Last week, I posted about the “Six Noble Grapes.” Today, I want to give some love to hybrid grapes. These are grapes that are the product of crossing of two or more Vitis species. These hybrids are selected because of their tolerance for mildew, and other fungal diseases, and phylloxera. Phylloxera was the cause for the huge devastation of Vitis Vinifera (European varieties like the Noble grapes I talked about last week). In addition, many of the hybrid grapes have been found to be more resistant to cold weather, allowing for a longer growing season and ripening. There are many red and white hybrid grape varieties. I will focus on the ones that are popular in New Jersey and seem to do very well here. I will share my favorites and a few great places to buy wine made with these hybrid grapes.
Red Hybrids
Chambourcin-One of our most popular grapes in NJ. There are many good producers. Here are a few of my favorites:
- William Heritage-Located in Mullica Hill, with an additional tasting room in Haddonfield. The Burn Pile bottle shown above is a single vineyard version, which is very good. They also make a Chambourcin Reserve which is also quite good.
- Autumn Lake Winery-Located in Williamstown, their Squankum (pictured above) is a great version with the Chambourcin fermented in Bourbon barrels.
- White Horse Winery-Located in Hammonton, they make one of the better versions, year in and year out (including the one shown above).
- Bellview Winery-Located in Landisville. Still only $18!
Norton-A grape more commonly grown in Virginia and in the South, but it is one of my favorite hybrids, with a unique earthy taste and bold dark color and taste. My faves:
- Cedar Rose Vineyards-Located in Millville, their version (the 2016 shown above) is my favorite!
- Iron Plow Winery-Located in Columbus.
Regent-A dark skinned grape with European (Vitis vinifera) and American vine species in its heritage. It has good resistance to fungal diseases. Wines tend to be full-bodied with cherry and other red fruit notes.
- Bellview Winery-Good and very reasonably priced. In fact, it’s on sale now for 10% off until 1/31.
- Cedar Rose Vineyards-Another good one.
Marechal Foch-Not too common in NJ, it was developed in France, but renamed once introduced to America (after the man who was the Supreme Allied Commander during WWI). It tends to have good acidity with aromas of black fruit. It can be “gamey” on the nose. These two wineries do a nice job:
- Working Dog Winery-Located in Robbinsville.
- Iron Plow Winery
Baco Noir-More commonly found in New York and a few other states, it tends to be medium bodied with cherry and blackberry notes.
- Renault Winery-It’s been a few years, but I did enjoy a glass of this there. I believe they still make a Baco Noir. If so, it is the only one in NJ that I know of that makes this wine.
White Hybrids
Vidal Blanc-One of the better white hybrids (in my opinion). It is usually done dry and offers a subtle grapefruit note on the palate. My faves can be found here:
- White Horse Winery-One of the best in the state (in my opinion).
- Old York Cellars-Another very good example.
Traminette-Probably my favorite white hybrid. This one has enticing flowery notes on the nose and a touch of sweetness on the palate.
- Autumn Lake Winery- Pictured above.
- Bellview Winery-Very good and only $16!
Vignoles-Golden color with a little sweetness.
- Sharrott Winery-Located in Hammonton.
My NJ Wine of the Week
Turdo Vineyards Luca’s Blanc de Noir-A wonderful white wine made with their Pinot Noir grape (pictured below).
Coming Attractions
- Stokelan Winery Winter 2025
- New Offerings at Iron Plow Winery
- Ready to Drink Cocktails
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