Introduced resistant grape variety Frontenac Blanc

Abstract

Th e paper presents a variety trial and technological evaluation of the wine material from Frontenac Blanc grape, isolated as a color mutation in Canada plantations of the Frontenac Gris variety in 2006. Th e study was carried out in 2020–2022 in compliance with vitiviniculture recognized methodology in soil and climatic conditions of Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, a branch of Federal Rostov Agrarian Scientifi c Centre, Novocherkassk, Rostov Oblast, Russia. Vineyards are open-earth, rainfed, graft ed, with Kober 5BB rootstock, 3.0×1.5 m planting scheme, shaping: double-shouldered low (40 cm) horizontal cordon, short pruning on knots. Agricultural technology is standard, generally recognized. Frontenac Blanc is found to obtain high winter hardiness, promising for open-earth cultivation. Th e variety has good resistance to infections: to mildew (2.0 score), oidium (2.5 score); grey rot has not been observed. Th erefore, frequent use of pesticides is not required and vineyard maintenance is simplifi ed. Th e high level of sugars (248 g/dm3) and t itratable acids (10.4 g/dm3) in t h e juice ensures a harmonious wine with well-balanced acidity. Due to such characteristics, the variety is considered to be promising for the production of diff erent wine styles, including dry still, semi-dry, as well as sparkling and liqueur wines. Th e wine material from Frontenac Blanc presents a distinguishing character, bright fruit aromas, rich structured fl avor, and lingering fi nish. Th e average tasting score of the wine material comprises 8.6 points (on a 1–10 scale). Th e variety has a high yield (16 tonnes/ha), which does not adversely aff ect the quality of products. Frontenac Blanc is resistant to cold and early ripening period (120 days) and can be eff ectively grown in regions with previously limited production due to extreme climatic conditions. Considering that, an innovative development of the wine industry in areas with cool and uncertain climate possesses a high potential.