Introduction:
Petite Pearl is a hybrid red grape variety known for its deep red colour and complex flavour profile. Developed by the University of Minnesota in 2009, Petite Pearl is a cross between the grape varieties MN 1094 and E.S. 4-7-26. The grape is a popular choice among winemakers in the cold-climate regions of the United States and Canada, including Quebec and Prince Edward County.
Climate and Terroir:
Petite Pearl is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County. The grape variety is extremely hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30C. The grape ripens in late September and early October, allowing it to retain acidity and freshness. The soil in our vineyard is mostly clay-loam, with good drainage, which helps the grape to grow healthy and strong.
Viticultural Considerations:
Petite Pearl is a vigorous vine, requiring a strong trellis system and proper pruning to manage yields. The grape is resistant to common cold-climate diseases such as powdery mildew and black rot and is also tolerant to downy mildew. The grape variety is known for producing medium to high yields. It is recommended that Petite Pearl is grown on a single high-wire cordon.
Wine Profile:
Petite Pearl grapes produce wine with a deep red colour and a complex flavour profile, with the wine it produces often compaired to the Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional. Known for its fruity flavours such as blueberry, cherry, and plum, with notes of anise, almond, mint, and cassis. The wine has soft tannins, fullness and structure in the mouth and finish. It also displays an excellent balance of acid, tannin, and alcohol, with good aging potential.
Conclusion:
Petite Pearl is a grape variety that offers winemakers a unique flavour profile and high disease resistance. It is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County, and can produce wines that are complex, balanced, with good aging potential. We are excited to use this grape variety in our Alta Red wine.
Petite Pearl is a hybrid red grape variety known for its deep red colour and complex flavour profile. Developed by the University of Minnesota in 2009, Petite Pearl is a cross between the grape varieties MN 1094 and E.S. 4-7-26. The grape is a popular choice among winemakers in the cold-climate regions of the United States and Canada, including Quebec and Prince Edward County.
Climate and Terroir:
Petite Pearl is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County. The grape variety is extremely hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30C. The grape ripens in late September and early October, allowing it to retain acidity and freshness. The soil in our vineyard is mostly clay-loam, with good drainage, which helps the grape to grow healthy and strong.
Viticultural Considerations:
Petite Pearl is a vigorous vine, requiring a strong trellis system and proper pruning to manage yields. The grape is resistant to common cold-climate diseases such as powdery mildew and black rot and is also tolerant to downy mildew. The grape variety is known for producing medium to high yields. It is recommended that Petite Pearl is grown on a single high-wire cordon.
Wine Profile:
Petite Pearl grapes produce wine with a deep red colour and a complex flavour profile, with the wine it produces often compaired to the Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional. Known for its fruity flavours such as blueberry, cherry, and plum, with notes of anise, almond, mint, and cassis. The wine has soft tannins, fullness and structure in the mouth and finish. It also displays an excellent balance of acid, tannin, and alcohol, with good aging potential.
Conclusion:
Petite Pearl is a grape variety that offers winemakers a unique flavour profile and high disease resistance. It is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County, and can produce wines that are complex, balanced, with good aging potential. We are excited to use this grape variety in our Alta Red wine.
