NORTON
OVERVIEW:
Norton holds the honor of the official Missouri state grape as an American grape found in 1835 near Richmond, Virginia. Norton is also known as Cynthiana. As the premium red wine grape in Missouri, this varietal is known for its hardiness and disease resistance.
PRONUNCIATION:
nore-tuhn
Acres in Missouri:
17.7% - 300.5 acres
Flavors or tasting notes:
Norton is a rich red wine that combines flavors of spice, vanilla, chocolate notes and layered with fruit flavors of berries, ripe cherries and currants.
Taste Profile:
Bold, full-bodied and complex dry red wine
Ideal Serving Temperature:
65°F to cellar temperature
Food pairings:
Cheddar, blue cheese, hazelnuts, smoked meats, lamb, venison, beef, blackened fish, garlic sauce, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, rosemary, caramelized onions, nutmeg, tomato, berries, dark chocolate, spice cake
Recipe ideas:
Sweetness Scale:
PORT STYLE
OVERVIEW:
The term “Port” refers to a specific style of wine made in Portugal. However, many Missouri wineries offer products made in a similar style. These sweet, fortified, dessert wines are often made using Norton, the Missouri state grape. Brandy (distilled wine) is added to the already fermenting grape juice. The high alcohol content of the brandy halts the fermentation process, resulting in a product that is both sweet and high in alcohol content.
Ideal Serving Temperature:
Slightly below room temperature 60-65 °F
Food pairings:
Blue cheese, aged cheddar, root vegetables, chocolate, apricots, nutmeg, cinnamon