The Chambourcin
Grape
A French-American hybrid red grape variety, Chambourcin is adaptable to various climates and resistant to many grape diseases. It produces medium-bodied wines with high acidity and flavors of dark fruits, spices, and sometimes earthy notes, often used in both dry and sweet wine styles.
Chambourcin
Grape History
Chambourcin is a relatively new wine grape variety that was created in France in 1963 by a grape breeder named Joannes Seyve. It is a hybrid grape variety, created by crossing the Vitis vinifera grape variety with a hardier American grape variety. Chambourcin was named after the Chambourcy forest located near Paris, where Seyve had his vineyard.
This grape variety is known for its resistance to diseases such as mildew and rot, making it a popular choice for organic and sustainable vineyard practices. Chambourcin grapes have dark purple skins and produce wines with deep color, complex flavors, and good aging potential. The wines made from Chambourcin grapes are often described as having notes of black cherry, plum, spice, and sometimes a hint of earthiness.
Chambourcin vines are primarily grown in regions with cool climates, such as the eastern United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, Chambourcin is commonly planted in states such as Missouri, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The grape's ability to thrive in cooler climates and its disease resistance have made it a popular choice for winemakers in these regions.
Chambourcin is typically used to produce red wines, either as a varietal wine or as a blending grape. It is often blended with other grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot to create complex and flavorful wines. Chambourcin wines are versatile and can be made in a range of styles from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied.
The future of Chambourcin looks promising as more winemakers experiment with this versatile grape variety. Its disease resistance and ability to thrive in cooler climates make it a valuable asset to vineyards facing challenges such as climate change and increasing pressure from pests and diseases. As consumer interest in sustainable and eco-friendly wines grows, Chambourcin's appeal is likely to continue to increase.
Overall, Chambourcin is a grape variety with a fascinating history and a bright future in the world of wine. Its unique characteristics and versatility make it a valuable asset to winemakers seeking to create high-quality wines with a sense of terroir. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Chambourcin wines offer a distinct and enjoyable drinking experience for wine enthusiasts around the world.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel