Our Grapes and the vines that grew them

Picture of a young vine

Of all the varietals that exist for making quality wines, which ones did we choose?  Many different resources aided our decisions, most notably: Northern Winework (Tom Plocher and Bob Parke) and the University of Minnesota's viticulture program were most helpful.  Let's just say that Elmer Swensen- a man responsible for the crafting of hundreds of cold-hardy varieties- played an integral part in both.

Our location in central Montana limits the growing season to within two weeks of the number of degree days needed to produce ripe grapes.  As well, the thermometer's winter white and late/early frosts would destroy many of the possible varietals.   So we've chosen Riparia-Vinifera hybrids.  Vitis Vinifera, of course, being the classic Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that many people are familiar with and enjoy.  Those we leave to the Californian's and Washingonites- the more sensitive skinned.  Riparia, a grape that can stand our climate, isn't very tasty by itself.  So a hybrid between the two is a good compromise.  Hence, we're proud growers of Frontenac, St. Croix, Sabrevois, Prarie Star, and Marquette.  If we have too many more cool wet springs, we're going to swap it all for some vines from the Baltics!

Vineyard Status Maps


Click on link to download pdf maps of the first two growing years:

2008 2009

Here is a map of the vineyard layout:

Vineyard Layout


Growing Degree Days/Weather


Below are yearly graphs of the temperature, degree days, rainfall, and wind speeds as recorded by our weather station in the middle of the St. Croix.  
 
Daily Temps    Degree Days    Rainfall    Windspeeds

You can also click this link for all the data, algorithms, and so on... contact me to unlock for any science-related uses.

JMV Weather Database

Marquette

Cultured by University of Minnesota, released in 2006
Climate: Cold-Moderate
Degree Days:
Hardy to: -35 F           
Growth Habit: Upright
Onset/Rate of Growth: Mid/Fast
Training: Cordon
Ripens: Midseason
Known For: Color, Tannin, Base, Fruit

"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."    ...University of Minnesota

Frontenac

Cultured by University of Minnesota, released in 19XX
Climate:
Degree Days:
Hardy to: -35 F
Growth Habit: Wild              
Onset/Rate of Growth: Early/Average    
Training: Geneva Double Curtain
Ripens: Late
Known For: Color, Base, Fruit   

"Frontenac reflects the best characteristics of its parents, V. riparia 89 and the French hybrid Landot 4511. This vine has borne a full crop after temperatures as low as -33ºF. 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 rosé, red, and port."     ...Univeristy of Minnesota

St. Croix

Developed by Elmer Swensen, from E.S. 283 x E.S. 193
Climate:
Degree Days:
Hardy to: -27 F
Growth Habit: Downward     
Onset of Growth:    Mid/Average
Training: Hanging Cordon
Ripens: Midseason
Known For: Base

"Many award-winning reds in Minnesota have been produced from St. Croix.  It is also the main red wine variety at many wineries in Quebec.  Clusters of St. Croix are medium and slightly loose.  The acidity is moderate, though the grape struggles to reach 20 Brix in sugar, even in hot summers.  The juice is pale rose and the wines can be dark in color.  The lack of tannins in St. Croix is common and needs correcting.  Sometimes the wines have a tobacco-like nose.  Very special, fruitier wines have been made using semi-carbonic maceration techniques.  St. Croix tends to be vegetatively vigorous, but not terribly productive of fruit so pruning is essential for balance."    ...Tom Plocher


Sabrevois

Developed by Elmer Swensen, from E.S. 283 x E.S. 193
Climate:
Degree Days:
Hardy to: -35 F or lower
Growth Habit: Downward
Onset of Growth: Midseason
Training: Cordon
Ripens:  Midseason
Known For: Color, Fruit