Plantet, 5455 seibel, once the Loire’s most popular french hybrid, has been more successfully eradicated from the French vinescape than some others (see baco, couderc, villard). France had 26,000 ha/63,000 acres planted in 1968 but under 1,000 ha by 2011. Its chief attributes are its productivity and its ability to crop regardless of the severity of the winter and spring frosts (although New York state winters have proved too harsh for it). Varietal versions are occasionally encountered and taste oddly of raspberries.
