Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Seyval Blanc is a French-American hybrid white wine grape bred by the Seyve-Villard nursery in France, from Seibel 5656 crossed with Rayon d'Or (Seibel 4986). It ripens very early and is widely grown by cool-climate wineries in eastern North America. Its wines are crisp and fresh, with grassy, hay and melon notes.
Characteristics
White wine grape; French-American hybrid; very early ripening; large compact bunches; moderately winter-hardy; prone to overcropping and bunch rot
Growing Tips
Seyval Blanc tends to set far more fruit than the vine can ripen, so thin bunches every year, especially on young vines. Vigour is low to moderate and Cornell recommends grafting it on a vigorous rootstock. The large, compact bunches are very susceptible to botrytis bunch rot and it is also prone to powdery mildew, so pull a few leaves around the bunches for airflow and protect it well in wet seasons.