I know you’re all thinking Minnesota red wine grapes? You mean Minnesota actually has wine? YES YES YES and YES! In fact, Minnesota has numerous red grape varieties and white wine grape varieties. These are not only growing in the state but developed in the state! Let’s deep dive into some amazing hybrid varietals. I’m quite sure you haven’t heard of unless, of course, you’ve been reading my blog since day one!
Classic wine regions around the world focus on wine grapes from the Vitus Vinifera species. These are the most widely planted grapes from France to Australia and everywhere in between. Often referred to as “Noble Grapes”, these include red wine grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Meunier. Additionally, white wine grapes Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and more are Vitus Vinifera. While a few of these are grown in Minnesota, these are not the most successful.
Why are they not successful? Have you ever been to Minnesota in the winter!?! It’s brutally cold! Varieties like Riesling are cold-hardy and can survive well in cold climate regions such as Mosel, Germany or the Finger Lakes, NY. But horticulturalists have been working for decades to create a variety, or varieties suitable for wines. Some of the most successful are developed at the University of Minnesota. Many are winning some of the most coveted prizes in the wine industry today!
Where to explore Red Wine Grapes & Hybrids
I’m a huge fan of St. Croix Vineyards in Minnesota. I have had the pleasure of exploring their vineyards with Peter Hemstad, co-owner and renowned grape geneticist, and Martin Polognioli, winemaker and master of all trades. This exploration has given me a massive appreciation for hybrid grape varietals and the style of wine they produce. Here are a few of my favorites:
Itasca: Introduced in 2017, Itasca produces crisp, bright white wines with lemon, pear, and melon flavors with subtle ginger and honey. notes. It’s dry and delicious. In addition to the traditional style, Martin is experimenting with Itasca in a New French Oak barrel and after stealing a taste with him, I’m smitten! I put my name on the list to get a few bottles as soon as the corks are placed and the labels secured!
And just a few more of my favorites!
Frontenac: With Frontenac Noir red, Frontenac Blanc and Frontenac Gris whites, this variety reminds me of Pinot. It has skins of many colors. Each of these is cold hearty and disease-tolerant making the perfect pairing for Minnesota winters. Frontenac Noir could be a sister to Pinot Noir with its garnet color, earthiness, and pronounced cherry aroma and flavours. Frontenac Blanc is citrusy with pear and pinapple, and a touch of honey. The vineyard’s favorite food pairings include coconut shrimp and fettuccine alfredo.
As for Frontenac Gris, I’m putting this one on a pedestal. I’m not alone as the 2022 won a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco International Wine Competition! If that news isn’t enough to get you online to place an order for a case, I don’t know what is!
Marquette: Now this grape is one of the most fun red wines! Typically, red wine grapes have dark skins, but pale, almost non-colored juice and pulp. Not this red wine grape! It’s a tinturier grape which means its pulp is pigmented brilliant pink to red! How cool is that? St. Croix makes both a rosé and a red from Marquette and I’m a huge fan. Flavors and aromas of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice balanced with bright acidity put this variety right in the heart of my red wine style.
What exactly is a hybrid?
Before I forget, it’s important to talk about how hybrid grapes even exist! I’ve mentioned Vitus Vinifera as the world’s most common species of wine grapes. In the Americas, species include Vitus Riparia and Vitus Labrusca. When the pollen from two separate species is crossed, the resulting offspring is a “hybrid” grape variety. Whether trying to address cold winters, climate change or disease resistance, new varieties have a significant place in the wine world.
The challenge is, however, not many people are familiar with hybrids. Therefore, they likely look past them on wine lists or do not seek out wineries excelling at making wines from hybrid varietals. If I can influence anyone reading this article to seek out Frontenac, Itasca, Baco Noir, Marquette, Seyval, or any other hybrid and give it a try, I’ll be thrilled!
Better still, if you’re in the Minneapolis area, check out St. Croix Vineyards yourself and tell Peter and Martin I sent you. I guarantee you’ll be leaving with a few bottles!
To learn more about hybrids, check out my previous posts on the subject:
No Way Rose: There’s No Way this is a Rosé
Grape Babies: Mommy, How do Grapes Make Babies?
Cheers!
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According to Minnesota Uncorked, there are more than 100!
Here are a few good sources:
– Smithsonian
– Guildsomm
– New York Wines
