Norton

Also known as

Cynthiana

Norton is a black-skinned hybrid grape (a cross of North American Vitis species and European Vitis vinifera) of United States origin, most likely selected near Richmond, Virginia, around the 1820s. Daniel Norborne Norton is credited with introducing it, probably from seedlings of the Bland grape, likely derived from a Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera hybrid backcrossed to Vitis labrusca, with a wild Vitis aestivalis vine supplying pollen. Genetic studies now describe Norton as a complex three-generation hybrid whose ancestry includes Vitis aestivalis, Vitis labrusca, and Vitis vinifera. It is also sold under the name Cynthiana, and the two are genetically the same variety.

Norton grows across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern United States. It is especially important in Missouri, where it is the state grape, and is also grown in Virginia.

In the glass, Norton usually makes a dry, full-bodied red with deep purple color. Wines show dark fruit and spice. It generally lacks the strong "foxy" flavor typical of Vitis labrusca grapes.