Introduction:
Pinot Noir is a delicate and finicky grape variety that is known for its versatility and complexity. It is considered one of the flagship varieties for Prince Edward County, but it is also a difficult variety to grow due to its sensitivity to cold weather and susceptibility to disease and rot. At Traynor Family Vineyard, we do not grow Pinot Noir ourselves, but we are proud to source it from other local growers and from Wismer Vineyards in Vineland, Ontario.

In the Vineyard:
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape variety that is sensitive to cold weather and frost. It requires winter protection to survive the harsh climate of Prince Edward County, which can be achieved by burying or covering it with geotextile. The variety is also susceptible to disease and rot, making it a low-yielding crop.

Pruning and Canopy Management:
Pinot Noir should be spur-pruned to manage yields and ensure fruit quality. The ideal number of buds per vine is 35 to 50 buds. The variety requires a vertical shoot positioning (VSP) trellis system for optimal light penetration and air circulation.

Disease Resistance:
Pinot Noir is susceptible to a variety of common grape vine diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and black rot. A well-timed spray program that includes two pre- and two post-bloom sprays can provide good control of these diseases.

The Fruit:
Pinot Noir grapes produce wine with a light to medium body and a complex flavour profile. The grapes are small with thin skin and deep red colour. They typically ripen late in the season and have a moderate to low yield.

In the Winery:
Pinot Noir grapes produce wine with a pale colour and a complex flavour profile. The wine is known for its fruity flavours such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, with notes of spice and earth. The wine has good acidity and a range of styles can be produced, from light and floral to rich and full-bodied.

Wine Profile:
Our Pinot Noir is sourced from Wismer Vineyards in Vineland, Ontario. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in small batches to preserve the delicate flavours and aromas of the fruit. The wine is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 8 months to add complexity and depth. The resulting wine is a light to medium-bodied red with a complex flavour profile and good acidity.

Conclusion:
Pinot Noir is a delicate and finicky grape variety that requires a specific set of growing conditions to thrive. Despite its challenges, it is considered one of the flagship varieties for Prince Edward County, and when grown well, it produces wine that is complex and versatile. At Traynor Family Vineyard, we are proud to source Pinot Noir from other local growers and from Wismer Vineyards in Vineland, Ontario to produce a single varietal wine.
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