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.
“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 States – Minnesota, 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.
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.
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Elaine N. Schoch
Elaine Schoch (pronounced the German way – Shock) is the editor and founder of Carpe Travel as well as an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and certified American Wine Expert. She is married to The Husband and has two kids, Princess One and Two – who’s interest and knowledge in wine is quite extensive. Not to mention the stamps in their passports.