Biochemical properties and quality potential of new grapevine genotypes produced by crossing a black berry winegrape and a white berry seedless table cultivar (Raboso veronese × Sultanina)

An F1 population was produced in 2006 by crossing Raboso veronese, a black berry winegrape cultivar quantitatively rich in polyphenols, and Sultanina, a stenospermocarpic white grape variety. Biochemical properties, qualitative traits and aptitude as table grapes and for wine making of ten selected genotypes were evaluated in two harvests. These genotypes showed high variability in the chemical characteristics. Two seedless, colored berry offsprings ( 71 and 91 ) had an anthocyanin profile different from Raboso veronese, with peonidin being the main anthocyanin and prevailing on cyanidin, which is the main pigment in Raboso veronese, and a flavonoid content higher than the black grape parent (>5 g/kg grape). Other two seeded, colored berry offsprings ( 117 and 210 ) showed high berry weight (>2.5 g) and high sugar content (between 19 and 22 °Brix). Genotypes 71 and 91 are potentially interesting to produce nutraceutical-rich raisins or red wines that combine high color, high polyphenolic content and low astringency, due to the absence of seed tannins. Genotype 9 is the most suitable among the seedless, white berry offsprings for its high flavonoids content. Further studies are needed to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of these grapes and to define their best uses. • A grapevine F1 population was produced by crossing Raboso veronese and Sultanina. • The grape biochemical properties of ten, most promising offsprings, were analyzed. • Three virtually new varieties with good nutraceutical properties were highlighted. • Two showed the combination of colored, seedless grapes, with high polyphenol amount. • One has white grapes with high flavonols content.