Rustic Vinifera

            It all started in 1983 when I first read a book about growing vine in Quebec. The book mentioned agronomist-geneticist Joseph O. Vandal as a reference. From 1985 to 1989, Vandal was instrumental in my researches and help me build the largest collection of Quebec hybrid varieties.

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           In 1986, I was convinced I could create varieties rustic vinifera for early maturity in rusticity zone 4a. At that time I decided to plant a small vinifera parcel to start my hybridization. As the result of me pursuing other career opportunities,1990 was the only year I realized various varieties of vine crossings.

   

           My work in improving the vines has made it possible to create new varietals of vinifera purity (100%) which are more rustic and earlier than the existing vinifera grape varieties, while keeping the typicity of the wine unique to vinifera grape varieties.

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          All vine varieties were tested in rusticity zone 4a (maturities between 900 and 1050 day degrees). My vine varieties are issued from natural seedlings method and were never genetically modified (GMO or transgenic). 

 

           In 1993 following the discovery of a natural mutation of the Gewurztraminer variety, I was able to use a new generation of seedlings and create several pure varieties of vinifera. Many varieties issued from this mutation are currently under evaluation. Since 2017, vine is being produced and evaluated.