Kay Gray Grapes

Kay Gray. A white grape bred by Elmer Swenson in Osceola, Wisconsin. Found almost by accident. One year, Mr. Swenson was ill and didn't spray his vineyard. One seedling vine stood out for it's health and freedom from downy mildew. If not for that, the vine might not have been selected as the fruit wasn't especially noteable. The clusters and berries are somewhat small, with a labrusca flavor. Flavor varies with climate, ranging from a rather ordinary labrusca to a pleasant fruity flavor depending on where it is grown. The best part of the variety is the vine. In addition to the good resistance to disease, the vine has withstood -42oF without damage. The vines have moderate vigor, needing more fertility than other varieties to develop good size. Vines can be trained to cordons with three bud spurs, or to canes to insure more crop. Largely used as a cold hardy white wine grape, it is being replaced by newer cold hardy white wine grapes, including some of it's own offspring. Liked by organic growers, and the little clusters are pleasant to eat, as well.