Specialists in COLD Hardy Grapes!
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Frontenac
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Frontenac Clusters
Frontenac Clusters
Frontenac Clusters
Frontenac Clusters
Introduced in 1995, Frontenac is the first in a series of new wine grape varieties developed by the University of Minnesota for Upper Midwest conditions. A cross of V. riparia 89 with the French hybrid Landot 4511, Frontenac combines many of the best characteristics of each parent. Frontenac is a very cold hardy vine and has borne a full crop after temperatures as low as -30 F. It is also a very disease resistant variety with good resistance to powdery mildew and near-immunity to downy.
  • Primary Use: Red Wine, Port, & Rosé
  • Color: Blue/Black
  • Hardiness: 3b
  • Harvest Time: Late Season
  • Training System: V.S.P., High Cordon
  • Spacing: see our Spacing Chart page here
Photos: frontenac clusters frontenac clusters frontenac clusters frontenac clusters
Rory's Recommendation - Frontenac sets the standard for cold hardy red wine grapes. This F1 generation hybrid combines the best traits from both parents: disease resistance, growth habit and vigor, high sugar levels, large crop, cold hardiness, late bud break... Frontenac produces very few tendrils, which make training a breeze whether you decide on VSP, high cordon, or GDC (only recommended on very fertile sites) training systems. The versatility of Frontenac is apparent, as wines in many styles have won awards on an international level. Frontenac is a great grape for anyone from novice to commercial growers.