2003 Wine Grape Cultivar Trial

Abstract

<p>Iowa has experienced a tremendous increase in commercial grape plantings in recent years, and the interest in establishing additional plantings continues to increase. However, as new plantings are planned, new cultivars can only be recommended with reservation until they are thoroughly tested under Iowa’s climatic conditions. Through an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) specialty crops grant awarded to the Iowa Grape Growers Association (IGGA) and contracted to the ISU Department of Horticulture, a wine grape cultivar trial was established in 2003 to evaluate the adaptability, productivity, and wine making quality of 20 new cultivars. These advanced selections were planted at the ISU Horticulture Research Station, Ames; the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm, Lewis; the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Crawfordsville; and the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Nashua, and represent three climatic and four soil conditions. Cultivars and selections planted in 2003 include GR-7, NY73.136.17, NY84.0101.04, NY70.0809.10, La Crescent, Prairie Star, Cayuga White, Chancellor, De Chaunac, Esprit, Landot 4511, Leon Millot, St. Vincent, and Vidal Blanc. An additional six cultivars (NT76.0844.24, Frontenac Gris, Swenson White, Briana, MN-1211, and MN- 1198) will be added to the trial in 2004.</p>