Research Plot - Blattner Varieties

If you have been following along with the previous posts, there have been short discussions on 15 of the varieties we planted in our research plot.  The remaining 6 are part of the "Blattner" species, 3 white and 3 red.  This represents a new breed of grape that was created by Swiss grape geneticist Valentin Blattner by crossing Vinifera and other sub species.  The goal was to create a disease resistant plant and from all accounts this has been a success with varieties now grown in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and Canada.  
The Blattner vines are really the domain of Omega Vines on Salt Spring Island and as they are quite new to vineyards, there is not a lot of information out there except what they have published.  Kudos to them for the great work.  

Whites
Petite Milo -  a complex cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, the American species Riperia and the Asian species Amurensis.  A very early ripening pink grape well suited for areas with high moisture periods. The grapes can achieve quite high sugar levels while retaining good acidity.

Epicure  - a complex cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and a number of Asian grape varieties. A mid season ripening white grape, with large clustered vines with small leaves and exceptional disease resistance. 

We also planted a new research white, simply called 48-05-49.  I tasted this before and if I recall it was quite similar to a viognier style. 

Reds

We planted Cab Libra, Labelle and another research type, 48-05-83.  All are early to mid-season ripening and with the same disease resistance consistent with the Blattner vines in general.  

That is what we planted.  Stay tuned over the next few years as we chart our progress with these varieties and offer tidbits of info that you may find interesting, useful or just laughable.