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Grapes in Ohio

  • Catawba
    A native to North America, the Catawba produces a sparkling wine that was once considered a rival of Champagne.  It can have a musky flavor but removing the skins before processing can help eliminate this as well as allowing a longer fermentation cycle. (Kliman, 2009)
     

  • Cabernet Sauvignon
    According to Robinson (2016), this is the most commonly planted grape variety is considered the gold standard for red wines.  This grape gives us the bordeaux from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Even though it requires a long season to properly ripen it is grown in many vineyards of Ohio.
     

  • Merlot                     
    Originating in southwest France this grape ripens earlier than other reds, which gives it a sweeter, fruitier flavor.  Because of its early maturation it can be grown in cooler climates making it more popular in Ohio. (Robinson, 2016)
     

  • Chardonnay            
    A grape originating in the Burgundy region of France this grape is now grown all over the wine producing world because it is easy to grow and versatile when it come to wine making. (Robinson, 2016)
     

  • Syrah                       
    Today Syrah is largely grown in Australia and South Africa but like so many varieties it comes from France.  Syrah is known for its rich flavor but often has a spicy, black pepper note to it. (Robinson, 2016)

  • Sauvignon Blanc     
    A piercing aroma with sharp, tart flavors make this grape a popular alternative to the ubiquitous Chardonnay.  This grape grows well in regions that are not too hot which produces a more acidic wine. When comparing a French wine to one produced in Ohio you may discover the French wine is much drier due to the warmer climate. (Robinson, 2016)
     

  • Pinot Noir               
    A thin-skinned grape, the Pinot is susceptible to diseases but when grown successfully Pinot Noir is lighter and less tannic than other reds such as Cabernet.  It ripens early which makes it popular with growers all around the world. If this grape is grown in a cool climate and given enough time to ripen over the season the wine will develop more interesting flavors. (Robinson, 2016)
     

  • Pinot Grigio            
    This grape is similar to the Pinot Noir which gives the wine similar qualities.  The pale pink skin of this grape does not have enough color to produce a red wine but some varieties can have a more robust smell which is common among reds. (Robinson, 2016)
     

  • Riesling                   
    This grape comes from Germany and often produces a sweet white wine.  When consumed fresh from the vine the wine can have a crisp, floral flavor but if it’s left to age in the bottle it can develop a more complex, often spicy flavor. (Robinson, 2016)

 


References

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Kliman, T. (2010). The Wild Vine : A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine. New York: Clarkson Potter.

 

Robinson, J. (2016). The 24-Hour Wine Expert. New York: Abrams Image.

A photo of dark grapes growing on a vine, taken by group member Christina Carpino in July 2018.

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