cross; crossing
n. A vine or grape created by breeding two varieties of the same genus (Vitis vinifera, for example). Crosses are created in an effort to produce a plant with the best traits of its parents, such as high productivity, disease resistance, and/or better adaptability to environmental conditions. Some of the better-known crosses are Germany’s Müller-Thurgau (a Riesling and Sylvaner cross), California’s Ruby Cabernet (a Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan cross), and South Africa’s Pinotage (a Pinot Noir and Cinsaut cross). See also clone; hybrid. cross v. The act of creating or breeding a cross from members of the same species.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.