The white grape variety (also Elmer Swenson 7-4-76, ES 7-4-76) is an interspecific new variety between Kay Gray x Elmer Swenson 2-12-13 (ES 5-14 x Swenson Red). It contains genes from Vitis aestivalis, Vitis berlandieri, Vitis cinerea, Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rupestris and Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was crossed in the USA in 1983 by Elmer Swenson (1913-2004) at the University of Minnesota. The late-ripening vine is resistant to frost, but susceptible to botrytis and black rot. It produces white wines with tropical fruit aromas and possibly a slight foxtone. The variety is grown in the US states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York and South Dakota. It is used as a wine grape and table grape. In 2016, 21 hectares of vineyards were designated in the USA (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Image: Lisa Smiley - Iowa State University
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