Valiant Grapes

Valiant. (Fredonia x V. riparia) South Dakota. Valiant was bred by Dr. Ron Peterson at South Dakota State University for cold hardiness, being able to take -50 F or more. Valiant inherits the Concord-like flavor of Fredonia combined with high sugar and intense color from the Vitis riparia parent. As a result, it makes juice and jelly with a flavor like Concord, but with much better sugar, acid, and color. The leaves lack the heavy fuzz of labrusca and can be used for dolmas. Valiant is moderately susceptible to downy mildew and black rot in warm, wet summers. While it is very cold hardy, Valiant is easiest to grow in a climate with dry summers. Train Valiant to cordons with spurs of three buds each.