Did You Know?... About Chambourcin

Chambourcin is a red hybrid grape from France, created in the 1960s. Despite the fact that it is a hearty and productive vine, in France it can only be used in French table wines. It can be found, if rarely, in other New World regions like Australia and the East Coast of America. It tends to create a fairly balanced wine, with some sweetness typical of a hybrid, but with an aromatic and dry backbone.

Quick Review: Arrington Vineyards Firefly Rose

US, Tennessee, Arrington Vineyards, Firefly Rose 2010
+ // Funky // Strawberry // Strawberry, Plum, Spice, Stone, Tobacco // Medium bodied

A refreshing wine, good for a warm night. Good chilled, but could even handle being iced. It had a little something for everyone; strong fruit for the sweet wine drinker, tart fruit flavor for the dry red drinker, and a bit of tobacco funk for Nathan. None of us were smokers, but it seemed like it would pair well with a cigar.

Quick Review: Wilhelmus Estate Chambourcin

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Wilhelmus Estate, Chambourcin, 2008 
+ // Fruity // Plum, oak // Red plum, oak, tannin // Medium

Chambourcin is a "hybrid grape" which has only been available since the 60s. It's particularly resistant to fungal disease and works well in cool climates.