To maximize profitability, varieties chosen must produce an economic yield, achieve the quality standard of the receiving winery, have fair market value and be in demand.
The selection of which grape variety to plant must first match the growing conditions of the site. Local temperature data should be analyzed to determine what varieties are best suited for the particular site.
In addition to matching the site conditions, the variety should meet the long term market demand of the winery for which the grapes are grown. Choose a variety that is in high demand or is a widely accepted variety. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the vineyard.
The following variety descriptions are provided as information only and are not variety recommendations. Information for these descriptions was gathered from a number of sources, including books, online sources and individuals involved in the B.C. wine grape industry.
Not all the information presented may be applicable to grape growing areas in B.C. Always consult a number of sources, including your winery, before selecting varieties to grow.
Thought to have originated in Moselle area, east France
Mid season
Adapted to cooler areas. Fairly vigorous. Clusters and berries small. Yields low in France. Good winter hardiness.
Wines full bodied and fruity, but neutral with neutral acidity. Often blended. Not in demand in B.C.
Various clones. Two certified in France.
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis.
Cross derived from Muller-Thurgau, Riesling and Sylvaner
Early
Adapted to a wide range of climates. Vigorous. Easily sunburned. Large clusters.
Low acidity, usually used for sweet wines. Muscat like or Sylvaner flavors. Often blended. Used to produce a dry, fruity wine in B.C. Not in demand in B.C.
Sensitive to powdery mildew and botrytis
One source suggests the origin is the Rioja Valley in Italy
Late season and loves heat
Upright and vigorous, tending toward biennial crops. Does well in dry rocky slopes or fine sandy soils. Seems to do well in dry and windy conditions.
Good blender, low in colour
Prone to bunch rot and, if too vigorous, is prone to coulure
Likely a native of Bordeaux, southwest France
Late, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Maturity difficult in North Okanagan.
Quite vigorous. Very productive. Early budbreak. Moderate winter hardiness. Clusters medium size and berries medium.
Wines are very aromatic. Age well. Alcohol, acidity and polyphenols medium. Often blended with Cab Sauvignon and Merlot.
Thirty-five certified clones in France
Sensitive to leafhoppers. Fairly susceptible to botrytis. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Originated in the Bordeaux area of France or perhaps Italy
Late
Late bud break. Winter hardy. Low yields. Vigorous variety. Small berries and clusters medium but lightweight. Low to moderate winter hardiness. Requires rootstocks to control vigour.
The world’s most renowned grape variety for the production of fine red wines. Wines are dark and high in tannins when harvested at full maturity. Good keeping qualities. Ages well in barrels.
Twenty-five certified clones in France
Very susceptible to powdery mildew. Some resistance to botrytis.
Ancient variety. Probably in the Middle East.
Mid-late season
Moderate vigour, does best on fertile soils. Early budbreak. Moderately hardy. Sensitive to drought. Yields well.
Most popular white grape in the world. High quality variety. Wide range of wine styles. Can be used for dry, sparkling or sweet wines. Ages well in barrels. Crisp, fruity wines produced in B.C.
Many clones. 31 certified in France. Early clones desirable.
Susceptible to powdery mildew. Susceptible to botrytis when vigour is high and grapes are ripe.
Likely originated in Anjou area in the Loire Valley of France
Late
Vigorous variety that produces good yields. Early budbreak. Winter tender. Sensitive to sunburn. Early budbreak increases sensitivity to spring frost. Yields high. Clusters medium to large, but berries small to medium.
Produces dry, sparkling or sweet wines. Acidity high. Fruity. Generally ordinary wines.
Different phenotypes. Eight clones certified in France.
Quite susceptible to botrytis. Sensitive to powdery mildew.
Riesling x Sylvaner clone hybrid developed at Geisenheim
Mid season
Not hardy. Low vigour. Yields poor.
Low acidity. Ages only for a short period. Full bodied, fruity and pleasant wines. Riesling characteristics. Not in demand in B.C.
Disease susceptibility low
Burgundy, France
Late, due to high acid
Low to moderate vigorous with good production. Hardy. Can be sensitive to sunburn and shot berries. Needs to be thinned well. Clusters medium large and berries medium large size. Early budbreak.
Wines of Beaujolais produced with this variety. Clone selection has improved wine quality. Wines are light and fruity with good, bright red colour but can lack tannins and aromatic complexity. High acid.
Various clones available
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
One source indicates that origin is believed to be Termeno, Italy; another, the Pflalz region of Germany
Early
Moderately vigorous variety. Sensitive to iron deficiency. Early budbreak. Sensitive to spring frost. Yields moderate. Clusters and berries are small. Hard to pick. Moderate winter hardiness.
Sugar content high. High quality, low acid, scented, strong and robust wines can be produced. In demand.
Slight susceptibility to powdery mildew and botrytis
Riesling x Trollinger cross at Wurttembeurg, Germany
Mid season
Suited to cooler locations but adapted to a wide range of sites. Hardy. Late budbreak.
Produces a Riesling type white wine. High acid. Can be high quality. Icewines produced in B.C. with Kerner. Low demand.
