1–2 of 2
Marquette is a modern, extremely cold-hardy red grape variety developed in the USA at the University of Minnesota. As a direct grandson of the noble "Pinot Noir," Marquette yields medium-bodied, highly elegant, and bright ruby-colored wines. They surprise with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, black pepper, and spices. It is an ideal discovery for fans of cool-climate and northern winemaking.
Read more
Fruit and berry dry
Lithuania
Red dry
Latvia
Due to its hybrid origins, this variety features high natural acidity, so its best examples come from winemakers who know how to manage it during aging.
When choosing Marquette wine, prioritize those that have been aged, at least briefly, in oak barrels. The oak helps balance the high acidity, gives the wine volume, and enriches it with subtle notes of chocolate, leather, and vanilla. Versions aged in steel tanks will be much lighter and more reminiscent of fresh, summery Beaujolais-style wines.
Thanks to its bright acidity and medium tannins, Marquette is a fantastic food companion, especially when paired with richer dishes. It pairs perfectly with duck confit, slow-roasted lamb, root vegetable stews, mushroom dishes, and blue cheeses.
This variety was bred specifically for cool climates—its vines can withstand winter temperatures as low as -35 °C. Furthermore, it is highly resistant to many common fungal grape diseases. This allows winemakers in the US Midwest, Canada, and even the Baltic states to grow a high-quality harvest reminiscent of classic European wines without extensive chemical use.
Marquette is a complex hybrid, but one of its "grandparents" is the classic French Pinot Noir grape (crossed with native, wild American Vitis riparia vines). It is from Pinot Noir that Marquette inherited its elegance, aromatic complexity, and red berry profile, avoiding the "foxy" finish that is often characteristic of American hybrids.
