Edelweiss (grape)

Edelweiss is a very winter-hardy grape variety derived from crossing the Minnesota 78 and Ontario grapes. It was developed by Elmer Swenson in 1980 in cooperation with the University of Minnesota.

It produces a green to amber colored, early-ripening, fruit. Although it can be used to make a white wine, it is a better table grape.

The clusters are large and rather loose, weighing a pound or more. Early picking of the grape is essential for making a wine. Should Edelweiss not be harvested early, the completely ripe labrusca flavoring becomes too strong for the palate of most. Edelweiss was first developed as a table grape. This variety bears the Minnesota winters, but mulching is encouraged. During this process be wary when tying the shoots together because they break easily. Edelweiss has strong resistance to disease and fungus and can tolerate negative thirty-five degree temperatures. Edelweiss has best results as a semi-dry white riesling table wine.