What is a hybrid? A hybrid grape is the product of crossing two or more grape species. New Jersey wineries produce many hybrid grapes used in winemaking. They are usually developed to overcome some common obstacles to the wine growers and wine makers in the state (especially finding grapes that can handle colder temperatures). It is both interesting and timely for me that a very recent NJ wine industry survey (provided by the Rutgers Center for Research and Education) lists three of the 15 leading grape varieties produced as Chambourcin (#1), Vidal Blanc and Traminette. So 20% of the leading grapes produced in New Jersey are hybrids. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at a few of them. Pictured above, from left to right, are a few bottles of Chambourcin from my cellar collection: Southwind Vineyard, Villari Vineyards, William Heritage Winery, Sharrott Winery, Bellview Winery and Jessie Creek Winery. Though Chambourcin is doubtless the king of hybrids in New Jersey, there are many others. Here are 5 Popular Hybrid NJ Wine Grapes that I have tried and enjoyed:
- Chambourcin
- Traminette
- Vidal Blanc
- Marechal Foch
- Cayuga White
Chambourcin is a red grape. Its heritage is uncertain, but what is not uncertain is its appeal. It is very versatile-hearty enough to be enjoyed with a steak, but also delicious on its own merits. It is also used as the base for many Port-style wines in NJ. Among my favorite producers of Chambourcin are: William Heritage Winery, Sharrott Winery, DiMatteo Vineyards, Villari Vineyards, Tomasello Winery, Jessie Creek Winery, Autumn Lake Winery, Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery and Southwind Vineyards.
Traminette is a white grape that is a cross between a French American hybrid and a German varietal (Gewurtraminer). It is a unique, refreshing white, with a hint of spice and often with a hint of sweetness. Among my favorite producers of this varietal include Working Dog Winery, Amalthea Cellars, Autumn Lake Winery and Bellview Winery.
Vidal Blanc is a white grape produced from a Vitis Vinifera variety (Ugni Blanc) and another hybrid (Rayon d’Or). I have tasted oaked and unoaked Vidal Blanc and enjoyed both versions. Among my favorite producers of Vidal Blanc are: Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, Sharrott Winery and Four Sisters Winery. I can’t wait to try the White Horse Winery’s Vidal Blanc, as it has not yet been bottled (but it was already very good in a pre-bottling tasting that I wrote about in a previous post (https://wp.me/p74VSa-lb).
Marechal Foch is an interesting French red grape, named after the French marshal Ferdinand Foch (who helped negotiate the armistice terms at the close of the First World War). My favorites here have been at Working Dog Winery and Sky Acres Winery(both are very good).
Cayuga White is a white grape that ripens in mid-season. It was developed at Cornell University and is a cross of Schuyler and Seyval Blanc (both hybrids). Ventimiglia Vineyard makes a bone-dry version of this wine that I really enjoyed. Bellview Winery also makes a very good Cayuga. There are a number of other wineries that make a good version, though most are a bit sweeter. Iron Plow Vineyards makes a unique version of this wine that creatively utilizes Cascade hops (used in beer) to give a dry finish to the Cayuga.
Thanks to Wikipedia for providing some of the background information on these interesting grapes!
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Wagonhouse Winery Revisited
- Cross Keys Brewing Co.
- Want to Write a Book?
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