Baco is an extremely vigorous variety that is best grown on heavy soils. Its fruit is usually high in acid, producing wines of good quality that are deeply pigmented and fruity.
Vanessa produces medium-sized clusters of bright deep red berries with moderate bloom, firm flesh, and crisp texture. Flavor is mildly aromatic but not of Labrusca type and is considered among the best of red seedless grapes.
Itasca is the newest cold-hardy release out of the University of Minnesota Breeding program. Itasca produces a dry white wine that is light yellow to straw in color and has aromas of pear, quince, violet, melon, minerals, and subtle honey notes. Itasca has exhibited lower acidity and higher sugar...
Maréchal Foch is an early ripening black grape with small berries and clusters, often susceptible to bird predation. It can be made into a variety of wines ranging from light and fruity to full-bodied.
Not to be confused with cheese, Lemberger is used to produce low acid, varietal wines. It is gaining a reputation in the Finger Lakes region of NY as a variety with good wine potential and easier to grow than Pinot Noir. Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch) is a cold-hardy red grape suited to ...
Vignoles produces small, compact clusters highly susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot. Fruit can develop high sugar content while maintaining acidity, so Vignoles can be used to make late harvest desert wines in addition to dry to semi-dry table wines.
Named after the patron saint of Cote d'Or in the Burgundy region of France, St. Vincent can make wine similar to an Italian chianti with cherry and citrus flavors and a long and complex aftertaste. St. Vincent can also make an excellent sparkling rosé.
Vigorous vines produce large, loose clusters of oval, soft, flavorful berries. Grapes have a honey-like flavor and a melting, juicy texture.
Prairie Star is a vigorous vine that produces long, loose clusters, is moderately productive, and does not require cluster thinning. Prairie Star can produce wines that lack foxiness with good hybrid wine quality. Poor fruit set has been seen in some seasons.
Riesling is the noble grape variety of Germany, one of the most hardy vinifera varieties best suited for cooler climates and highly susceptible to Botrytis infection. Riesling is made in a wide range of wine styles depending on the climate in which it is grown, from dry to semi-sweet to late harv...
Noiret produces an excellent full-bodied, richly colored wine. The wines can resemble Shiraz (Syrah) with a distinct black pepper character, moderate tannins, and notes of raspberry, blackberry and mint. Vines are vigorous and tend to have low yields; use vineyard practices that favor high fruit ...
Neptune - [Pat. PP12,302] produces large, attractive, conical clusters with yellow-green, non-slipskin berries. Any seed traces are soft and unnoticeable when eating. Moderately thick skin resists cracking, flavor is fruity without Labrusca foxiness. *Propagation of this variety is prohibited by ...
Merlot is Bourdeaux's most planted grape variety, known for its smooth texture and outstanding varietal wines, but often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Earlier ripening than Cabernet Sauvignon, but not as winter hardy.
Widely grown in Ohio and Central NY as early as the mid 19th century and widely used for sparkling wine, Catawba was the most popular grape cultivated in the US prior to the introduction of Concord, and was the major variety used for wine production in Ohio prior to Prohibition. Catawba is a spic...
Regent is a relatively new German hybrid, mostly vinifera, with good fungal disease resistance. Regent wines can have intense color, high tannins, moderate acidity, and show aromas of cherry and black currant.
Corot Noir produces distinctive deep red wine with attractive berry and cherry aromas and can be used for varietal wine production or for blending. Corot Noir is considered to represent a distinct improvement in red wine varietal options available to cold climate producers.
Vidal Blanc is a productive white wine grape with medium-sized berries borne on very large, compact tapering clusters. Vidal can produce a semi-dry varietal wine and is often blended with other white hybrids. Fruit has thick skin and is highly resistant to fruit rots so can be used to make late h...
Pinot Noir is the classic red Burgundy cultivar, it ripens best under cool, dry conditions and is best suited for cool but moderate climates. Wines are lower in tannins and pigments than the other great French wine varieties, and are used for red and rosé wines, and are one component of tradition...
Petit Verdot is one of the classic black Bordeaux varieties. It is known for high quality where it can fully ripen, which is later than that of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Marquis is a productive vine with large clusters of large spherical berries with melting texture and excellent flavor. Fruit holds well on the vine and after harvest. Marquis has been used to make a fruity table wine with hints of pineapple.
