Léon Millot

Description

Léon Millot is a red variety of hybrid grape used for wine. It was created in 1911 in the Oberlin Institute in Colmar, Alsace by the French viticulturist Eugène Kuhlmann (1858-1932) by crossing the hybrid grape Millardet et Grasset 101-14 O.P. (which is Vitis riparia × Vitis rupestris) with Goldriesling, which is Vitis vinifera. The variety was namned after the winemaker and tree nusery owner Léon Millot.

Léon Millot ripens early, and has high resistance against fungal diseases. It is therefore suited for cultivation in colder climates. It gives powerful wine with some foxy aromas.

Léon Millot is cultivated in smaller amounts in Switzerland (on 9.35 hectares (23.1 acres) in 2009), Alsace and Canada. In similarity with many other hybrid grapes, it was not allowed in professional winemaking in the European Union. However, after the regulations were somewhat relaxed, varieties with some Vitis vinifera in their pedigree, such as Léon Millot is currently allowed also for wine production.

Léon Millot was the product of the same crossing trials as Lucie Kuhlmann and Maréchal Foch, and these three varieties are therefore related.

Notes

Grape Colour: Black
Also called: Frühe Schwarze, Kuhlmann 194-2 and Millot
Origin: France