Category: Hybrid Varietals

Have you ever wondered how the same grape can be used to make both red and white wine? You’re not alone! Many people assume that red wine only comes from red grapes. They also think white wine only comes from white grapes. But that’s not always true. In New Jersey, winemakers use certain types of grapes to create both red and white wines—sometimes even rosé. Here’s a simple guide to some of these versatile grapes and how they’re used to make different kinds of wine. Chambourcin: A Grape That Does It All Chambourcin is a grape commonly used to make rich, smooth red wine. It can also be turned into a lighter, fruitier rosé. Additionally, it can become a white wine if the skins are removed before fermentation. If you like wines that are smooth and easy to drink, Chambourcin is a great choice. Old York Cellars makes a terrific Chambourcin Rose that’s light and off-dry, whereas Brook Hollow Winery produces a medium-bodied red. Pinot Noir: Red, White, and Sparkling Pinot Noir is usually used for red wine. However, when winemakers press the juice and remove the dark skins immediately, it makes a white wine instead. This type of wine is often used in sparkling wines like Champagne. If you like a lighter, elegant wine, keep an eye out for Pinot Noir in different styles. Frontenac: A Grape with Many Personalities Frontenac is a unique grape that grows well in New Jersey. It can be made into a bold red wine, a crisp white wine, or even a rosé. A special version of this grape is called Frontenac Gris. It is naturally lighter in color. It is often made into a refreshing white wine with fruity flavors like peach and citrus. I’ve enjoyed both a dry red and a sweet white Frontenac from Brook Hollow Winery. Grenache: Great for Red and Rosé Grenache is a grape that’s often used in red wines, but it’s also popular for making rosé. Rosé is made by letting the grape skins sit in the juice briefly. This gives it a light pink color. It also results in a fresh, fruity taste. Catawba: An Old-School Favorite Catawba is an American grape that has been used for winemaking for centuries. It can be made into a red wine, a white wine, or even a bubbly sparkling wine. It has a naturally sweet, fruity flavor. The flavor makes it easy to enjoy. This is especially true if you like wines that aren’t too dry. Zinfandel: The Grape Behind White Zinfandel Most people know Zinfandel as a bold, fruity red wine. It’s also used to make White Zinfandel, which is a sweeter, pink-colored wine. This happens when winemakers limit how much time the grape skins stay in the juice. This process creates a lighter and sweeter wine instead of a deep red one. Most of us know Lodi, California as the home of a good Zin, don’t count New Jersey out. The Garden State is starting to produce some good wines from this varietal. What This Means for You Next time you visit a winery or pick out a bottle of wine, remember that grapes can surprise you. They are more versatile than you think! If you usually drink red wine, try a white or rosé version of the same grape. You will be surprised by how different it tastes. Have you ever tried the same grape in both a red and white wine? If so, leave a comment below and let us know which varietal it was. Let us know what you think!