Mid season
Cold hardy. Early budbreak. Vigorous.
Merlot-like fruity wines with mild tannins. Reportedly low levels of histamines.
Mid-late season
Not hardy. Moderately vigorous.
Produces an inky red, intense wine. Used in blends with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to produce Claret.
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
Probably Greece or Asia Minor
Mid-late season
Vigorous. Adapted to drier soils. Moderate yields. Not hardy.
Produces dry and sweet white and light red wines with high alcohol content and residual sugar.
Many clones
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
Origin unknown. Possibly Bordeaux, France.
Late
Low to moderate vigour. Not hardy. Sets good crops. Very sensitive to winter injury, spring frost and drought. Clusters are winged, fairly large. Berries medium size. Sensitive to boron deficiency. Best spur pruned.
Most widely planted variety in Bordeaux. Wines are mild, well coloured, soft tannins and slightly acidic, with a soft, delicate flavour. May be consumed young but benefits from aging in oak. Often blended with other reds and used in most Bordeaux blends. Good quality Merlots being produced in B.C.
Fifteen certified clones in France
Good tolerance of powdery mildew. Susceptible to botrytis. Susceptible to leafhoppers and crown gall.
Probably a Silvaner x Pinot Blanc cross
Early to mid season
Adapted to cooler climate regions. Good production. Berries have thin skin, prone to cracking and subsequent spoilage.
Not a true Muscat type, but very pronounced Muscat flavour. Acids medium to high. Often blended.
Possibly a Riesling x Sylvaner or Chasselas cross. Developed by Hermann Muller at Geisenheim, Germany.
Mid-late season
Vigorous plant. High yields. Sensitive to iron deficiency. Adapted to cool areas. Moderate spring frost resistance. Low winter hardiness. Clusters and berries medium size.
Wines are alcoholic, aromatic with low acidity. Quality between Riesling and Sylvaner. Not in demand in B.C.
Seven clones certified in France
Sensitive to powdery mildew and very susceptible to botrytis
May be the oldest known grape, grown in the Mediterranean area for centuries
Mid season
Vigorous. Low yields. Early budbreak. Best in warmer sites. Not hardy.
Makes semi-sweet and sweet dessert wines with Muscat flavour.
Coloured strains
Very susceptible to powdery mildew. Very attractive to wasps.
Seedling of Robert Moreau
Early
Low vigour. Adapted to heavier soils. Sensitive to blossom drop. Good spring frost resistance. Somewhat winter tender. Clusters are small to medium and berries medium to large. Yields low. Not hardy.
Produces dry and sweet wines. Wines are alcoholic, perfumy and aromatic. Also used as a table grape.
One clone certified in France
Susceptible to botrytis
Riesling x Sylvaner x Muller Thurgau
Early
High vigour. Yields moderate. Late budbreak. Winter hardy. Suited to a wide range of soils.
Used for blending purposes in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region of Germany. Low acid. Used for dry and dessert wines in B.C.
Very susceptible to botrytis
Muller Thurgau x Siegerrebe cross at Wurzberge
Early-mid season
Cold hardy. Berries medium size. Drought sensitive. Splits in the rain. Grown in North Okanagan and at the coast.
Produces full bodied, flavourful wines of high quality in good years. Low acid. Wines keep well. Delicate aromas. It has some Riesling characteristics. Often blended with Riesling.
Moderate susceptibility to botrytis. Sensitive to late spring frost. Attractive to wasps.
Bordeaux, France
Very late
High vigour. Adapted to light soils. Clusters small and compact. Moderately winter hardy.
Produces powerful wines with high colour and spicy flavour. High acidity. Important variety to blend with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Used for colour.
Only one certified in France
Tolerant of botrytis
Burgundy, France. Mutation of Pinot Noir.
Mid-late season
Productive with medium vigour. Adapted to light soils. Requires good site. Moderately hardy. Clusters are medium and berries medium.
Produces wines similar to Chardonnay. Important variety in Germany. Wines are slightly robust and fruity. Also used for sparkling wines. Used to blend.
Various clones. Two clones certified in France.
Sensitive to powdery mildew and botrytis
Burgundy, France. Mutation of Pinot Noir.
Mid season
Vigorous with moderate production. Yields of newer clones better. Adapted to cool areas and dry soils. Requires good site. Hardy. Easy to grow. Clusters and berries are small.
Large plantings in northern Italy. Produces high quality wines that are robust and aromatic, intensely perfumed. Can produce pink coloured wines.
Various clones. Three certified in France.
Slight susceptibility to powdery mildew and botrytis
Clone of Pinot Noir
Mid season
Late budbreak. Clusters large. Productive. Good winter hardiness.
Grown to produce champagne in France. Blended with Chardonnay to make Blanc de Noir sparkling wines. Produced as a varietal and for sparkling wines in B.C.
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
Native of Burgundy, France. There are many different phenotypes.
Late
Adapted to cooler areas. Not fully hardy. Difficult to grow. Sensitive to sunburn. Yields low. Best results when vigour and yield are controlled. Clusters and berries are very small to small. Budbreak early. Winter tender.
