Chancellor (grape)

Chancellor is a dark-skinned hybrid grape variety used primarily in the production of red wine. It is a complex hybrid, with parentage tracing back to Vitis vinifera, Vitis rupestris, and Vitis lincecumii. The grape is also known under several synonyms, including Chancellor Noir and Seibel 7053.

Developed in France in the late 19th century by Albert Seibel, Chancellor was initially intended as a rootstock variety resistant to phylloxera. However, its ability to produce acceptable quality wine led to its wider cultivation, particularly in regions with colder climates where Vitis vinifera grapes struggle to ripen reliably.

Chancellor grapes are known for their high acidity and resistance to fungal diseases such as downy mildew and black rot, making them relatively easy to cultivate. The wines produced from Chancellor are typically light to medium-bodied, with earthy and fruity notes. Common flavor descriptors include cherry, raspberry, and spice.

The popularity of Chancellor peaked in the mid-20th century, but plantings have since declined due to the availability of improved hybrid varieties and a growing preference for Vitis vinifera grapes. While still cultivated in some regions of France (particularly the Loire Valley), Canada, and the United States (especially the eastern states), it is no longer widely planted. The grape is permitted for use in some appellations within its remaining regions of cultivation. Its resistance and adaptability have ensured its continued, albeit niche, presence in the viticultural landscape.