Brianna
A tropical-fruit cold-hardy white from Elmer Swenson's breeding program, released in Nebraska in 2001, with pineapple aromas and a soft, juicy finish.
Brianna is the cold-hardy white that tastes like a fruit cup. It came out of the breeding work of Elmer Swenson, the Wisconsin dairy farmer whose crosses underpin most cold-climate grapes. Ed Swanson of Cuthills Vineyards in Nebraska named it and released it in 2001. It's hardy to about -30°F and has become a staple of Plains-state tasting rooms.
What It Tastes Like
The signature aroma is pineapple, often joined by mango, grapefruit and ripe banana. Brianna has lower acidity than La Crescent or Frontenac Gris, so it feels soft and juicy. That's why it's most often made semi-sweet, as an easy-drinking porch wine, though careful winemakers also turn out crisp, dry-leaning versions.
Where It Grows
Brianna is especially popular in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It also turns up in Illinois, Missouri and northern Michigan. In some areas it's grown for fresh eating as well as wine.
What to Look For
- Semi-sweet Brianna is the classic and a common bestseller at Plains wineries.
- Off-dry versions pair well with spicy food.
- Blends use Brianna to add tropical aroma to sharper grapes.
If a tasting room offers a flight of cold-hardy whites, Brianna is usually the friendliest of the bunch. It's a good starting point for anyone who usually orders sweet wine.
Where to Find Brianna
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Brianna is grown or poured: