CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES

GETTING TO KNOW

PETITE PEARL WINE

Petite Pearl is a French-American hybrid that produces rich and complex red wines. Its deep garnet color brings a flavor profile that has hints of spice and cassis. The balance of soft tannins, acidity and alcohol delivers a long finish with every sip.

Developed by the renowned Minnesota viticulturalist, Tom Plocher, in 1996. It was released to the public in 2010 and has quickly gained a reputation for pushing the envelope for cold climate winemaking potential. It has the ability to withstand temperatures down to -32°F.

Rolling Hills Estate Winery, Champlain Valley of New York
Rolling Hills Estate Winery, the Champlain Valley of New York AVA

Lending true to its reputation in delivering concentration and power at lower acidity levels, Petite Pearl offers a different style within the Rolling Hills Estate Winery portfolio. It can carry more oak on its back and is a more powerful relative to its red counterparts.”

Dan Faber, Head Winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate Winery

WHERE TO FIND THE PETITE PEARL GRAPE

This cold-hardy grape is found in Canada and the Midwest regions of the United StatesMinnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio – as well as in the northern portion of the country – New York and Vermont.

PETITE PEARL Food Pairings

With complex aromas of berries and green tea, coupled with soothing flavors of mint, this wine pairs wonderfully with rack of lamb (with mint jelly), smoked duck and farm-fresh steak. This rich ruby colored wine has a bold and silky structure.

What are french-American hybrids?

French-American Hybrids are the crossing of the European Vitis vinifera species with one or more Native American Vitis species. Early on, many of these grapes were grafted – aka spliced together – in France.  The goal was to combine the superior traits of both vines to produce grapes with excellent wine quality that have a higher resistance to diseases and pests.

Research began on grafting Vitis vinifera species to American rootstock in the 1860’s to combat the phylloxera epidemic that nearly decimated wine regions around the world. Research continues today at the University of Minnesota and Cornell University in New York due to the rise in climate change. More on French American hybrids.

PETITE PEARL WINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Looking for recommendations on Petite Pearl wines? Here are a few we suggest.

Coming Soon…

Rolling Hills Estate Winery, Champlain Valley of New York

Coming Soon…

Rolling Hills Estate Winery, Champlain Valley of New York

Coming Soon…

Rolling Hills Estate Winery, Champlain Valley of New York

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