Hybrid grapes don’t get the love they deserve. They help producers grow grapes in climates and soils that would be prohibitive if not for a little help. The most common modification is developing grapes with thicker skins or hardy enough to be able to withstand colder temperatures. The taste of many hybrid grapes can rival some of the more prestigious vitis vinifera grapes (e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, etc.). While there are many more, I will be discussing just six of my favorite New Jersey’s hybrid grapes and some of my favorite wines made with these grapes.
Here are my top six favorite NJ hybrids and my favorite wineries offering them:
1.No discussion of hybrid grapes in New Jersey would be complete without discussing Chambourcin. It is a wonderful red grape that can withstand our state’s shorter growing season and still produce a delightful cherry aroma and taste. Chambourcin is one of the most popular wines offered in New Jersey, with many wineries producing high quality versions. Among my favorite producers of Chambourcin are White Horse Winery, Cedar Rose Vineyards, William Heritage Winery and Autumn Lake Winery. A promising new Chambourcin comes from our newest winery, Federal Twist Vineyard. (William Heritage Winery and White Horse Winery Chambourcin pictured above).
2. Probably the most popular white NJ hybrid grape is Vidal Blanc. This is a very versatile grape that deserves more attention. My favorite can be found at White Horse Winery. The winemaker there, Seferino Cotzojay, believes hybrid grapes are very underrated and that perhaps they should have a separate competition dedicated to them. I could not agree more. Perhaps Best Red Hybrid, Best White Hybrid, Best Rose (made with a hybrid grape); and Best in Show. What do you think about this idea?
3. An increasingly popular white hybrid grape is the Traminette. This is a very distinctive hybrid that produces a wine with great aromatics, even some floral notes. While they many not be quite as easy to pair with foods as some varietals, Traminette is delightful (especially in warmer weather). Among the best that I have tasted in the state are offered at Autumn Lake Winery, Bellview Winery and Amalthea Cellars. Both recently won Silver Medals at the 2019 New Jersey Wine Competition. (The Autumn Lake Winery Traminette is pictured above).
4. Marechal Foch is another very good red hybrid. It was developed in Alsace, France and named after a famous French general in the First World War. This grape does very well in areas with a shorter growing season. Surprisingly, there are not many wineries producing Marechal Foch in New Jersey. My favorite bottle is made at Working Dog Winery, with dark fruit and a hint of chocolate. It’s a winner.
5. Chancellor is an interesting red grape that is used primarily as a blending grape. It produces a tasty, medium-bodied wine, while holding up to the Garden State’s temperatures. I’m a fan of Amalthea Cellars Cantina Mas. They produce a different blend every season and offer it in refillable plastic jugs with spouts. Their most recent version uses Chancellor as one of the grapes in this blend.
6. Another very good red hybrid grape is the Baco Noir. Though I have only tried one version in New Jersey (Renault Winery), I was pleasantly surprised with that wine. It is more popular in New York State, where Baco Noir has won many awards at several different wineries, especially in the Hudson Valley.
While there are many other hybrid grapes grown and used in wine in New Jersey, the above six are among the more popular (and my personal favorites).
Cheers!
Note: My original publication of this post incorrectly stated that Regent is a grape used in Amalthea’s most recent Cantina Mas. It is Chancellor. Regent is another very good hybrid, but not the one I meant to use in this post.
Coming Attractions
- Salem Oaks Vineyards Fall 2019
- Wine Lover Christmas Suggestions
Speaking of wine lover Christmas suggestions…
For a limited time you can still order your ebook version of New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine. Use the coupon code Holiday2019 and get $5 off at your Apple iBook store.
You can also still use the same code to save $5 on the paperback copy at Bookbaby at store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Consider sharing your experience here. I’d love to hear from you and share your feedback. Like what you read and see here? You should subscribe and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills, no mess.
