Exploring the World of Iowa’s Cold-Hardy Grapes

Ever imagine Iowa as a haven for thriving vineyards? Nestled amidst rolling hills and fertile plains, Iowa boasts a surprising bounty – cold-hardy grape varietals that have adapted to the region's distinct climate. 

Today, we're venturing into the heart of Iowa's wine scene, where Chris Larsen, owner of Compass Hill Vineyard, talks about his 10 years as a vineyard owner. 

Plus, we'll explore a dozen unique grape varietals that grace Iowa's vineyards, each contributing its own special character to the state's burgeoning wine industry. So, grab a metaphorical glass and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Iowa grapes!

Celebrate Easter at two Vineyards

Sure, you can celebrate vineyards and Easter with Iowa Wine. But did you know you can also take part in an adult easter egg hunt? Check out these two upcoming events:

Join Soldier Creek Winery on March 30th for the ultimate Adult Easter Egg Hunt! As the sun warms the vineyards, hunt for hidden treasures amidst the lush landscape while the energetic tunes of Stadium Drive fill the air with excitement. Need to refuel? Indulge in delectable charcuterie boards from Gypsum City Boards, perfectly paired with their finest wines. Register here.

Celebrate Easter at Summerset Winery on March 31st. They will be hosting two hunts, one for 20 and under, and one for 21+. More information here.

Featured Vineyard: Compass Hill

This month we are featuring vineyard owner Chris Larsen with Compass Hill Vineyard. Compass Hill Vineyard was awarded the 2019 Iowa Vineyard of the Year as voted on by members of the Iowa Wine Growers Association. 

For over 10 years Chris has focused on growing two types of grapes: Petite Pearl and Frontenac Blanc. He loves spending time outside in the vineyard because it is so peaceful. Being in the vineyard and seeing it progress throughout the season is extremely satisfying.

Each year he sells all of their grapes to Covered Bridges Winery. They have been great partners since Chris first started the vineyard 10 years ago. They love the fruit quality and each year they produce single vineyard select wines made entirely from Compass Hill grapes. They proudly put the Compass Hill Vineyard name on the label for these wines. 

Did you know Iowa boasts its own unique grape culture? 

But with temperatures that dip below freezing, not just any grape will do! Let's explore the fascinating world of cold-hardy grape varietals that flourish in the heartland, creating distinctive and delicious wines.

If you like Moscato, then you’d love:

Brianna

Sounds Like: (Bree-ah-na)
Looks Like: Medium-sized clusters of greenish gold to gold berries.
Smells Like: Pineapple, citrus and floral nose.
Tastes Like: Apricot, peach, pineapple, and honey flavors.
Used As: Produces nicely balanced, semi-sweet, white wine.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to around -25°F.

Purchase Iowa Brianna wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Riesling, then you’d love:

La Crescent

Sounds Like: (La CreS-sent)
Looks Like: Yellow-amber, fairly small berries. Produces a pale yellow wine.
Smells Like: Intense apricot, peach and citrus.
Tastes Like: Off-dry and sweet white wines with fruity apricot, peach, and citrusy notes.
Used As: Produces Germanic-type wine ranging from off-dry to sweet.
Cold Hardiness: Extreme cold hardiness (as low as -36°F).

Purchase Iowa La Crescent wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like sangria, then you’d love:

Frontenac Gris

Sounds Like: (Frawn-ten-ak Gree)
Looks Like: Grey, small to medium-sized berry.
Smells Like: Aromas of pineapple, apricot, peach, and citrus.
Tastes Like: Peach, pineapple and tropical fruit flavors, with hints of honey.
Used As: Produces a variety of styles from lively, refreshing table wine to sweet dessert and ice wines.
Cold Hardiness: Very hardy to at least -35° F.

Purchase Iowa Frontenac Gris wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Chardonnay, then you’d love:

La Crosse

Sounds Like: (La Cross)
Looks Like: Medium yellow-green, spherical.
Smells Like: Pear, apricot and citrus.
Tastes Like: Citrus and stone fruit flavors with moderate acidity.
Used As: Produces good quality, clean, white wines, often dry or semi-dry.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to -25°F.

Purchase Iowa La Crosse wines online through VInoShipper!

