![U-of-M Releases Its Newest Cold-Hardy Wine Grape](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2022/12/attachment-bunches-of-Clarion-grapes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
U-of-M Releases Its Newest Cold-Hardy Wine Grape
ST. PAUL (WJON News) -- The University of Minnesota's Horticultural Research Center has released a new cold-hardy wine grape called Clarion.
According to researchers at HRC, Clarion doesn't only produce excellent vines, its grapes consistently produce high-quality white wines.
Some evaluators describe the wine as being similar to the southern hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc with fruity attributes of citrus, pear, melon, apricot, and chamomile.
Researchers say Clarion is easier for growers to manage in the vineyard because of its less vigorous growth habit than other cold-hardy varieties.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
Its grape bunches are loose, which can keep disease and pests away. It is also resistant to downy mildew which is a problem for growers in the eastern U.S. due to humid and rainy summers.
U-of-M researchers have been growing and researching the Clarion grape variety for more than 20 years.
LOOK: 25 over-the-top Christmas displays from across America
LOOK: The biggest scams today and how you can protect yourself from them
LOOK: The oldest cities in America
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Gaze Into Deep Space at the Bell Museum Star Party!](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-26.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gophers Win As Spring Sports Wind Down In Friday Sports Recap](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/05/attachment-JakePerry1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![No Place Like Home? Coach Fleck To Lists His Edina Home For Sale](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/05/attachment-GettyImages-1242874796.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Heyer Leads Gophers To “Great 8″ In Friday Sports Recap](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/03/attachment-BWR08539.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![University of Minnesota Issues Safety Alert After Shooting Threat](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/U-of-MN-in-Winter.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![U-of-M Research Project Reveals New Information on Buckthorn](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/attachment-Buckthorn-Seedlings.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Major Change Is Coming To 3M Arena at Mariucci Next Year](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/03/attachment-Mariucci-Arena-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![CentraCare, U of M Planning Medical School for Central MN](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/03/St.-Cloud-Hospital-31.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Dance Teams Win Big at National Championships](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/01/attachment-FmjRfVmXkAAiERq.jpg?w=980&q=75)