Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/622402
www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower JANUARY 15, 2016 23 University. Before he joined WSU, he was part of a team at Cornell University that made research wines from Marquette, which was originally released from the University of Minnesota's breeding program in 2006. "The prime goal was to produce a good quality wine grape that could withstand the cold winters of the Midwest," down to -40°F, Henick-Kling explained. "So if you look at sites here in Washington that would be highly susceptible to winter damage, then this variety would be a good option." Although his vineyards haven't been hit with a deep freeze since 2010, Champoux is happy with the grape's performance so far. He did note, however, that Marquette does bud out early, so the grape should be either grown in a spring frost-free area or the vineyard should have frost measures in place, such as wind or heat machines. "You have to have something to protect that new green tissue," he said. In addition to the cold hardiness, Henick-Kling is impressed with the grape's disease resistance. "It requires very few sprays to keep it free of fungal infec- tion. That's a nice bonus for the grower," he said. Since Marquette is new to Washington, however, he noted that it will need a few more seasons to see how the resistance holds up over time. Another plus for the grape is its naturally high acidity, even when it is fully flavor-ripe, said Henick-Kling. While the grape may struggle to completely ripen in cooler growing areas such as upstate New York, Washington's longer and warmer summers allow growers to let the grapes hang longer, he said. At his vineyards, Champoux is working with the grape to develop the perfect acidity for wine balance and character. Now that the 2015 harvest is past, he is busy planning a comparative tasting of eight different Marquette wines, including his own, another from Red Willow Vineyard in Washington, three from Minnesota, two from Vermont and one from Nebraska. "There hasn't been a date set, but it will include about 20 of our industry researchers and industry kingpins that might be interested in a variety like this," he said. "I'm excited, because this is going to bring light to Marquette and whether it has a place here in Washington in specific sites. I think there's a spot for it." Since the initial planting, it's been a bit of a wild ride, Champoux said. Once word got out about the grape and then the wine, schoolmates he hasn't seen since his 1968 graduation from Marquette High School have been con- tacting him about Marquette wine and memories. "The response has been unbelievable." He added, "I'm just really pleased for sure. It's good wine, so what more can I ask for?" • Leslie Mertz, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Gaylord, Michigan. courtesy of Paul chamPoux Paul Champoux thinks Marquette grapes, which he first planted in 2011, could be a good option for some Washington vineyards. Call us FIRST for the largest selection of trees and rootstocks available NEW APPLE rootstock! 1-800-421-4001 Phone: 503-538-2131 Fax: 503-538-7616 E-mail: info@treeconnect.com Web: www.treeconnect.com Call us FIRST 1-800-421-4001 From the breeders of Bud 9: • Vigor between M-9 T337 and M-9 Pajam®2 • Yield efficiency similar to M-9 T337 • Dwarfing • Cold hardy • Disease resistant • Fireblight tolerant B10 ® cv. Mich 96 USPP 21,223 Services are FREE TO GROWERS! Future contracts for cherries, pears, and apples; ALL ROOTSTOCKS. (800) 876-2767 www.westbridge.com ® Prevents Fire Blight in Apples & Pears • Effective alternative to antibiotics • Ideal for IPM programs • Comparable to conventional products • No development of pathogen resistance • No pre-harvest interval or chemical residues • Safe for bees and beneficial insects Blossom Protect ™