
CARDINAL GRAPE 
Cardinal is a new, early cardinal colored grape created and developed by U. S. Department 
of Agriculture at Fresno, California. ‘’Cross of Flame Tokay and Ribier. Has more of the char- 
acteristics of the Ribier with slightly Muscat flavor when fully mature.’’ The bunches and berries 
are somewhat similar in size and shape to Ribier, which has extra large handsome berries. 
An Arizona grower stated in January, 1949: ‘Our Cardinal grapes averaged $8.79 per lug 
for all grades at auction in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Boston this summer. This beat 
all other grapes sold the same days in the same markets $3.61 per lug, or 69.7%. 
“Cardinal is better in the early districts because it is earlier, larger, better colored, better 
flavored and has better shipping qualities than any other grape. It is better in the late districts 
because it ripens ahead of the rains, stores perfectly and will ship anywhere.”’ 
