Decoding Criolla Grapes: South America's Viticultural Legacy
Hidden amidst the viticultural panorama of South America, particularly in Argentina, lies a group of grape varieties with an enduring historical significance and a diverse range of wines they offer - The Criolla Grapes.
Understanding Criolla Grapes:
The term 'Criolla' encompasses a variety of grape types, distinguished for their history, uniqueness, and resilience. Among the many, Criolla Grande shines as the most prominent. It is considered a progeny of the 'common black grape' brought to Mexico by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1520. The Criolla Grande, characterized by its pink skin, is not to be confused with the Chilean wine grape Pais, often called Criolla Chica.
With its thicker skin compared to its Chilean relative, Criolla Grande is a key component in creating a deeply colored white wine or an enticing, light-colored rosé. The wines from these grapes often present a light and fresh character, making them an intriguing choice for wine enthusiasts looking for something distinct yet grounded in tradition.
Varieties and Viticultural Traits:
'Criollas' also refers to a group of grape cultivars believed to be American-born descendants of the European grapevine Vitis vinifera. These include the three Torrontés varieties (Torrontés Mendocino, Torrontés Riojano, and Torrontés Sanjuanino) and Torontel (also known as Moscatel Amarillo). These varieties are cherished not only for the aromatic and unique wines they produce but also for their hardiness.
A defining feature of the Criollas group is their greater resistance to environmental stresses compared to traditional European varieties. Their ability to thrive in conditions of low water availability and high salt concentrations has made them a favored choice among pioneering viticulturists. This resilience is testament to their centuries-long adaptation to the diverse and often challenging South American climates.
To understand the genetic relationships between the Criolla grape varieties, we can trace back their lineage through crossings (the breeding of two different grape varieties). Below, we'll provide a simplified overview of the key Criolla varieties and their parentage, presented as a list and tree for easy comprehension:
Listán Prieto (aka Criolla Chica, Misión, Mission, Moscatel Negro, País): Parents unknown
Black Prince: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Cereza: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Cereza Elipsoidal: Cross of Cereza and Listán Prieto
Cereza Italica: Unknown parentage
Criolla Grande: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Moscatel Amarillo (aka Torontel): Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Moscatel Rosado: Cross of Muscat d'Alexandrie and an unknown variety
Pedro Giménez: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Torrontés Mendocino: Cross of Muscat d'Alexandrie and an unknown variety
Torrontés Riojano: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
Torrontés Sanjuanino: Cross of Listán Prieto and Muscat d'Alexandrie
The Future of Criolla Grapes: Criolla varieties are stepping into the limelight with increasing global interest in wine diversity and sustainability. Winemakers are beginning to appreciate these grapes' unique qualities and history, and as a result, we're seeing a surge in wines that celebrate these 'native' varieties.
In a world where standardization often overshadows uniqueness, the story of Criolla grapes is a testament to the rich tapestry of South American viticulture. As the world's palate becomes more adventurous, these historic grapes offer an exciting gateway to the new tastes, stories, and possibilities inherent in every bottle of Criolla wine.
Criolla grapes undoubtedly have much to offer to those looking for a sip of wine steeped in history, resilience, and uniqueness.
