Wine Grape Performance of 32 Cultivars in Western Colorado 1982-1986

Abstract

Must analyses, yields, harvest dates, and winter injury of 32 vinifera and hybrid grape cultivars were evaluated at Colorado State University’s Orchard Mesa Center over a 5-year period. The 27-year average heat unit accumulation (10°C base) at this site was 3,284, with 163 frost free days (0°C base). Vitis viniferacultivars that were consistently productive, had excellent fruit quality, low incidence of winter injury, and generated very acceptable enological characteristics were ‘White Riesling,’ ‘Chardonnay,’ ‘Muscat Blanc,’ ‘Limberger,’ ‘Cabernet Sauvignon,’ ‘Merlot’ and ‘Cabernet Franc.’ The best French hybrid cultivars evaluated were ‘Seyval blanc,’ ‘Vidal blanc,’ Chancellor’ and ‘Rougeon.’