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More popular as Petite Sirah in the U.S., this variety produces inky, black, full bodied wines. It is often used as a blender with Zinfandel. But, it is also blended in small amounts with other varieties to add color, and structure. The berries are small (petite) and the clusters are tightly packed making it highly susceptible to bunch rot. It is not considered a cold tolerant variety.
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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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Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety indigenous to the region of Umbria. It is vigorous yet low-yielding vine. It flowers early, but requires a long hot season to ripen.
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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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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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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.
