Vitis Vinifera:
The English translation from Latin means wine-bearing vines. Purebreds of the grape bearing vines are the catalysis of all hybrids. Purebred varieties are mostly European. Some examples are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Hybrids. Although hybridizing has been successful in producing vines that mature earlier, have larger yields, are disease resistant and hardier, hybrids are considered a less prestigious grape. Kerner, Seyval Blanc, Muller-Thurgau are some good examples of hybrids that you might recognize. The wines produced by hybrids are also disputed not to age as well as those from the pure Vitis Vinifera.
Vitis Labrusca:
Is the weed of grape varieties and can be found growing wild. While some Vitus Labrusca are known for their wonderful grape juice and food products they are banned for the production of table wines. The North American variety are widely known for root stock. The root stock of these hearty vines were first grafted on to the European vines in late 1860s. The vine had to be grafted together because of the unfortunate immigration of a insect called Phylloxera eating the roots and killing the vine..
Phylloxera:
Attacks the root of the vine eventually killing the plant. Grafting the North American root, which is Phylloxera resistant, onto the European vines was the varieties only chance of survival. Chili is the only remaining country that has not been affected by the Phylloxera and has not had to graft there vines. Napa Valley has just replanted about 75% of there vines do to phylloera attacking the vines. The district had grafted the Vitis Vinifera to a recommended root stock that was supposed to be phylloxera resistant, but unfortunately it was not. This was the major cause of the price increase of wine from the Napa Valley in the past four years.
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