Chardonel

Chardonel resulted from a 1953 cross of Seyval and Chardonnay. Fruit was first observed in 1958 and the original vine was propagated in 1960 under the number NY 45010. It is a productive, late-ripening white wine grape with improved winter hardiness over its Chardonnay parent, and is nearly as winter hardy as its Seyval parent. When harvested at the appropriate stage it has potential for sparkling wine production because it retains a good acid balance during ripening.