University of Minnesota Releasing New Wine Grape Variety

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota is releasing a new cold-hardy grape variety.

The university said Monday that the new grape named Itasca will be used to make dry white wines. Reports say the variety is the fifth cold-hardy grape that the university's horticultural department has created.

Matt Clark, an assistant professor of horticultural science, says the Itasca grape will have good yields.

Vines should be ready next year to be purchased. According to Clark, it will be about five years before wine from Itasca grapes can be expected in stores.