Skip to main content

Pinot Kors

Hybrid redNot sold in the US

Also known as: UD 156-537

Second-wave PIWI red off Pinot Noir, two downy loci plus Run 1. Loose winged cluster on a horizontal habit. VCR publishes NO cold figure for this one, so its winter limit here is the program-level -20C objective, not a variety reading.

Across the consideration criteria

What it makes

Medium-bodiedDryOak optionalMedium (3–7 yr)Stands alone

Aromatic family

Red FruitFloralSpice

Tasting notes

RoseRed CherryWild StrawberrySweet Spice

How it grows

Cold hardiness
Hardy to about -4°F
Ripening
Mid-season
Vigor
High
Disease tolerance
Moderate, on 2 of 6 pathogens rated
Drainage need
Well
Soil pH
6–7
Graft requirement
Graft Required
US availability
Unavailable

Considerations

Winter hardiness≈ -4°F
TenderVery hardy

Primary buds start to die near -4°F. Cold-tender; wants a mild winter or protected site.

Season needed2550 GDD
Early / shortLate / long

Needs roughly 2550 growing degree-days to ripen, a mid-season variety (Winkler I-II). A mid-length season carries it most years.

Spray / disease loadroutine
HeavyLight

Foliar-disease pressure is light for this variety, a routine spray program in a humid climate. One of the easier vines to keep clean.

Pierce's diseaseSusceptible
SusceptibleResistant

Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.

VigorHigh
LowHigh

High vigor. Wants leaner ground and active canopy management, or fruit hides in shade.

Heat toleranceLow
Cool-climateHeat-loving

Low heat tolerance. Bakes and loses acid on hot sites; favors cooler ground.

Water demandModerate
Drought-adaptedThirsty

Moderate water demand. Average moisture needs for a wine grape.

Soil pH window6.0–7.0
Acidic 4.5Alkaline 8.5

Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.

RootstockGraft
Own-rooted OKGraft required

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 grow

Climate-adapted alternatives

more resilient picks

Could Pinot Kors grow on your land?

See how Pinot Kors scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.

Start with your address
← All grapesSpot something off about Pinot Kors?