When you think of Missouri wine, you might picture a glass overlooking rolling hills, but what really makes Missouri wine unique? The grapes.
Missouri’s climate creates the perfect environment for a collection of hardy American and French American hybrid grapes. The result is a group of wines with flavors and styles you won’t find anywhere else.
Catawba is a North American hybrid grape best known for producing pink and rosé wines. Catawba offers sweet, fragrant strawberry aromas with floral and woodsy notes.
Chambourcin is a French American hybrid produces rich, deeply colored red wines, but also rosé. Look for cherry and dark-fruit flavors, earthy notes and soft tannins.
Chardonel is a Missouri favorite and a cross between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. Depending on how it’s made, Chardonel can range from crisp and fresh to rich and oaky, with notes of pear, apple and apricot.
Concord is for you if you love the classic flavor of grape juice, you’ll recognize Concord. This American grape creates a sweet, fruity, medium-bodied wine with that unmistakable Concord character.
Norton is Missouri’s official state grape, Norton produces bold, dry red wines with layers of berries, cherries, spice, vanilla and chocolate. It’s one of the grapes that truly defines Missouri wine.
Seyval Blanc is another French American hybrid that produces clean, crisp white wines ranging from dry to semi-dry, with fresh and herbal flavors.
Traminette is floral, aromatic and versatile, Traminette can range from dry to semi-sweet. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for something with plenty of character and bright acidity.
Vidal Blanc produces crisp, clean wines with flavors of pear, apple and citrus. It can be made dry or semi-dry and is also popular for dessert wines, sparkling wines and ice wines.
Vignoles is one of Missouri’s most versatile white grapes, Vignoles can be made into everything from dry and semi-sweet wines to late-harvest dessert wines. Expect tropical fruit, peach, apricot, citrus and floral notes.
Whether you prefer a bold red, a crisp white, a sweet dessert wine or something in between, Missouri’s varietals offer plenty to explore. And because these grapes are particularly well-suited to Missouri’s climate, they help give our state’s wine industry its distinctive character.
So, the next time you’re visiting a Missouri winery, don’t just ask for a red or white, ask about the varietal. You might discover a new Missouri favorite.