If you like Gewürztraminer, then you’d love:

Edelweiss

Sounds Like: (Adel-vise)
Looks Like: White, round, medium sized berry.
Smells Like: Candied-fruit aroma reminiscent of fresh strawberries or Jolly Ranchers candy.
Tastes Like: Fruity flavors like citrus, peach and green apple. Some also refer to it as “foxy”.
Used As: Produces sweet, aromatic, white wines.
Cold Hardiness: Cold hardy to -30°F.

Purchase Iowa Edelweiss wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Moscato, then you’d love:

Vignoles

Sounds Like: (Veen-yole)
Looks Like: Small, light green berries with a pinkish hue in compact clusters.
Smells Like: Luscious floral, pineapple, apricot, fresh cut tropical fruit.
Tastes Like: An assortment of citrus, floral and tropical flavors.
Used As: Produces wines ranging from dry to the sweetest, late-harvest dessert wines.
Cold Hardiness: Moderately hardy to -10 to -15°F.
Pairs well with: fresh fruit and spicy dishes

Purchase Iowa Vignoles wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like pink champagne, then you’d love:

Catawba

Sounds Like: (Kuh-taw-buh)
Looks Like: Though technically a “red” grape, Catawba has reddish pink berries producing pale pink juice typically used in roses or blends.
Smells like: Very fragrant, like that of sweet strawberries. Sometimes described as “foxy”.
Tastes like: Medium bodied, sweet yet floral and woodsy, tastes like strawberries.
Used As: Versatile grape that can be used in producing sweet white, red, rosé and dessert wines as well as sparkling and ice style wines.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy (-15° to -20° F)

Purchase Iowa Catawba wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Zinfandel, then you’d love:

Marquette

Sounds Like: (Mar-ket)
Looks Like: Black color, small to medium sized berry.
Smells Like: Think your wealthy grandfather’s off-limits “man room” with scents of rich leather and cigars.
Tastes Like: Cherry and black currant flavors and aromas, notes of blackberries, pepper, plum, tobacco, leather, and spice.
Used As: Produces medium-bodied semi-dry red wines.
Cold Hardiness: Very hardy (-20° F to -30° F)

Purchase Iowa Marquette wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Pinot Noir, then you’d love:

Marechal Foch

Sounds Like: (Mah-reh-shal Fosh)
Looks Like: Black, round berries producing deep purple-colored wine.
Smells Like: Earthy and dark berries.
Tastes Like: Light to medium structure with earthy, herbaceous and jammy dark berry fruit with a slight smokiness flavor.
Used As: Produces excellent red wines ranging from fruity and light to full-bodied and oaked.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to -25° F.

Purchase Iowa Marechal Foch wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Syrah/Shiraz, then you’d love:

St. Croix

Sounds Like: (Saint Croy)
Looks Like: Blue in color, medium sized berry.
Smells Like: Dried fruit.
Tastes Like: Medium to full bodied dry red wine with low tannins, currant and other dried fruit flavor aspects. Production often employs oak barrel ageing to add even more complexity to the wine’s bouquet and flavors.
Used As: Produces medium to full-bodied, dry, deep red wines.
Cold Hardiness: Very hardy (below -20° F)

Purchase Iowa St. Croix wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Merlot, then you’d love:

Frontenac

Sounds Like: (Frawn-ten-ak)
Looks Like: Bluish-black color, small to medium sized berry.
Smells Like: Distinctive cherry aromas.
Tastes Like: Cherry, blackberry, current and plum flavors.
Used As: Produces rosé, red or port style wines that are often deeply colored.
Cold Hardiness: Very hardy (below -20° F)

Purchase Iowa Frontenac wines online through VinoShipper!

If you like Petite Syrah, then you’d love:

Petite Pearl

Sounds Like: (Put-eet Purl)
Looks Like: Small compact clusters producing garnet red wine.
Smells Like: Slightly floral with jammy fruit and hints of earth and spice.
Tastes Like: Red fruit with spice and earthy notes and a nice mouthfeel.
Used As: Produces excellent red wine with low acid and soft tannins, in addition to making a great rosé.
Cold Hardiness: Very hardy (below -20° F)
Pairs well with: Meats, such as grilled steak or wild game, or with hard cheeses.

Purchase Iowa Petite Pearl wines online through VinoShipper!

Download 12 Midwest Grapes

Want a quick Midwest Wine reference to print out and keep in your kitchen? Download Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation’s 12 grapes today. Learn what temperature it can survive in, when it is harvested, and what it tastes like. Plus, when you visit local wineries see if you can identify what grapes are growing in their vineyard!