KATE LIN
"Characteristics: Grape vine is vigorous and very productive. Ripens before the mean first frost date for central Niagara Peninsula. Withstands temperatures less than -18oC while maintaining fruiting ability. Bears fruit in large loose clusters with large shoulders (or side bunches). Are easily sprayed and mechanically harvested. Very high sugar content which has been the highest brix rating of any grape grown (1999 - 25.5% sugar on the vine). Excellent for Wine, Jelly, Jam, Juice, Sweet Dessert Wine, Sherry. Also suitable for the fresh retail market."
"General Information: Vine: Medium size vigorous on 6 arm Kniffin trellis. From 3-5 clusters on fruitwood. Very high production. Fruit: fairly well formed not too tight. Noted for extra side cluster. Better for mechanical harvesting. The plant is resistant to mildew and does not require thinning or suckering."
"Fruit: Fruit set: Good. Fruit habit: Very productive. Thickness of skin: Medium. Colour: Red to blue velvet. Fruit texture: Firm. Fruit flavour: Very sweet."
"Credentials: Vines declared virus free by Agriculture Canada, Vineland, Ontario, Canada. Recognized and accepted by the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board. The Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario Canada.
Not from the producers (comments by the little fat wino): The only wine that I have tasted made from this variety was a fascinating rose made by Ocala Orchards Winery near Port Perry. In a recent discussion with owner Alyssa Smith, she mentioned that they had been growing the vine for about 6 years with no problems at all, and that it had to have survived -30oC without crop loss. Alyssa also mentioned that it was resistant to disease. This may be one more grape suitable to portions of Central Ontario normally considered too cold for grape growing.