CHARDONEL
OVERVIEW:
Chardonel is a cross between Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. The grape was developed at Cornell AgriTech (New York State Agricultural Experiment Station) in 1953 and the varietal was released in 1990.
It is a late ripening white wine grape that produces a high-quality and full-bodied wine and is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with high productivity. The grape’s cold hardiness is superior to its acclaimed parent, Chardonnay. This wine can be fermented in oak or stainless-steel barrels. Chardonel is celebrated during the month of April.
PRONUNCIATION:
shar-doe-nel
Acres in Missouri:
7.2% - 195.5 acres
Flavors or tasting notes:
Pear, apple, apricot, and oaky if aged in barrels
Taste Profile:
Full-bodied, rich, complex and crisp
Ideal Serving Temperature:
44-55°F
Food pairings:
Creamy white cheeses, grilled chicken and fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta & cream sauce, vanilla cake, banana bread and apple dishes
Recipe ideas:
One-Skillet Smothered Pork Chops
Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe
Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel
Chardonel Wine Cocktail Recipe
Sweetness Scale:
VIGNOLES
OVERVIEW:
Vignoles is one of Missouri’s most versatile white grapes and a popular cultivar grown in the Midwest. This French-American hybrid produces wines that have range from dry, to sweet, to late harvest dessert wines. Vignoles is a popular choice for white wine blends.
Vignoles grapes are hardy enough to handle the Show Me State winters and are one of the earlier ripening grape varietals in the state. Vignoles' crowd-pleasing capabilities and versatility make it an incredibly popular choice among the wine-buying public.
Vignoles is celebrated during the month of August.
PRONUNCIATION:
veen-yole
Acres in Missouri:
15.5% - 263.1 acres
Flavors or tasting notes:
Tropical fruits like pineapple, peach and apricot, sometimes citrus and floral notes
Taste Profile:
Medium-bodied, crisp and flavorful
Ideal Serving Temperature:
Between 44–55°F
Food pairings:
Spicy cheeses, spiced curry, Asian or Mexican dishes, buffalo wings, spicy grilled peppers and barbecue, berries and tropical fruits, cheesecake, and Crème Brûlée
Recipe ideas:
Vignoles Peach & Strawberry Slush
Delicious and Easy Peachy Vignoles Trifle
Sweetness Scale:
