Erilon is an aromatic, late ripening, white Czech grape variety that is a crossing of (Blaufränkisch x Cabernet Franc) x Merlan.
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What is the erilon grape?
Erilon is an aromatic, late ripening, white grape variety created in the Czech Republic in 2011.
The erilon grape is green/yellow in color and produces a dry, highly aromatic, fruity, floral, spicy wine with grassy notes.
It is often described as being similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc.
The grape variety erilon is a crossing of (Blaufränkisch x Cabernet Franc) x Merlan.
Why erilon was created
The European grapevine (Vitis Vinifera) is susceptible to mildew diseases and phylloxera.
The goal of new grape crossings, like erilon, according to Pavloušek and Korpás, experts at Mendel University of Agriculture, is to combine the best properties of Vitis Vinifera, such as quality grapes and adaptability with the resistance to disease of American Vitis species.
Advantages of crossings like erilon are:
- Increased resistance to disease
- More stable yields
- More adaptable to soil and climatic conditions
- Eco-friendly grapes that require less spraying and pesticides
Growing Erilon grapes
Erilon grapes have good resistance to downy mildew and pests and are therefore suitable for organic production.
It is suited to growing in drier, sunny, elevated positions where it is less susceptible to mold.
The erilon berry is small to medium in size with a green/yellow color.
| Erilon grape characteristics | |
| Color | Yellow/green |
| Aromatic | Yes |
| Flowering | Medium early |
| Ripening | Late ripening |
| Crossings | (Frankovka x Cabernet Franc) x Merlan (Merlot x Seibel 13666) |
| Yield | High |
| Frost resistance | Medium |
| Must weight | 17-19.5 °NM |
| Grape acidity | 8.5-12 g/l |
| Pest resistance | Good |
| Uncinula necator resistance | Good |
| Plasmopara viticola resistance | Partial resistance |
| Botrytis cinerea resistance | Moderate |
Grape crossing meaning
A grape crossing is when two different types of grapevines are bred together to create a new grape variety.
This process involves carefully selecting the parent vines based on desired traits like flavor, color, yield, or resistance to diseases.
Once the parent vines are chosen, their flowers are manually pollinated to produce seeds.
The seeds are then planted, and the resulting seedlings are observed and tested to see which ones exhibit the desired characteristics.
Through this selective breeding process, new grape varieties, such as erilon, with unique qualities can be developed, contributing to the diversity of grapes available for winemaking and consumption.
Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).
