grapes in minnesota cold climate vineyards and wineries
TRANSCRIPT
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
Picking grapes in 1906
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
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Fifth & Up Year