Seyval Blanc

Seyval Blanc, complex, light-skinned french hybrid, the most widely planted seyve-villard hybrid, number 5276, the result of crossing two seibel hybrids. It is productive, ripens early and is well suited to relatively cool climates such as that of england, where it was the single most planted vine variety in the late 20th century but has been superseded by the popularity of the Champagne grapes. It is also popular in canada and, to a lesser extent, in the eastern united states, notably in new york state. Its crisp white wines have no hint of foxy flavour and can even benefit from barrel maturation. In the UK it is mainly used for blending and is particularly successful for sparkling wine production. As a sparkling wine, it can (somewhat unexpectedly in view of its hybrid origins) be labelled as Quality Sparkling Wine.