Prior
Also known as: JKI-Gf 2000-305-009
Prior
Summary
Prior is a red PIWI variety developed by JKI (Julius Kühn-Institut) at Geilweilerhof, Germany, known for its excellent disease resistance, early ripening, and cold hardiness. Named after the Latin word meaning “former” or “earlier,” Prior lives up to its name with early maturation that makes it valuable in cool climates where later-ripening varieties struggle. The variety produces medium-bodied, fruity red wines with soft tannins, and has found success in Germany, Switzerland, and increasingly in Scandinavian countries where its cold tolerance is particularly valued.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #23889
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: JKI-Gf 2000-305-009
Creator: Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Geilweilerhof, Germany
Year: 2000s
Name Origin: From Latin “Prior” meaning “former” or “earlier”—referring to the variety’s early ripening characteristic.
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Complex JKI breeding program
The JKI program combines:
- Disease resistance genes
- Early ripening genetics
- Cold hardiness
- Quality red wine character
Breeding Goals:
- Strong disease resistance
- Early ripening (key characteristic)
- Cold hardiness
- Quality red wine production
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | HIGH | Good resistance |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Good resistance |
Spray Reduction: 70-90% reduction vs. traditional varieties
Additional Tolerance: Cold hardy for northern viticulture
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~100 hectares
| Country | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | ~60 | Origin; established |
| Switzerland | ~20 | Valued for early ripening |
| Austria | ~10 | Growing |
| Scandinavia | ~10 | Cold climate success |
Growth Trend: Expanding, especially in cool climates
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Early to mid-season
- Véraison: EARLY
- Harvest: EARLY (key advantage)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Cool continental to cool marginal
- Heat Summation: 1,000-1,400 GDD (base 10°C)
- Frost: EXCELLENT TOLERANCE
- Value: Ripens in short growing seasons
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Various wine soils
- Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
- Effect: Terroir influences expression
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot or cordon
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 60-80 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: Significantly reduced
Cold Hardiness
Prior’s cold tolerance is notable:
- Survives harsh winter temperatures
- Valuable for northern viticulture
- Reduces winter kill risk
- Expands possible growing regions
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 20-23° | Good for early variety |
| pH | 3.3-3.6 | Moderate |
| Titratable Acidity | 6.0-8.0 g/L | Good |
| YAN | 180-260 mg/L | Generally adequate |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: Medium (good color)
- Total Tannins: MEDIUM-SOFT (approachable)
- Character: Fruity, accessible
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Fruit-enhancing yeasts
- Temperature: 24-28°C
- Duration: 7-14 days
- Maceration: Short to medium (7-14 days)
- Cap Management: Standard
Wine Styles
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Short maceration, no oak | Fruity, primary |
| Classic | Moderate maceration, light oak | Balanced |
| Blend | With other varieties | Adds fruit |
Oak Treatment
- Optional: Light oak exposure
- Style: Enhance fruit, not dominate
- Duration: 6-12 months if used
Aging Potential
- Fresh Style: 1-3 years
- Oak-Aged: 3-6 years
- Character: Best enjoyed relatively young
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Medium
- Hue: Ruby to garnet
- Character: Bright, youthful
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | RED FRUIT (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) |
| Spice | Light pepper |
| Floral | Violet hints |
| Other | Fresh, primary character |
Palate
- Body: Medium
- Acidity: Medium to medium-high
- Tannins: SOFT (approachable)
- Alcohol: Moderate (12-13.5%)
- Finish: Fruity, clean
Style Description
Prior produces wines that are:
- Fruity and fresh
- Soft and approachable
- Early drinking
- Easy-going
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Complexity: Not for age-worthy wines
- Structure: Limited tannic backbone
- Market Position: Light red category
- Recognition: Lesser known variety
- Competition: Many PIWI reds available
Opportunities
- Early Ripening: Extends growing season
- Cold Tolerance: Northern viticulture
- Approachability: Consumer-friendly
- Sustainability: Strong disease resistance
- Niche Market: Cool climate success
Winemaking Tips
- Harvest for fruit character
- Short maceration preserves freshness
- Light oak maximum
- Position as fresh, fruity
- Market cool climate origin
Cool Climate Success
Prior’s value in marginal climates:
- Scandinavia: Growing season too short for most varieties
- Northern Germany: Reliable ripening
- Mountain Regions: High altitude viticulture
- Climate Change Buffer: Option for shifting zones
Comparison with Other Early-Ripening PIWI
| Characteristic | Prior | Rondo | Regent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripening | Very Early | Early | Medium-Early |
| Color | Medium | Deep | Deep |
| Tannins | Soft | Medium | Soft |
| Cold Hardy | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Style | Light | Structured | Medium |
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
- PIWI International Association
- German Wine Institute
- Scandinavian viticulture research
Last Updated: January 13, 2026