Marquette Grapes

Marquette grapes are a dark red to nearly black hybrid variety prized for producing high-quality red wines with complex flavors. Here are some key details about them:

General Characteristics

  • Type: Interspecific hybrid (descendant of Pinot Noir crossed with other cold-hardy grapes).

  • Origin: Developed at the University of Minnesota and released in 2006.

  • Flavor: Rich, complex, with notes of cherry, blackberry, black pepper, and spice. Wines often show subtle tannins and good acidity.

  • Seeds: Yes, they are seeded.

  • Use: Primarily winemaking, especially dry to semi-dry red wines.

Growth & Harvest

  • Ripening: Mid-season, typically around mid-September (earlier than many vinifera reds).

  • Vine: Moderately vigorous, productive, with good disease resistance.

  • Clusters: Medium-sized with small berries.

  • Cold Hardiness: Extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to –36°F (–38°C), making it one of the most reliable red wine grapes for northern regions.

Advantages

  • Outstanding cold hardiness for extreme northern climates.

  • Produces complex, high-quality red wines often compared to cool-climate Pinot Noir styles.

  • Good disease resistance (especially to downy mildew and powdery mildew).

  • Earlier ripening than many classic red varieties, suitable for shorter growing seasons.

Disadvantages

  • Seeded (not ideal for table grape eating).

  • Still relatively new, so less recognized in mainstream wine markets.

  • Requires careful vineyard management to balance acidity and tannins in wine.

If you're seeking a cold-hardy red grape capable of producing elegant, complex wines in northern climates, Marquette is a top choice and a cornerstone variety for emerging cool-climate wine regions.