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This is the latest ripening variety of the Bordeaux family of grapes. It produces rich colored wines with high tannins. The clusters and berries are small. It is grown throughout the world in small quantities. But, it is not considered a winter hearty variety.
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Pinot Noir has most recently become a popular variety in the United States. It will grow anywhere that grapes are grown. However, it prefers cooler summers to achieve the highest quality. The clusters are small to medium sized with small berries. It has medium disease and winter cold tolerance. Some of the most sought-after wines in the world are made from Pinot Noir grapes.
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Although Primitivo is considered to be the same as Zinfandel (they have the same DNA), we list Primitivo differently because this selection is a looser cluster than Zinfandel and is less susceptible to rot and other diseases. It can be used to make red and white (rose) wine. Primitivo is not as winter cold hardy as other varieties but can be planted where temperatures stay above 15 degrees F. It is a high producing variety that makes fruity wines that can be consumed at a young age.
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Often called White Riesling, it produces aromatic wines with high acid. It has small clusters and small berries and can be left on the vine to produce late harvest wine with noble rot. The vines are very cold hardy and are grown the coolest regions of Germany, France, Austria, and Canada. It is popular on the East Coast as well.
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Touriga National is a red wine grape variety from Portugal. It is a lower yielding fruit, but is a big part in blends used for ports. The vine is very vigorous, and can withstand higher heat in rockier climates.
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Sauvignon Blanc is a high producing white wine variety that is not very winter cold tolerant. It is grown in every grape growing region from hot to cool climates. It has medium disease tolerance. Harvested early, it will make a wine with grassy, citrus fruit flavors. Harvested later will produce more tropical fruit flavors.
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Syrah (also know as Shiraz) is a vigorous variety that does very well in cool as well as hot climates. This variety thrives in many different areas showing different characteristics in wine depending on where it is grown. The wines can show an array of dark fruits, cocoa, blueberry and mint. This variety is extremely versatile for winemaking and can be pleasant to grow in the vineyard with large yields.
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A red grape variety that is largely planted in Spain. This variety is early ripening and thrives in warm climates. It yields large clusters and the yields are productive. The wine tends to be full bodied with a dark ruby color. On the palate you will taste light red fruits and baking spices.
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Zinfandel is an American grape variety that performs differently in the field, but is genetically the same as Primitivo. It can be used to make red and white (rose) wine. Zinfandel is not as winter cold hardy as other varieties but can be planted where temperatures stay above 15 degrees F. It is a high producing variety that makes fruity wines that can be consumed at a young age.
