Crimson Pearl-cold hardy, frost resistant, great versatility.

Crimson Pearl Grape

Crimson Pearl Grape
(T.P. 2-1-17) U.S. Patent 30,263P3

Canadian Plant Breeder’s Rights Certificate #6332
Seedling from a 1996 cross of MN 1094 x E.S. 4-7-26
Introduced in 2015

In the Vineyard
Very early wood ripening and consistent winter hardiness year to year; the most rugged vine of the three Plocher-Vines named varieties; very reliable in Zone 4b and has performed well in the Zone 4a test sites, such as Alexandria and Fargo. The exception was the Polar Vortex winter of 2013-14 which caused widespread injury to most varieties, including this one.

Excellent early winter hardiness. Was not injured by the November, 2014 sub-zero (-12F) cold snap, nor the mid-December 2016 cold event (-22F on 17 Dec. in Hugo, MN).

Excellent late winter hardiness. No injury after the February, 2021 two-week cold spell that culminated with a low of -32F on 15 February in Hugo, MN. Also, holds dormancy well during late winter warm spells, such as the record warm spell + freeze in March, 2012 that caused trunk injury to many varieties. Only variety at Blackhoof Creek Vineyard test site, 30 mi. south of Duluth, to survive that March event and produce a crop.

Late budbreak in spring, a few days earlier than Petite Pearl. Secondary buds are fruitful.

Widely adaptable to different soil types and soil alkalinity, pH 6.0-8.0.

A little more vigorous than Petite Pearl, with drooping growth habit and few laterals.

Disease Resistance
Crimson Pearl is quite resistant to Downy and Powdery Mildew. Some susceptibility to Black Rot in more humid regions like the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest. A nominal well-timed spray program (two pre- and two post-bloom sprays), provides good Black Rot control on Crimson Pearl. Occasionally, under wet conditions, Crimson Pearl can suffer from Phomopsis It is preventable with well-timed pre-bloom sprays.

Training System
Top wire cordon for low maintenance and best production.

The Fruit

Berry 2.5 g; cluster 100-250 g (ave. 129g), cylindrical with a wing often borne on a long pedicel; slightly loose to compact
4-5 tons/acre production.
Ripens 155 days after bud break, or around 2550 Degree Days F, about 5-7 days earlier than Petite Pearl.
Typical harvest parameters are 22-23 brix, pH= 3.4-3.8, TA= 0.6-0.8g/L.

In the Winery

Juice color- purplish red and slightly less deep than Petite Pearl.
Fruity aroma is dominated by fresh or dried cherry, with secondary notes of black pepper, almond, mint, anise, blackberry, and raspberry, depending on yeast selection.
Less tannin than Petite Pearl, but soft and dense on the palate and in the finish.
Excellent balance of acid, tannin and alcohol.
Excellent choice for approachable, fruity dry red wines and dry rose wine.

Download yeast trial PDF here.