Crimson Pearl (T.P. 2-1-17)
U.S. Patent Pending; Canada PBR Pending
Seedling from a 1996 cross of MN 1094 x E.S. 4-7-26
Selected in 2000
Sister of Petite Pearl

•Very early wood ripening and great winter hardiness; the most  rugged vine from  my work; very reliable in Zone 4b and has performed well in the Zone 4a test sites, as well. The exception was the winter of 2013-14 which caused widespread injury to most varieties, including this one.
•Only variety at Blackhoof Creek Vineyard test site, 30 mi. south of  Duluth, to  survive the record warm spell + freeze in March, 2012  and  produce a crop.  
•Rather late budbreak in spring
•Neat growth habit, moderate vigor; good disease resistance and little rot or splitting
•Berry 2.5 g; cluster 100-250 g (ave. 129g). 4-5 tons/acre production
•Ripens 10 days earlier than Petite Pearl; typical harvest  parameters are 22-23 brix, pH = 3.4-3.8, TA < 0.8%
•Juice is less dark than Petite Pearl but still has similar tannin in skins, and excellent balance of tannin, acid, and alcohol. Best wines to  date were a very fruity cold soak rose, a saignee rose, and a soft fruity dry red.  All had complex aromas with raspberry dominant. Reminiscent of Italian wines from the NE region. No hybrid or native flavors in  the wines.
•Recently certified virus free at the Foundation Plant Service.  Certified vines will be available from Inland Desert Nursery in Washington in the 2020 timeframe.