Merlot Kanthus
Also known as: UD 31-122
PIWI red, Rpv 3, spur-cordon capable, earliest-ripening of the reds. High polyphenols and anthocyanins with evident pyrazine character. The breeder flags black rot, anthracnose less so.
Across the consideration criteria
What it makes
Aromatic family
Tasting notes
How it grows
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about -4°F
- Ripening
- Early-season
- Vigor
- Moderate
- Disease tolerance
- High, on 4 of 6 pathogens rated
- Drainage need
- Well
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- Graft requirement
- Graft Required
- US availability
- Unavailable
Considerations
Primary buds start to die near -4°F. Cold-tender; wants a mild winter or protected site.
Needs roughly 2650 growing degree-days to ripen, an early-season variety (Winkler III). A mid-length season carries it most years.
Foliar-disease pressure is moderate for this variety, a regular spray program in a humid climate. Regular cover sprays through the wet months.
Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.
Moderate vigor. Easier to balance; tolerates more fertile ground.
Moderate heat tolerance. Comfortable across a moderate heat range.
Moderate water demand. Average moisture needs for a wine grape.
Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.
Phylloxera-susceptible: plant grafted onto resistant rootstock.
These are intrinsic to the grape. On a real property, Folia scores each against your site; here they're shown on their own.
Grows alike
similar to growCabernet Volos
Same heat band (moderate) · Same Winkler band (III)
Cabernet Eidos
Same heat band (moderate) · Same Winkler band (III)
Cabernet Cortis
Same heat band (moderate) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Divico
Same heat band (moderate) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Merlot Khorus
Same heat band (moderate) · Same Winkler band (III)
Pinotin
Same heat band (moderate) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Climate-adapted alternatives
more resilient picksLéon Millot
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 26°F more winter cold
Corot Noir
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 12°F more winter cold
Norton
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 11°F more winter cold
Noiret
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 11°F more winter cold
Frontenac
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 26°F more winter cold
Maréchal Foch
Better black rot + anthracnose resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 26°F more winter cold
Could Merlot Kanthus grow on your land?
See how Merlot Kanthus scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.
Start with your address