La Crosse

The white grape variety is an interspecific hybrid between Elmer Swenson 114 (Minnesota 78 x Rosette) x Seyval Blanc. Synonyms include Elmer Swenson 294, ES 294, and Lacrosse. The name was given after the city of the same name in Wisconsin. It contains genes from Vitis labrusca, Vitis lincecumii, Vitis riparia, Vitis rupestris, and Vitis vinifera. Interestingly, the hybrid St. Pepin was also created from the same parents. The crossing of the hybrid took place in 1971 by breeder Elmer Swenson (1913-2004). The variety protection was granted in 1983. The early ripening and frost-resistant vine, which can withstand temperatures down to minus 29 °C, is particularly susceptible to black rot and Botrytis, as well as both types of powdery mildew. It produces fruity white wines with aromas of pears, apricots, and citrus fruits, which are mainly used for blending. It is also used as a table grape and for the production of grape juice. The variety is grown in the Midwest of the USA in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2016, 26 hectares of vineyard area were recorded (Kym Anderson). Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012 Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)