New Itasca Grape Celebrated by Wineries

Many Minnesota wineries are producing wine from a UMN-developed cold-hardy grape for the first time this year.

The U of M first identified the seedling in 2009 and later released it to licensed nurseries.

The University is committed to creating demand for delicious, distinctive Minnesota wines, Matt Clark, assistant professor of grape breeding and enology in the department of horticultural science, said in a statement.

“With its low acidity and high sugar levels — coupled with its high resistance to common grape pests such as downy and powdery mildew and the insect phylloxera — Itasca is well-positioned to create a robust market for grape growers and help winemakers succeed.”

Read the full story in the Mankato Free Press.