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Frontenac noir

Vine Characteristics

Frontenac has small to medium-sized berries and medium- sized clusters (0.3 lb/cluster). A high skin to pulp ratio results in intense dark red juice. Frontenac is considered extremely hardy and has been proven to survive cold events down to -35°F with little damage relative to most other varieties. Its extreme hardiness and wine making qualities make it one of the best red varieties to grow in USDA Zone 3. Frontenac has moderately high vigor, and is typically more vigorous than Marquette.

Wine Characteristics

Frontenac wines have a bold cherry flavor with hints of black currant and general red fruit. Rosé wines are characterized by a light Bing cherry note and an off-dry finish. Frontenac is also well-suited for ice wine and dessert wine, as the berries can “hang” late into the fall while maintaining high quality.

Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests

Frontenac is considered moderately susceptible to black rot, botrytis bunch rot, and powdery mildew. A fungicide program, especially around bloom, that addresses these pests will help ensure a healthy crop. It is not sensitive to applications of sulfur and copper, allowing these products to be used as organic fungicides. Its leaves are relatively tolerant of 2,4-D injury, but berries are still susceptible. Injuries from dicamba volatilization and drift from neighboring row crop fields are common. It is also susceptible to foliar phylloxera.


More Varieties

All information has been provided by VineTech’s genetics providers.

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