The choice of grape varieties is one of the most fundamental decisions in creating a vineyard. It influences not only the style of the wines, but also viticultural practices, the relationship with the climate, and the experience offered to visitors.
At Vignoble Montvinéa, we made the clear and deliberate choice to build our vineyard around Vitis vinifera grape varieties. Here is why.
What is a Vitis vinifera grape variety?
A Vitis vinifera grape variety is a grapevine variety belonging to the Vitis vinifera species, a vine of European origin cultivated for millennia to produce the world’s great wines.
It is this species that includes the majority of the most well-known and appreciated grape varieties internationally, such as:
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Gewurztraminer
These grape varieties are recognized for their ability to finely express the terroir, climate, and the winemaker’s expertise.
What are hardy grape varieties?
Hardy grape varieties, often called hybrid varieties, were developed mainly in North America to:
- better withstand winter cold
- tolerate certain diseases
- require less protection in northern climates
A few examples of hardy grape varieties include: Marquette, Frontenac, Vandal, Saint-Pépin, Petite Perle
Why Montvinéa chose Vitis vinifera grape varieties
Grape varieties more familiar to the general public
One of the main reasons for our choice is the reputation of Vitis vinifera grape varieties.
For visitors and customers, these grape varieties offer:
- familiar references
- a clear idea of the aromatic profile even before tasting
- a reassuring anchor point to discover Quebec wines
This facilitates understanding, curiosity, and the pleasure of wine tasting.
A sought-after aromatic expression and elegance
In our eyes, Vitis vinifera grape varieties offer:
- a more nuanced aromatic expression
- greater finesse
- generally better-integrated acidity
They make it possible to craft wines that are:
- elegant
- balanced
- expressive
- true to our vision of wine
These are grape varieties that prioritize precision and subtlety, rather than power.
A chosen challenge: sensitivity to cold
However, this choice comes with a significant challenge. Vitis vinifera grape varieties are more sensitive to winter cold than hardy varieties.
Unlike the latter, they require:
- winter protection
- additional labor
- rigorous planning
At Montvinéa, we protect our vines using geotextile covers, an essential practice to preserve the vines during the harshest months of the Quebec winter.
👉 To learn more about this key practice, we invite you to read our dedicated article:
🔗 https://montvinea.com/les-toiles-geotextiles-une-protection-essentielle-pour-les-vignes-quebecoise/
Vitis Vinifera vs. hardy grape varieties: a matter of vision
There is no universal “right” or “wrong” choice.
Hardy grape varieties and Vitis vinifera varieties meet different objectives.
- Hardy grape varieties prioritize resilience
- Vitis vinifera grape varieties highlight finesse, the expression of the terroir, and aromatic complexity
At Montvinéa, we chose the most demanding path, but also the one that best matches our DNA, our terroir, and the style of wines we wish to offer.