Difficult variety. Makes the finest wine in Burgundy. Wines age well. Sugar content is high, and acidity is low to medium. Colour intensity is moderate. Also used for sparkling wines. B.C. produces a variety of styles. In demand.
Many clones. Fifty certified in France. Use early clones.
Very susceptible to botrytis and grape leafhoppers. Moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew.
Pinot Noir clone x Cinsault cross developed in 1925 in South Africa
Mid season
Widely grown in South Africa. Difficult grape to grow. Small planting in B.C.
Hearty, dark red wine that ages well, often requiring aging. Pinotage has an unusual earthy character. Wines in demand.
Low susceptibility to diseases
Origin is thought to be the Rhine river area in Germany, but not determined with accuracy
Late
Adapted to a wide range of soils. Winter hardy. Vigour moderate to high. Yields can be variable. Budbreak late. Clusters and berries are medium.
Wines age well. Acidity high. Alcohol content not high. Late harvested or botrytis-affected grapes can produce excellent sweet wines. Trend to drier style Rieslings.
Only one clone certified in France
Some susceptibility to powdery mildew and very susceptible to botrytis. Berry drop sometimes from grape stem rot.
Trollinger x Riesling cross. Germany.
Late season
Adapted to cool areas of the Okanagan Valley. Winter tender. Grows well.
Produces light red, fruity, early maturing wines. Also rosé wines.
Italy
Mid season
Enjoys calcareous well drained soils. Average vigour.
Variable, depending on yield
Relatively resistant to disease
Italy
Mid season
Enjoys calcareous well drained soils. Low vigour.
Variable, depending on yield
The thin-skinned grapes are prone to bunch rot
Southwest or central France
Mid-late season
Very vigorous variety, best on low fertility soils and warm sites. Suited to South Okanagan. Mid season budbreak. Winter tender because of late wood maturity. Yields moderate.
Makes some of Europe’s most popular wines. Dry wines are very pleasant, aromatic, fine and balanced. Late harvested and botrytis-affected grapes produce high quality sweet wines.
Twenty clones certified in France
Very susceptible to botrytis because of tight clusters. Susceptible to powdery mildew. Very susceptible to erineum mite.
Bred at Geisenheim
Early-mid season
Adapted to cooler locations protected from wind. Not fully hardy. Moderate winter hardiness. Medium yield.
Low susceptibility to botrytis
Bordeaux area of France
Late
Fairly vigorous and productive variety. Adapted to lighter soils but sensitive to fertility. Clusters large and berries large. Budbreak mid season. Winter tender.
Produces Sauternes wines. Often blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Dry wines of high quality and good keeping and aging potential. Good sweet wines can be produced from Semillon. Often blended. Used for dry and blended wines in B.C.
Seven clones certified in France
Susceptible to botrytis. Susceptible to mites and leafhoppers. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew.
Gewürtztraminer x Madeline Angevine cross
Very early
Adapted to cool, short growing season areas. Low vigour. Hardy. Productive, can over crop. Chlorosis on heavy soils.
Heavy perfume aroma and spicy taste. High sugar. Low acid. Best as a late harvest wine in the state of Washington.
Susceptible to powdery mildew. Slightly susceptible to Botrytis. Very attractive to wasps and birds.
Not known with certainty. Possibly originated in Persia and introduced to the northern Côtes du Rhône or Dauphiné areas of France. Cultivated since Roman times. Should not be confused with Petit Syrah (Durif).
Very late
Weak shoots that break easily. Sensitive to drought. Very susceptible to iron deficiency. Yields well. Winter tender. Budbreak fairly late. Clusters medium large and berries medium large.
Wines are good quality with high alcohol. Aging improves quality. Characteristic fragrance. Wines are dark, strong and complex. Fruity rosé wines can be produced with this variety.
Sixteen clones certified in France
Susceptible to botrytis when ripe. Sensitive to mites. Some resistance to powdery mildew.
Unknown
Mid-late season
Low yields
Produces a highly intense, floral and spicy wine. Muscat characteristics. Becoming popular in North America and southern France. Has potential in B.C. Does not age well.
One certified clone in France
Probably Italy
Late
Moderately vigorous. Thin skinned, large bunches. Spur pruned or cane pruned.
Potentially very high quality
Susceptible to bunch rot and raisining
French hybrid
Mid season
Cold hardy. Adapted to cool areas and light soils. Small clusters and small berries.
Can produce light, deeply coloured and strongly varietal Burgundy-like red wine. Produces a medium dry wine in B.C.
Attractive to birds
East Europe
Early
Very vigorous. Early vine maturity. Subject to fruit drop.
Can produce high quality Cabernet Sauvignon-style wine. High acid and low sugar in poor seasons.
Susceptible to powdery mildew
Ugni Blanc x S4986 French Hybrid
Mid-late season
Moderate cold hardiness. Moderately vigorous. Good production, but fruit set can be poor sometimes. Winter hardy in New York. Clusters large, berries medium in size.
Used to produce a range of wines from dry to sweet, including late harvest and ice wines. Can have a Riesling-like character. Wines have higher alcohol content. Used almost exclusively for ice wine in B.C.
