The red grape variety is a complex interspecific new variety between Elmer Swenson 193 (Minnesota 78 x Seneca) x Elmer Swenson 283 (E. S. 114 x Seyval Blanc). Synonyms are Elmer Swenson 242, ES 242 and Sainte Croix. Genes of Vitis labrusca, Vitis lincecumii, Vitis riparia, Vitis rupestris and Vitis vinifera are included. The hybrid was crossed in 1983 by the breeder Elmer Swenson (1913-2004) near Osceola (US state of Wisconsin). By the way, the same parents also produced the new variety Sabrevois. St. Croix was a crossing partner for the two new varieties Chisago and Pionnier. The early to medium ripening vine is moderately susceptible to both powdery mildew and botrytis, but extremely frost-hardy down to minus 35 °Celsius. It produces mild, low-tannin red wines without foxtone as well as aromas of tobacco and smoke, which are mainly used as blends. It is also used for the production of table grapes and grape juice. The variety is grown in Quebec/Canada (17 ha), as well as in the USA in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Pennsylvania (27 ha). In 2016, 45 hectares of vineyard were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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