hybrid; v hybridize [HI-brihd; HI-brih-dyz]
In a pure sense, the word hybrid in the wine world refers to a vine or grape created by breeding two varieties from different species or genuses (such as Vitis vinifera and Vitis riparia or Vitis labrusca). However, the term sometimes also refers to a cross, which is a vine or grape created by breeding two varieties of the same genus (Vitis vinifera, for example). Baco Noir is a red French-American hybrid created by breeding folle blanche (Vitis vinifera) with a native American vine (Vitis riparia). Müller-Thurgau is an example of a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner, both of which are Vitis vinifera. Hybrids 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. One who creates hybrids is called a hybridist or hybridizer. See also clone.
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.