The original American hybrid grape parent had found its way to the Madeira Islands sometime in the 18th century (where it was called Jaqué or Jacquet) and then to France.
From its wild South Carolina parent (likely, V. rupestris), Lenoir (and also Black Spanish) carries natural resistance to the Phylloxera pest, as well as to Pierce's Disease, which is a common threat to Vitis vinifera vineyards in warm winter areas of the United States.
Lenoir was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century, where French vintners were intrigued by its similarity to European Vitis vinifera grapes and gave it the names Jacquez (or Jacquet).
A more disease-resistant, black-skinned, red-wine hybrid of Lenoir crossed with Herbemont called "Favorite" was bred by John Niederauer of Brenham, Texas, and introduced circa 1938 (Brooks & Olmo 3rd, 1997[6]).
As growers in Texas realize the risk and expense associated with growing vinifera grapes in a hostile environment, Lenoir and Favorite are gaining greater acceptance.
Like the Virginia Vitis aestivalis hybrid Norton, Lenoir is gaining favor among wine enthusiasts who are looking for new tastes and locally sourced American products.