Research Plot - Vinifera and Hybrid White Varieties

As noted in an early post, we selected 21 different varieties to plant in our research plot.  We planted eleven whites and below offers a brief explanation on the eight Vinifera and Hybrid varieties.  Most of the varieties we selected are suited for cooler climates, ripening anywhere from 850 to 1100 growing degree days (GDD), so we expect that they will flourish in our climate.  We also tried to select vines that were less susceptible to diseases.


Auxerrois - a Vitis Vinifera species.
Origins from France and considered a cool climate grape that ripens early   Not seen to often in the New World, but there a few places producing it in Canada (Gray Monk in Lake Country).  It has the same parentage as Chardonnay (Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir), so I guess that makes then siblings

Chardonnay - a Vitis Vinifera species.  We selected Clone 76, originating from the Saone-et-loire department in France for our research plot.  This clone is a fairly consistent producer year in and year out, as well it prefers a cooler climate to helo enhance flavour.  While we tried to get "own" rooted vines for most of our research, this one came grafted onto root stock 101-14.

L'Acadia Blanc - A hybrid grape (many different Vitis genus involved) that was homegrown in the Niagara region in Canada back in 1953.  This is a very cold hardy variety that ripens early and is quite resistant to most diseases.  It has been planted quite a bit in the eastern provinces (Nova Scotia) and is often compared to a Sauvignon Blanc in taste.

Madeleine Angevine - "Mad Angie" is a Vitis Vinifera species, also with origins from France.  This is cool climate grape, ripens early and fairly resistance to a lot of diseases. It has very high yeilds and is known to be  used as a table grape too.  Is a cross between two grapes: Madeleine and ....Angevine.  Who would have guessed?

Madeleine Sylvaner - a Vitis Vinifera species with origins in Loire, France.  A cool climate grape that can ripen with as low as 825 GDD.  Very similar in flavour to Pinot Gris.

Ortega - A Vitis Vinifera cross between Muller Thurau and Siegerrebe and quite cold hardy.  It is reported to develop better character when grown in cooler climates (quite successful in the Shuswap area already).   This grape produces quite well and has a naturally high sugar content so it has been used for dessert wines as well.

Osceolo Muscat - an American hybrid (we think) that is grown a lot in cold climates (Quebec for one). Ripens very early so great for short seasons.  Very similar to a Muscat wine

Siegerrebbe - A Vitis Vinifera species with origins in Germany.  It is a cross between Madeleine Angevine and Gewürztraminer.  This grape also prefer cooler climates, buds late (no worry of late frosts) and ripens very early.  We expect it to produce quite well, and possibly be a flagship variety for the area.