Aging

(v.) Holding wine in barrels, tubs or bottles under certain conditions after fermentation to develop complex flavors.

Chardonel Recipe Roundup

April 19, 2022

Chardonel can be enjoyed many ways! Pour a glass and sip this classic hybrid to enjoy the smooth and buttery mouthfeel, accompanied by citrus notes that liven your senses. Chardonel can also be incorporated into a number of recipes – whether it is in a cocktail, a sauce or in baked goods, this varietal has a lot of versatility. Get creative with Chardonel this month and celebrate with one of the recipes below:

Try one of these cocktails to level-up your experience with Chardonel. You will be surprised the flavor and notes it brings to mixology.

In need of an appetizer to entertain? Try serving this Chardonel Fondue to your guests. Even share Chardonel by the glass to compliment this creative starter.

The sauce is where it is at with these main courses. From pork chops to pasta, Chardonel’s flavor brings extra life to these delicious dishes.

Finish off your evening with something sweet. Whip up this blondies recipe with Chardonel for added moisture and flavor.

We challenge you to try cooking with Chardonel this month! Share your finished results with us by tagging @missouriwine and #missouriwine. If you have a recipe featuring Chardonel you’d like to share, send it to Missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov.

Pairing Easter candy with Missouri wines

April 14, 2022

Indulge in your favorite things this spring and pair these popular Easter candies with a glass of Missouri wine. Sip, bite, sip your way through this list and let us know which pairing is your favorite on social at @missouriwines and tag us with #MissouriWine.

Simple steps make a difference

April 12, 2022

Whether you are new to wine or a seasoned wine enthusiast, here’s a few tips to get the best experience. These small adjustments will help you elevate your knowledge and confidence while storing, opening, pouring and enjoying wine.

1. Store bottle on side – avoid storing upright

2. Remove foil with foil cutter before uncorking

3. Position wine corkscrew in the center of the cork & twist to last rung of the worm

4. Use first notch of bootlever to uncork, followed by using the second notch to fully remove cork from the bottle

5. Pour glass to the widest part of the bowl

6. Swirl in hand or on a surface, avoid messy swirling and spills

7. Sip, savor & enjoy!

 

Share your success with these tips with us! Tag #Missouriwine or @missouriwine on social media.

The endeavor of growing grapes

April 06, 2022

Like all other types of agriculture, climate and weather is critical to a successful growing season. The weather extremes across our state require hardy and resilient grape varieties. Today’s varietals grown in Missouri have been expertly honed and tested as the most successful cultivars vintners can grow, so far. American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) have been established to help categorize the terroir of the region. Terroir is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.

There are many challenges for grape growers such as inconsistent weather, environment changes and geophysical features which can affect their harvest. However, as Earth’s climate continues to change, Mother Nature always has a surprise up her sleeve.

Grape vines lay dormant throughout the winter. They usually reach bud break between April 15 to April 25, with some variability from year-to-year. At 50°F, the life of the vine is sustained for the season. The most cautious time for growing grapes is from bud break to harvest. Frankly stating, the entire grape growing season is imperative to the quality and quantity of the grape harvest. Successes with each grape growing season allow for an accessible crop to supply fruit for wine. Chemistry can help correct imperfections in the wine, but without a successful grape harvest, wine cannot be made - or enjoyed.

One of the biggest concerns that grape growers face is the weather. A frost or freeze event can destroy primary buds after bud break. Some varietals with secondary buds can produce fruit after one of these events, but many varietals cannot proceed into the growing season, causing varying degrees of crop loss. Hail can also cause damage to the berry or cluster, creating opportunities for disease and pest challenges. Periods of prolonged wetness also create disease issues for vines, causing the green tissue to soften become more susceptible to fungal pressures. For varietals with smaller grape clusters, too much rain can cause berries to explode. Acres of vineyards for wineries are often spread out to mitigate risk.

Viticulture is a longstanding pillar within agriculture, although often not viewed or presented this way by many in our day and age. Growing grapes is a different angle of farming that has a lot of the same parallels. Herbicides and pesticides can be utilized for crop protection, often seen with other types of agriculture. Irrigation is utilized to ensure vines receive adequate moisture. Pruning, harvest and other vine maintenance can be labor intensive. Grit is shown in these details of vineyard management, immense care for the quality of the crop and being long-standing stewards of the land. Weather will always affect the harvest, but what is often overlooked are the people who see the process through from pruning to bottling. This passion, intent and respect is no doubt shown in the wines made in Missouri, ensuring agriculture and viticulture for centuries to come.

Come visit Missouri wine country in person to learn more. Tag us on social with @missouriwine and #missouriwine. 

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