{"title":"Best Wine Grapes","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 5 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for wine. Scored on sugar, acid and the character of the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"frontenac-grape-bundle-of-2","title":"Frontenac Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFrontenac is a classic bluish-black grape known for its rich red wines and high-vigor vines. The first of the Frontenac family introduced to the public, it was released in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Cold-Climate Game Changer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe introduction of Frontenac marked the start of a major movement in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as the acreage of cold-hardy grapes—and public interest in cold-hardy wines—rapidly grew. Frontenac has proven its ability to survive extreme cold events down to -35°F with little damage compared to most other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eProven Performer in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe’ve been growing Frontenac in a commercial vineyard we planted in 2019 in an area of Alberton (just west of Missoula) that’s seen temps below -30°F—with no issues at all. It also bears heavily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhy It’s a Top Choice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIts extreme hardiness and winemaking qualities make it one of the best red varieties to grow in USDA Zone 3. \u003cspan\u003eThese vines are going on their third year and come bare root with lots of fine root hairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436334658,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/frontenac-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"itasca-grape-gk7cd","title":"Itasca Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"311\"\u003eThe newest grape from the University of Minnesota’s breeding program, Itasca has proven itself to be one of the most cold-hardy grapes out there—even surpassing Frontenac and Marquette in terms of cold tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"351\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Winemaking Potential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"352\" data-end=\"615\"\u003eWith aromas of apple, pear, and violet and naturally lower acidity, this variety is especially well suited for dry white wines and sparkling wines. That said, some very nice off-dry wines have also been produced from Itasca, showing its versatility in the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eEarly Ripening \u0026amp; Excellent Production\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"918\"\u003eItasca is a very productive grape that ripens early, reaching brix levels in the mid-20s and a moderate acidity around 10 g\/L. It’s self-pollinating and suitable for most of Montana, and if you’ve got the right site, it could even be worth trying in Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"952\"\u003eResilient in Harsh Winters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eIf you regularly see temps below -30°F in the winter, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many others planting Itasca (and Marquette, among others)—that the tops may die back the first few winters, but the vines will consistently come up from the base the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eThis is totally fine because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts, so what grows back will still be 100% Itasca. While it might set the grape back a bit at first, after a couple of years the vine typically becomes strong enough to withstand deeper frosts without dying back. But there likely will be a limit for the whole plant, which may be around -40F (although we're unsure of the precise number that extreme cold would kill the whole plant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1619\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437416002,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/itasca-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"la-crescent-bundle-of-2-rmgal","title":"La Crescent Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"343\"\u003eLa Crescent is a white grape developed by the University of Minnesota's cold-hardy grape breeding program. Since its release in 2002, La Crescent has proven its resilience in plantings across cold regions like Montana, Vermont, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"376\"\u003eThriving in Cold Climates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"620\"\u003eLa Crescent grows particularly well in cold, exposed areas, such as in Wes Burnham’s vineyard in Kalispell. According to the licensing application, the variety is cold-hardy to −36°F (−38°C), making it a top choice for extremely cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"622\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eAromatics \u0026amp; Wine Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003eWines made from La Crescent feature desirable aromas of citrus, apricot, pineapple, and muscat—similar to those found in Riesling or Vignoles. Notably, La Crescent lacks the 'foxy' aromas associated with V. labrusca and the herbaceous aromas linked to V. riparia, making it an appealing option for winemakers seeking cleaner, fruit-forward profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1042\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1143\"\u003eLa Crescent is hardy to Zone 3, making it suitable for colder regions that experience harsh winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003eImage Credit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1313\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of James Luby – University of Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437645378,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/la-crescent-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"marquette-grape-z9rgy","title":"Marquette Grape (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1810\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"2151\"\u003eThought that cold climates and good wine were mutually exclusive? Think again. A granddaughter of Pinot Noir, Marquette sets a new standard in cold-hardy wine grapes. Finished wines are complex, with an attractive ruby color, pronounced tannins, and desirable notes of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice—on both the nose and the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003eProven Performance in Harsh Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eThese grapes have done particularly well at a cold location in Alberton that has seen temperatures well into the -30°F range. If you're in an area that regularly sees winter temps below -30°F, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many who’ve planted Marquette over the years—that the tops may die off the first few winters. But don’t worry: they’ll reliably come back from the base each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2637\"\u003eRooted Cuttings, Not Grafts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2991\"\u003eThis is totally okay because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts. That means the roots themselves are Marquette, so what comes back in the spring will still be Marquette grapes. It does set the vine back a little, but eventually—usually after a couple of years—it’ll be strong enough to handle harder frosts without dying back to the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003eA Must-Have for Montana Winemakers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eThis self-pollinating grape is a must for any Montanan looking to make high-quality, cold-climate wine. These grapes are going into their second year after being rooted from cuttings. Nice, strong vines with solid root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3263\" data-end=\"3279\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003eThese are vines going on their second year with an established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472437809218,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/marquette-grape-on-vine.webp?v=1789020604"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-wine-grapes.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}