General information
Cabernet Cantor is an interspecific cross between Chancellor and Solaris, created in 1989 by Norbert Becker at the Freiburg Research Institute in Germany. This variety is primarily grown in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland. It is still relatively unknown in France, but is rapidly gaining popularity among organic gardeners.

Grape
The grape produces compact, blue-black bunches with high sugar content and a firm skin. Cabernet Cantor has a vigorous, trailing habit and produces numerous side shoots. It ripens moderately early, making it suitable for slightly cooler climates. In some years, fruit set (coulure) can be slightly more sensitive.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): +++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): ++
• Botrytis (gray mold): +++
• Excoriosis (black spot disease): ++
• Frost resistance: good

Please note: despite good natural resistance, two targeted treatments are recommended — one before or during flowering, and one at the end of flowering/fruit set.

Wine
Cabernet Cantor produces a wine with an intense red color, rich in alcohol, tannins, and phenolic extracts. The wine is powerful and fruity, and suitable for oak aging. The flavor has notes of cherry, plum, bell pepper, and spice. While Cabernet Cortis is reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Cantor has more Merlot characteristics. In some years, the acidity can be a bit low.

Cultivation advice
Growth is very vigorous and predominantly pendulous, making good support on wires essential. Due to the numerous side shoots, the plant requires careful development and guidance of the foliage. The grape ripens moderately early and tolerates winter cold well. An airy location reduces the risk of mold and coulure.

Preparing the vine
The plant requires sturdy support and regular foliage work, but it rewards with a rich yield and strong wine. The graft shows few double shoots.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters