
A noteworthy example of natural cross pollination is the famous Cabernet Sauvignon varietal. This noble red grape is the result of a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc that occurred hundreds of years ago in France.
While cross pollination has created many new varietals, cuttings rather than seeds are usually used to propagate new vines. Because many varietals are prone to mutation, growers like to clone the specific characteristics of their vines to avoid surprises.
Related Articles
