The Official State Grape of Missouri might be red, but there are several truly exceptional white grape varietals being grown in the Show-Me state. White wine grapes account for nearly forty percent of the grapes grown in the state, and they are being used to make some delicious, award-winning wines in a large variety of styles perfect for the warmer weather of Spring and Summer.

The most popular white grapes in Missouri are Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Chardonel, Traminette, Seyval Blanc and Cayuga. How many of these varietals have you tried?

Vignoles (pronounced veen-yole) is the most popular white grape in the state and is used to make everything from Late Harvest dessert wines, to refreshing, fruity dry whites. Most frequently, you’ll find semi-sweet to semi-dry Vignoles wines with wonderfully fruity aromas and flavors. No wonder it’s so popular! Vignoles is exceptional when paired with spicy foods like Mexican cuisine or spicy Asian dishes.

Vidal Blanc is an incredibly versatile grape and you’ll find wines made from it in the dessert, sparkling, semi-dry, and crisp, refreshing dry wine categories. It’s delicious and award-winning in many of its styles. Search them out and find your favorite!

Chardonel is a hybrid grape and wines made from it are often aged on oak, producing wines similar in style and flavor to one of its parent grapes, Chardonnay. You can also find unoaked Chardonel wines at some Missouri wineries, letting more of the apple and citrus notes of the grape shine through.

Traminette is also a hybrid grape and it gets fantastic floral aromas from its parent, Gewürztraminer. This grape is made into white wines ranging from semi-sweet to dry and is delicious on its own or paired with Thai and Indian food.

We could go on and on about how delicious and fantastic Missouri white wines are, but it’s way more fun for you to get out to Missouri wine country and try them for yourself.

Missouri white wines pair well with warm weather!