Criolla

Criolla meaning in South American wine

Criolla refers to a family of historic South American wine grape varieties descended mainly from colonial Vitis vinifera vines, especially Listán Prieto and Moscatel de Alejandría. The name does not mean a cross with native American vines. In Argentina and neighboring countries, Criolla varieties such as Criolla Chica, Criolla Grande, Cereza, and some Torrontés lineages formed the foundation of early wine production. Historically used for everyday and bulk wines, they are now being re-evaluated for fresh, light-bodied, low-intervention styles with cultural and genetic importance.