North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Rodney Eveland" <reveland@collinscom.net>]

http://www.littlefatwino.com/infolouise.html

There is additional information about other hardy grapes
at this website.

Comments from the Minnesota Grape Growers Association.: This selection
was bred from a cross of E.S. 2-3-17 x Kay Gray. However, as a wine
grape, it will never be confused with Kay Gray. Berries average around
3 g and clusters are small to medium, conical, somewhat compact, and
average 105 g (range 70-130 g). In five years of trials, the wine from
Louise Swenson has been outstanding for its quality and consistency
from year to year. The wine is without any negative hybrid
characteristics, and has a typical delicate aroma of flowers and
honey. This wine's only significant fault is that it is rather light
in body. Blending with a variety such as Prairie Star makes it a more
complete wine. Louise Swenson rarely exceeds 20 Brix, even if left to
hang past midseason. Acidity is moderate and needs no reduction.
Observed at many sites around south-central Minnesota, this variety
has shown little or no winter injury even in the most severe (-40o F)
winters.
It has an orderly growth habit, with moderate vigor on most sites. It
buds out relatively late in the spring compared to other interspecific
hybrid grape varieties. Unlike its father, Kay Gray, the clusters hang
free of the tendrils. Disease resistance is generally very good, with
some susceptibility to Anthracnose. Observations on very sandy sites
suggest that Louise Swenson may be sensitive to droughty conditions.
On sites of this type, irrigation may be required in dry years. This
grape should be grown much more widely in the North for its consistent
wine quality, outstanding winter hardiness, and good cultural
behavior. Perfect flowers.