American Grape Varietal Question?

Many years ago while traveling thru Tennesee I stopped at a winery and remember trying their Mellot red wine. I thought it quite nice but have never seen that varietal since. The search engine only mentions people with that last name. Anyone out there know more about this grape and is wine still being made from it?

The grape Léon Millot comes to mind, as the "Léon" is often left out. It is a hybrid grape, and from what I've read on another website (for wine makers and grape growers), there are at least a few vineyards in TN. It is a seedling brother of Maréchal Foch. I used to make wine from locally grown grapes, but property was sold in the late 1980s and the vines torn out. I now have about a half-dozen vines growing in my yard. I hope to get a batch from them next year. From the Winegrape Glossary:

LÉON MILLOT:
(Pronounced "lay-on mee-oh"). Earlier (September) ripening french-american hybrid red wine grape than, although derived from same cross, Marechal Foch below. Also known as Millot. Extensively grown in the Alsace region of France where it is known as "le medicin du vin" (or "wine doctor") for its ability to increase the color intensity of a red wine (eg. Pinot Noir) without perceptibly altering the quality. Also extensively planted in the Northeast and Midwest USA. Some consider the wine to be superior to Foch because of more distinct berry aromas. Best harvested at pH 3.4 and 19+ Brix in warmer climates if Carotene-caused discoloration is to be avoided. Market demand thought to be hampered by lack of name recognition.

Here's a link to an Ohio winery that makes it: http://www.harrisoncountyohio.org/trh/wineries/wineries.htm

[Robin Garr]

I wondered about Léon Millot, but ever the cynic, I also wondered if it was a Tenneseeish rendition of "Merlot."

Thanks Howie, I'll see you soon at MoCool. I'm bringing a German dessert Siegrebe, among other wines, which is quite distinctive and probably not a lot of people have tasted.

Thanks Howie, I'll see you soon at MoCool. I'm bringing a German dessert Siegrebe, among other wines, which is quite distinctive and probably not a lot of people have tasted.

Hi Jim,

That´s an unusual pick. I´m curious as to who bottled it and even more curious as to who imported it!

Cheers,
Bill

I wondered about Léon Millot, but ever the cynic, I also wondered if it was a Tenneseeish rendition of "Merlot."

Robin, You need to let go of those smug "BIG CITY" way of looking at we simple folks!

Hi Bill, the wine is a 2004 Siegerrebe Ba. from Bretz and imported by Winesellers out of Skokie Ill. Alcohol by vol. is %9.5.
Cost was %10 per half. Vineyard was Bechtolsheimer Sonnenberg in the Rheinhessen.

Thanks Jim,

I have tasted a Spätburgunder Rose Eiswein from Bretz and also a Huxelrebe (BA or TBA? It´s been many years), but never the Siegerrebe. Let us know how it shows!

Cheers,
Bill

Jim, I think Millot is certainly what it was.

Millot has never been made into a varietal wine in Ontario, at least not in my time. I have had varietal Lucy Kuhlmann (another grape from the same era), but much prefer Foch.