Grape Varieties Colorado State University Extension Tri River Area Mesa Delta Montrose and Ouray Counties

GRAPE VARIETIES FOR THE TRI RIVER AREA

Insufficient variety test data prevents specific recommendations relative to exact location and hardiness. However, the following varieties should be considered as general recommendations for the Tri River Area.

Discussion

Vitis labrusca varieties are hardier than V. vinifera varieties, while the French hybrids (V. vinifera hybrids) are somewhere in between. In the case of V. vinifera, winter freezes may kill the wood or the buds on the canes.

Vinifera types should be planted only in areas where 170 frost-free days are the rule. As an average, American grape varieties will mature in about 160 frost-free days provided summer heat is adequate.

Varieties⁽¹⁾
Wine Grapes	Fruit Color	Additional Comments
Vitis vinifera
White Riesling	White
Chardonnay	White
Sauvignon Blanc	White
Merlot	Red

Vitis vinifera hybrids
Seyval Blanc (Seyve-Villard 5276)	White	Possible in Cool Areas
Vidal Blanc	White
Chancellor	Red
DeChaunac	Red	Possible in Cool Areas
Chambourcin	Red
Aurora	White	Possible in Cool Areas
Baco	Red

Table Grapes	Fruit Color	Fruit Size	Seedless	Other Uses
*Vitis vinifera*
Perlette	White	Medium	Yes	R, P, J
Black Monukka (Monukka)	Red	Medium	Mostly
Flame Seedless	Red	Large	Yes	R, P, J
*Vitis vinifera* hybrids
Himrod	White	Large	Mostly	R, P, J
Lakemont	White	Medium	Mostly
Suffolk Red	Red	Medium	Mostly	R, P, J
Glenora	Blue	Medium	Mostly	R, P, J
Canadice	Red	Medium	Mostly	R, P, J
*Vitis labrusca*
Niagara (White Concord)⁽⁴⁾	White	Large	No	P, J
Concord	Blue-Black	Medium	No	P, J
Golden Muscat	Golden	Large	No	P, J

Notes:

(1) varieties recommended by Colorado State University, Orchard Mesa Research Center staff.
(2) for cooler regions in the Tri River area all listed table grape varieties except Lakemont are recommended.
(3) other uses include:
- (R) Raisin
- (P) Processing for jams & jellies
- (J) Juice
(4) Not as winter hardy as Concord.

Recommended books/pamphlets/source lists:
Grape Growing, Weaver, 1976, John P. Wyley & Sons, New York.
Wines & Vines Magazine, (Published monthly except December) 703 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Growing Grapes in Minnesota, 1978, available from: Carolyn Barrett, 6133 Oaklawn Ave., Edina, MN 55421
Grape Vine Nutrition & Fertilization in the San Joaquin Valley, Priced Pub. 4087, Agricultural Sciences Publications, University of California, 1422 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804.

November 19, 1996

Comments should be addressed to Dr. Curtis E. Swift, Area Extension Agent, Horticulture
Colorado State University Extension
2775 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction, CO. 81503
voice: 970-244-1834
fax: 970-244-1700