Wine Arcana

Grape

Aromella

Also known as NY76.0844.24

Aromella is an aromatic white hybrid grape released by Cornell in 2013. Its Muscat-like perfume can give a varietal wine a conspicuous identity, while small proportions can also change the aroma of a blend. Its contemporary Finger Lakes uses extend from semi-dry white wine to rosé and red blends.

Breeding and an early regional wine

Cornell records Aromella as Traminette × Ravat 34, from a cross made in 1976. It was tested as NY76.0844.24 before receiving its name.1. Cornell University, “Cornell Grape Varieties,” pedigree and selection number; Cornell CALS, “New wine from Cornell's latest grape variety,” 2014, crossing and testing history. Cornell's release coverage emphasizes winter hardiness and productivity alongside its aromatic wine character.

In 2014, Cornell documented Goose Watch's release of a varietal Aromella after years of vineyard testing with the Peterson family. The reported semi-dry style gave the grape's perfume a setting in which remaining sugar and acidity could contribute to balance.

Aroma as one component of a blend

Usonia's 2025 Soon Different combines Aromella with Regent and Aravelle. Aromella received one night of skin contact, followed by pressing and separate fermentation. The producer then blended the components into rosé. The approach lets the winemaker handle the aromatic white fruit separately from the portion carrying red pigment.

Its 2025 Good Spirit takes another route: Aromella joins Chancellor and Traminette in a whole-cluster cofermentation, with separately fermented Baco Noir added after pressing. Aroma, extraction, and blending decisions therefore give the same grape different roles within the cellar.

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