Description
Norton is a native American red wine grape from Virginia, raised by Dr D. N. Norton and largely of Vitis aestivalis ancestry. It is also grown under the name Cynthiana, especially in Missouri. The small black berries in small bunches make deep, dry red wines, and the vine is valued for its toughness rather than its yield.
Characteristics
Black wine grape; small berries and small bunches; late ripening; very winter-hardy; excellent disease resistance; low yields; also called Cynthiana
Growing Tips
Norton is one of the easiest wine grapes to keep healthy: it has very good disease resistance, is hardy to about −29 °C and does not need grafting. The vines are vigorous and rambling, so give them plenty of room on a high or divided trellis such as Geneva Double Curtain. It is sensitive to sulfur sprays, so check labels before using sulfur-based fungicides, and net the fruit, as birds love it. Expect modest crops and a late harvest.