Summerside’s Estate Grape Varietals:
Chambourcin--is a French/American hybrid; this variety is of unknown parentage but and can produce wines of light to full body with fruity aromas, cherry and earthy/spicy complexities; because of the thick skins, high tannins and good acidity it is good to pair with it with barbecue, pork, and grilled dishes.
It is a high-yielding, cold hardy plant; it is extremely vigorous and disease-resistant.
Cynthiana—across the magical state line this grape is known as Norton. Cynthiana grapes produce a rich, full-bodied red wine with a dry character similar in style to Cabernet Sauvignon but with more spice. It makes a rich, full-bodied red wine with character, balanced with good berry flavors. It pairs well with grilled meats, smoked meat and wild game. At the 1873 Vienna World Exposition a Norton wine from Missouri won a gold medal. Henry Vizetelly, a noted critic of the time, said that Norton from Missouri would one day rival the great wines of Europe in quality and quantity, and many believe his prediction is now coming true.
The medium-sized clusters with small blue-black berries are hardy. It is one of the most disease resistant grape varieties, with some resistance even to blackrot.
Vignoles—a French/American hybrid; a result of a cross between Seibel 8665 and Pinot de Corton. A versatile white grape is used to produce wines ranging in flavor from dry to a sweet. Vignoles' has a floral aroma and fruity flavors of citrus, pineapple and apricot. Vignoles is an ideal accompaniment with Asian cuisine, fresh fruit, fruit desserts, any foods when one would enjoy a German Riesling.
