America Grapes

America (Munson x open pollinated). Bred by T.V. Munson in Denison, Texas, this blue-black grape is unusual in several ways. It's parents are the American species Vitis lincecumii and V. rupestris, without Vitis labrusca which is in the background of so many eastern grapes. It is able to grow in a very wide range of climates, from the deep South up into Wisconsin, though in more northerly areas the fruit may remain too acid to be very good. It is resistant to Pierce's Disease and all the major fungal diseases of grapes. America is also able to tolerate heat better than most American grapes.

While America does contain methyl anthranilate, which gives Concord it's flavor, itr has other elements that make it fruitier, without the musky aftertaste of labrusca based grapes. The small size of the berries and the fact that they are seeded makes them less desireable as a table grape. The berries also contain a lot of color, which tends to stain the lips and mouth when they are eaten. On the other hand, the variety has been used to make a very satisfactory port wine.

America is only partly self-fertile and will set fuller clusters when planted next to another variety that blooms at the same time. Productivity is best when the vine is pruned to canes. Ripens about with Concord, which also makes a suitable pollinator. Hardy to at least -30oF, with high disease resistance.