La Crescent
A Muscat-scented white from the University of Minnesota with apricot, citrus and honeysuckle aromas. It's one of the best white wines made from cold-hardy grapes.
La Crescent is the white grape that convinced many skeptics that cold-hardy wine could be good wine. The University of Minnesota released it in 2002, and it carries a little Muscat in its family tree. That shows in the glass: it's intensely aromatic, with apricot, citrus and floral notes that often get it compared to Riesling. It also survives winters to about -36°F.
What It Tastes Like
Pour a glass and you'll get apricot, peach, pineapple, orange peel and honeysuckle. The acidity is high, so most wineries make La Crescent off-dry or semi-sweet, which gives you a juicy, balanced wine rather than a sugary one. Bone-dry versions are leaner and more citrusy. Late-harvest and ice-wine styles can be outstanding.
Where It Grows
La Crescent is planted throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, and in Vermont, northern New York and Michigan. Upper Midwest wine competitions regularly hand it top medals, and many wineries in the region consider it their best white.
What to Look For
- Off-dry La Crescent is the classic style and a great introduction to cold-hardy wines.
- Dry La Crescent is worth seeking out if you like Alsace or Finger Lakes Riesling.
- Dessert and ice wines are rich but fresh.
- Sparkling La Crescent is floral and lively.
Worth Knowing
The name honors La Crescent, Minnesota, a Mississippi River town once known as the apple capital of the state. One parent, St. Pepin, is an Elmer Swenson grape. Swenson's breeding work laid the foundation for most of the cold-hardy varieties grown today.
Where to Find La Crescent
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where La Crescent is grown or poured: