Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/681909
16 JUNE 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com These varieties were developed to withstand Minnesota's winters. by Dave Weinstock T hough the spotlight is shining on the University of Minnesota's newest cold-hardy variety, Itasca, there are four other cold- hardy wine grapes that have been developed by the university, plus a public domain mutation. Rated to grow in USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone 4, the varieties tend to be grown in Midwest, New England, New York and Canadian vineyards. They include both red and wine varieties, and the wines produced from them currently sell mainly to regional audiences located near the wineries. Frontenac Frontenac is one of the more popular grape varieties grown in Minnesota. Born of a cross of Landot 4511 and native American Vitis riparia, it is resistant to downy and powdery mildew as well as Botrytis bunch rot. At harvest, this red grape features high acidity and high sugar. The grape is used to produce three styles of wine: a red table wine, an "outstanding" rosé and a port, said Irv Geary, president of the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. Five other weighing in at 95 to 145 grams, is cylindrical and can be shouldered or winged. Berries take on a golden hue when ripe, with some clusters showing one or two pronounced rosy berries. The fruit has flavors of pear, gooseberries, honeydew melon and star fruit. The juice So far, the university has only produced about eight gallons of wine this year, fermented in glass or plastic. Grape berries were harvested, destemmed and pressed in one day and inoculated with yeast on the second day to dry, Clark said. With a pH of 3.05 to 3.35, Itasca has 30 percent less acid than Minnesota's other cold-hardy varieties, a gift from its European parents. "It has lots of French in its background," Clark said. He said they try to pick the grapes at 26 Brix, but depending on where they are planted, the variety can deliver up to 28 Brix. The titratable acidity (TA) of Itasca's juice is much lower than the other Minnesota cold-hardy varieties, such as Frontenac, which sports 15 to 16 grams per liter. "It has titratible acidity in the 9 to 10 grams per liter range, putting it more in line with other vinifera varietal dry table wines like Sauvignon Blanc or even Riesling," said Bryan Forbes, the University of Minnesota's cold- hardy wine grape breeding program interim winemaker. Itasca can make a crisp, white wine but it is also very versatile, Forbes said. Using malolactic fermentation, for example, a winemaker could make a wine similar to that of a typical Chardonnay, with a richer, potentially buttery character. It is not hyper-aromatic like a Muscat nor is it bracing on the tongue. "It's pretty zippy but it is not an assault," he said. Clark deferred to Forbes for a more expert opinion, but allowed the wine would do best on its own. "It would also be nice to blend with high-acid wines to improve mouth feel and flavor," he said. • Courtesy Irv Geary Irv Geary, who owns the Wild River Vineyards and is the winemaker of Wild Mountain Winery in North Branch, Minnesota, is president of the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. Harvest Equipment Also available in cotton Bags & Buckets Email sales@sfequip.com Web www.wellsandwade.com For the dealer nearest you call us at (509) 662-6065 Picking Bucket 7P104 / 7P105 Wells & Wade Harvest Equipment "When You Want The Best For Your Fruit" Seatbelt Webbing Harness 73520 Cherry Bucket 89000 / 89200 Nylon Cordura Citrus Bags 3 Sizes 40 lbs-65 lbs-80 lbs Superior 5250 California Bag 73600 Cordura Bag 73187 / 73393 Manzana M14-AM Hickok FC-100 The Continuous TrellisLok™ provides all the advantages of the TrellisLok™ (strap), however, use the TrellisLok™ with AgLok™ and your maximum diameter is limitless! CONTINUOUS TRELLISLOK™ The BranchLok™ is used for lateral training of trellised branches and cordons to 12-14 gauge wire. Branchlok™ is available in three lengths: 2½", 3¼", 3 ¾". Patent No. 4,665,000 BRANCHLOK™ Toll-Free: 877-552-4828 909-464-1373 • Fax: 909-464-1603 http://www.agfast.com For your nearest dealer, contact: CTL and BL ad.qxp_Layout 1 1/7/16 5:03 PM Page 1