AVA: North Dakota, Cass County (Absaraka)
Grower: North Dakota State University
12 % alc/vol
Frontenac – A University of Minnesota French-American hybrid released in 1996. Frontenac is a cross of Vitis riparia 89 × Landot Noir, a deeply colored, cold-hardy red grape known for bright cherry and dark berry flavors, naturally high acidity, and excellent winter survival (Burtch and Mansfield, 2016; Pedneault et al., 2013; Rice et al., 2019, 2017; Scharfetter et al., 2019).
Ruby-hued and structured, this oak-matured Frontenac reveals layered northern-berry character — currant, cherry, and red-fruit compote.
Prairie-grown and resolute, it delivers balance and purpose at the table.
Crafted for structure. Built for the table.
Pair with: grilled lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, and herb-roasted vegetables.
Chemistry Profile
| Stage | Alc. (% v/v) | °Brix | pH | TA (g/L) | Malic (g/L) | RS (g/L) |
| Harvest | — | 21.7 | 2.73 | 15.8 | 10.5 | — |
| Bottling | 11.9 | — | 3.66 | 6.63 | 0.06 | 3.2 |
Availability
| Price | $24 |
| Cases | 13 |
| Released | 2026 April 18 |
Packaging
| Bottle: | 750 mL 30W65F Clear Flint Bordeaux Wine Bottles |
| Closure: | Amorim Xpür: 44×24 mm |
| Capsule: | Material: PVC Heat Shrink Sleeves; Matte Black; 33 mm Ø x 60 mm H |
| Label: | Northern Plains Label: BOPP, matte varnish; 178 mm L x 102 mm H (4″x7″) |
References
Burtch, C., Mansfield, A.K., 2016. Comparing Red Wine Color in V. vinifera and Hybrid Cultivars. Appellation Cornell 6.
Pedneault, K., Dorais, M., Angers, P., 2013. Flavor of Cold-Hardy Grapes: Impact of Berry Maturity and Environmental Conditions. J. Agric. Food Chem. 61, 10418–10438. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf402473u
Rice, S., Koziel, J.A., Dharmadhikari, M., Fennell, A., 2017. Evaluation of Tannins and Anthocyanins in Marquette, Frontenac, and St. Croix Cold-Hardy Grape Cultivars. Fermentation 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation3030047
Rice, S., Tursumbayeva, M., Clark, M., Greenlee, D., Dharmadhikari, M., Fennell, A., Koziel, J.A., 2019. Effects of Harvest Time on the Aroma of White Wines Made from Cold-Hardy Brianna and Frontenac Gris Grapes Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Olfactometry. Foods 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8010029
Riesterer-Loper, J., Workmaster, B.A., Atucha, A., 2019. Impact of Fruit Zone Sunlight Exposure on Ripening Profiles of Cold Climate Interspecific Hybrid Winegrapes. Am J Enol Vitic. 70, 286–296. https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2019.18080
Scharfetter, J., Workmaster, B.A., Atucha, A., 2019. Preveraison Leaf Removal Changes Fruit Zone Microclimate and Phenolics in Cold Climate Interspecific Hybrid Grapes Grown under Cool Climate Conditions. Am J Enol Vitic. 70, 297–307. https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2019.18052 Wimmer, M., Workmaster, B.A., Atucha, A., NaN/NaN/NaN. Training Systems for Cold Climate Interspecific Hybrid Grape Cultivars in Northern Climate Regions. HortTechnology 28, 202–211. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH03946-17