Marquette is a cousin of Frontenac and grandson of Pinot noir. It originated from a cross of MN 1094, a complex hybrid of V. riparia, V. vinifera, and other Vitis species, with Ravat 262. Viticulturally, Marquette is outstanding. Resistance to downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot has been very good. Its open, orderly growth habit makes vine canopy management efficient. Marquette’s high sugar and moderate acidity make it very manageable in the winery. Finished wines are complex, with attractive ruby color, pronounced tannins, and desirable notes of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice on both nose and palate. As a red wine, Marquette represents a new standard in cold hardy viticulture and enology.

Frontenac Gris, the white wine version of  Frontenac, started as a single bud mutation yielding  gray (thus named Gris) fruit and amber-colored juice. The vine exhibits the same optimum growth  characteristics as Frontenac, and requires the same cultural practices. Arching canes and minimal tendrils provide easy training and pruning to simplify vine  management. In Minnesota, Frontenac and Frontenac Gris ripen in late midseason, and are good sugar producers with 24-25° Brix not uncommon Frontenac Gris wines present aromas of peach and apricot with hints of enticing citrus and tropical fruit.  A brilliant balance of fruit and acidity creates lively,  refreshing wines. Unique and complex flavors make this an excellent grape for table, dessert, and ice wines.

La Crescent combines St.. Pepin and a Swenson selection from V. riparia x Muscat Hamburg. With this hardy heritage, trunks have survived an amazing -36°F. Moderately disease resistant, leaves sometimes exhibit downy mildew, which can be controlled with a standard spray program. Proper conditions and care  result in very productive harvests. La Crescent’s intense nose of apricot, peach, and citrus lends itself to superior quality off-dry or sweet white wines. Produced in a Germanic style, La Crescent wine is reminiscent of Vignoles or Riesling. The grape’s high acidity provides good structure for excellent dessert or late-harvest style wines.

Frontenac grapes reflect the best characteristics of their parents, V. riparia 89 and the French hybrid Landot 4511. This vine has borne a full crop after temperatures as low as 33°F. It’s very disease resistant, with near-immunity to downy mildew. Frontenac is a consistently heavy producer, with small, black berries in medium to large clusters. Frontenac’s deep garnet color complements its distinctive cherry aroma and inviting palate of blackberry, black currant, and plum. This versatile grape can be made into a variety of wine styles, including rose, red, and port. ( This grape is already widely circulated in Canada.)