La Crescent (grape)

La Crescent[1] is a white grape variety developed by the University of Minnesota's cold hardy[2] grape breeding program.

[3] Since its release to the market in 2002[4] La Crescent has been planted with success in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

[4][5][6][7] Per the licensing application[8] the variety is cold-hardy to −36 °F (−38 °C) and per the patent application wines[9] produced will feature desirable aromas of citrus, apricot, pineapple, and muscat (as found in Riesling or Vignoles varieties) and lacks ‘foxy’ aromas associated with V. labrusca and herbaceous aromas associated with V. riparia.

La Crescent was invented by University of Minnesota researchers James Luby[10] and Peter Hemstad.

Those wishing to propagate La Crescent must obtain a license from the U. of MN[8]