Which PN clone is associated with high yield and bigger grapes good for sparkling wine?

• A. PN clone 115
• B. PN clone 101
• C. PN clone 521
• D. PN clone 707

Answer: (C)

The trait being tested is how clone selection influences berry size, yield, and suitability for sparkling wine. Clone 521 is known for producing relatively large berries and higher yields. Larger berries provide more juice and a lower skin-to-juice ratio, which tends to yield a lighter color and lower tannin extraction—both desirable for base wines used in sparkling. The high yield also supports the production volumes needed for sparkling wine, helping with efficiency and cost. Other Pinot Noir clones may offer different flavor profiles or tighter clusters with smaller berries, which can lead to more color and tannin or lower yield, making them less ideal for sparkling base wines.