As a younger man, Patrick Pierquet found the wild grape that became the Frontenac grapes (noir, gris, and blanc). He tells about his experiences discovering the wild parents of several of the North America’s most popular, commercially used wine grapes, as well as the practical aspects of what it takes to breed new varieties of grapes. He also tells stories of Elmer Swenson, with whom he got to work.

I recorded an entire episode while picking one of Patrick’s grapes:

Fearless Wine

Patrick also mentions Tom Plocher, who was also influenced by Elmer Swenson, and you can hear Tom’s episode here:

Tom Plocher

And if you want to learn more about how important grape breeding is to the present and future of wine, check out my episode with the most famous European grape breeder:

Valentin Blattner

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