Exploring the Wine Varieties of Northwestern Louisiana

Northwestern Louisiana is a region that is home to a wide selection of grape varieties used to make wine. From Blanc Du Bois, a hybrid grape created in 1968 in Florida, to Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Scuppernong grapes, the area has something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore the different types of grapes used to make wine in northwestern Louisiana and the history behind them.

Blanc Du Bois

: This hybrid grape was developed in 1968 in Florida and is one of the many varieties that can be used to make marketable wines and resist Pierce's disease.

It produces dry to sweet white wines with a melonic and citrus character. It is also cultivated in the Duoro region of Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz.

Syrah

: Young Syrah wines have distinctive notes of red fruits and black pepper, while aged wines tend to acquire a flavor profile enriched with herbal, spicy and floral notes. The grape is also grown in Oregon and Washington, on Long Island (New York), and in many other new places.

Pinot Noir

: Pinot Noir grapes are thin-skinned and prone to a variety of problems in the vineyard. It is also one of the first commercial wineries in the United States, founded in 1787 by Pierre Legaux in Pennsylvania.

Scuppernong

: The first wine made in what is now the United States was produced between 1562 and 1564 by French Huguenot colonists using Scuppernong grapes in a settlement near Jacksonville (Florida).

It is also cultivated in many other new places. University professors have long studied which grape varieties grow best in each region, organized seminars on winemaking techniques, consulted winegrowers and winemakers, offered academic degrees in viticulture, and promoted the production of quality wines. But all that changed a long time ago thanks to the efforts of a group of wineries from Jumilla and Yecla, in the wine region of Murcia, determined to bring Monastrell to the highest standards. Today, northwestern Louisiana offers an array of grape varieties used to make wine. From Blanc Du Bois to Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Scuppernong grapes, there's something for everyone. So if you're looking for a unique wine experience, be sure to check out what northwestern Louisiana has to offer!.