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Grapes In Minnesota. Cold Climate Vineyards and Wineries. Latitudes of Wine Regions. Rhine River – Germany 50 º N Burgundy – France 47º N Château St Michele, Washington 46º N Rochester, Minnesota 44.9º N Bordeaux – France 44.5º N Tuscany – Italy 43.7º N. US Grape History.
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Grapes In Minnesota Cold Climate Vineyards and Wineries
Latitudes of Wine Regions • Rhine River – Germany 50º N • Burgundy – France 47º N • Château St Michele, Washington 46º N • Rochester, Minnesota 44.9º N • Bordeaux – France 44.5º N • Tuscany – Italy 43.7º N
US Grape History • “Old World” Grapes grown for 1000s of years • By 1800, Europe was the center of the wine universe • Phylloxera Plague mid-1800s wiped out 70% of all European vines • Grafting to American vines saved the industry
Minnesota History • Immigrants brought vines to the US • 3000 vineyards in Minnesota in 1900, along with 300 Wineries • Cabernet, Merlot, Concord, Catawba • Vines typically buried in the winter • Prohibition wiped out the industry • Cost and risk to replant too steep to start over
Minnesota Development • Crossed European “old world” Vitas Vinifera with Native Vitas Riparia (“river grape”) • T.V. Munson’s work in early 1900s • University of MN Grape Breeding program started in 1908 • Private breeders, like Elmer Swenson, developing varieties since 1940s
Minnesota Development • Crossed European “old world” Vitas Vinifera with Native Vitas Riparia (“river grape”) • T.V. Munson’s work in early 1900s • University of MN Grape Breeding program started in 1908 • Private breeders, like Elmer Swenson, developing varieties since 1940s
Frontenac • Red Grape • High in acid • Cabernet Style • Hardy to -35º F
LaCrescent • White Grape • Very sweet • Riesling Style • Hardy to -40º F
