Cloeta

America x R.W. Munson, TVM 1901

Cloeta is a jet-black grape with great tolerance to heat and drought which ripens early, producing a wine with rich body, soft tannins, and an enjoyable aroma.

Vine Characteristics

• Thin-skinned grapes.
• Moderate-low vigor.
• Vines are planted twice as close together as any other vine in the vineyard to increase yield potential.
• Canopy can be rather prolific.
• Large, shouldered clusters hang low, making it easy for the critters reach and harder for the field hand to harvest.
• Requires special netting for protection against pests.
• Time-consuming grape.

Winemaker’s Notes

• Light in body and color with soft tannins and low acidity.
• Low brix accumulation.
• Typically requires chaptalization for an ideal alcohol content.
• Ripe pomegranate aroma with some bell pepper pyrazine.
• Tannin composition tested in 2017 revealed significant amounts of tannin in fruit equivalent to that of Cabernet Sauvignon.