Study Background information Some sources of hardy vines.
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It has an orderly growth habit, with moderate vigor on most sites. It buds out relatively late in the spring compared to other interspecific hybrid grape varieties. Unlike its father, Kay Gray, the clusters hang free of the tendrils. Disease resistance is generally very good, with some susceptibility to Anthracnose. Observations on very sandy sites suggest that Louise Swenson may be sensitive to droughty conditions. On sites of this type, irrigation may be required in dry years. This grape should be grown much more widely in the North for its consistent wine quality, outstanding winter hardiness, and good cultural behavior. Perfect flowers.
HARDY RED VARIETIES
HARDY WHITE VARIETIES
HARDY RED VARIETIES
HARDY WHITE VARIETIES
Comments from the Minnesota Grape Growers Association.: This selection was bred from a cross of E.S. 2-3-17 x Kay Gray. However, as a wine grape, it will never be confused with Kay Gray. Berries average around 3 g and clusters are small to medium, conical, somewhat compact, and average 105 g (range 70-130 g). In five years of trials, the wine from Louise Swenson has been outstanding for its quality and consistency from year to year. The wine is without any negative hybrid characteristics, and has a typical delicate aroma of flowers and honey. This wine's only significant fault is that it is rather light in body. Blending with a variety such as Prairie Star makes it a more complete wine. Louise Swenson rarely exceeds 20 Brix, even if left to hang past midseason. Acidity is moderate and needs no reduction. Observed at many sites around south-central Minnesota, this variety has shown little or no winter injury even in the most severe (-40o F) winters.
VARIETIES BEING TESTED:
CHARTS OF RESULTS
DM 8521-1 ES 4-7-25 ES 5-17 Frontenac Kate Lin
Landal Noir (244) Landot Noir (4511) Lucie Kuhlman Sabrevois St. Croix
Delisle ES 6-16-30 ES 8-2-43 Frontenac Gris Geisenheim 318
La Crescent Louise Swenson Prairie Star Swenson White Vandal Cliche
INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIETIES
DM 8521-1 ES 4-7-25 ES 5-17 Frontenac Kate Lin
Landal Noir (244) Landot Noir (4511) Lucie Kuhlman Sabrevois St. Croix
Delisle ES 6-16-30 ES 8-2-43 Frontenac Gris Geisenheim 318
La Crescent Louise Swenson Prairie Star Swenson White Vandal Cliche
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