VIDAL BLANC
OVERVIEW:
Vidal Blanc is a French-American hybrid varietal that is known for its hardiness and ability to tolerate colder climates due to its thicker skin. Vidal Blanc was developed by a French grape breeder in the 1930s and has since found a home in Missouri wine country. This grape is often produced as a single varietal wine that varies from dry to semi-dry, and is sometimes used in blends and produced as a sweet, dessert-style sparkling wine. Vidal Blanc is characterized by large grape clusters with small russet dots on the grapes themselves. Although the vines of this varietal are fairly winter hardy, they are susceptible to several fungus diseases. Vidal Blanc is harvested during the early fall, and this varietal's grape clusters are resistant to rot and can stay on the vine for longer than other varietals, like Seyval Blanc. Vidal Blanc is processed as a white wine and not fermented on the skins. Vidal Blanc is celebrated during the month of June.
PRONUNCIATION:
vee-dahl-blahnc
Acres in Missouri:
5.9% - 98.8 acres
Flavors or tasting notes:
Pear, apple, citrus and other fruits
Taste Profile:
Medium-bodied, crisp and clean
Ideal Serving Temperature:
44-55°F
Food pairings:
Grilled chicken and seafood, broccoli & asparagus, sushi, soup, mozzarella, pasta & cream sauce, citrus, pine nuts & melon
Recipe ideas:
Beef Kabobs with Wine-Infused Dipping Sauce
Bright and Light Fish with Vidal Blanc
Missouri White Wine Shrimp Linguine
White Wine Ravioli with Tomatoes & Spinach
St. Patrick’s Day Lucky winetails
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:
