Norton/Cynthiana

Norton/Cynthiana is an American grape, Vitis aestivalis, that was found in 1835 near Richmond Virginia. Sometimes called Virginia seedling, it is the premium wine grape in Missouri. There is some controversy as to the name. Some call the grape Norton and others Cynthiana, but most consider both one and the same.

The medium-sized clusters with small blue-black berries are attractive to birds in some years. Norton/Cynthiana is very hardy and extremely vigorous and often must be trained to a high-vigor, divided canopy training system. It is one of the most disease resistant grape varieties, with some resistance even to blackrot. Norton/Cynthiana is the latest ripening grape in Missouri, about two to three weeks after Concord.

Norton/Cynthiana is processed as a red wine and is fermented on the skins. Norton makes a dry red wine that is medium in body with some fruity overtones. It is very dark in color. Norton should be used to make a younger style wine. Due to its high pH, high acid nature, it is not recommended for long aging (much longer than a year) by home winemakers.