Cool Climate Viticulture and Wines
Just what is meant by a cool climate wine?
Wines are the expression of the soil, sun and weather in the vineyards. Around the world winemakers seek out the perfect site to elicit the very best from their grapes. Wine grapes grow in hot dry climates, warm sunny climates, on the sides of mountains, and right next to cornfields. Some are even picked frozen on the vine.
Ohio and many regions of Europe and the west coast of the United States have what is known as cool climate viticulture that means shorter growing seasons, colder winters and unpredictable springs and autumns. How does this impact the wine? In general terms, the flavor elements of the grape need as long as possible to develop on the vine. Finding ways to extend the growing season or increase the sun on the vines is critical to good winemaking. This is where research and technology help the winegrower to manage the vineyards in many different climates and soil types to produce fine wines.
Cool climate wines tend to have crisp and tangy flavors due to higher acidity. While the fruit style is leaner than warm climate, the fruit flavor is more forward making cool climate wines excellent partners for all kinds of food. Cool climate wines generally have a lower alcohol content, about 12 - 14%. In white wines produced in cool climates you are more likely to taste apple and pear flavors. In reds, you'll discover cranberries, red currants, and cherries.
Imagine the number of wines on your grocery shelf, multiply that by thousands of wines all over the world that you may never see or hear of, and you will understand that wines are enjoyed universally. Even if you think that your preference for wines is a big, luscious California red, try an Ohio Cabernet Sauvignon and experience the clean, fruit-forward style. In Germany, where Riesling is king, wine producers make hundreds of variations based upon ripeness of the grape, style, and terroir. In Ohio, Rieslings can vary from one end of the Lake Erie shore to another and from the lake to the Ohio River.
Ohio wines are recognized in major competitions all over the world. Experience the delight of wines made in Ohio at a winery or ask for them at your local wine shop or restaurants. We think that you will enjoy their unique character and quality
Wines are the expression of the soil, sun and weather in the vineyards. Around the world winemakers seek out the perfect site to elicit the very best from their grapes. Wine grapes grow in hot dry climates, warm sunny climates, on the sides of mountains, and right next to cornfields. Some are even picked frozen on the vine.
Ohio and many regions of Europe and the west coast of the United States have what is known as cool climate viticulture that means shorter growing seasons, colder winters and unpredictable springs and autumns. How does this impact the wine? In general terms, the flavor elements of the grape need as long as possible to develop on the vine. Finding ways to extend the growing season or increase the sun on the vines is critical to good winemaking. This is where research and technology help the winegrower to manage the vineyards in many different climates and soil types to produce fine wines.
Cool climate wines tend to have crisp and tangy flavors due to higher acidity. While the fruit style is leaner than warm climate, the fruit flavor is more forward making cool climate wines excellent partners for all kinds of food. Cool climate wines generally have a lower alcohol content, about 12 - 14%. In white wines produced in cool climates you are more likely to taste apple and pear flavors. In reds, you'll discover cranberries, red currants, and cherries.
Imagine the number of wines on your grocery shelf, multiply that by thousands of wines all over the world that you may never see or hear of, and you will understand that wines are enjoyed universally. Even if you think that your preference for wines is a big, luscious California red, try an Ohio Cabernet Sauvignon and experience the clean, fruit-forward style. In Germany, where Riesling is king, wine producers make hundreds of variations based upon ripeness of the grape, style, and terroir. In Ohio, Rieslings can vary from one end of the Lake Erie shore to another and from the lake to the Ohio River.
Ohio wines are recognized in major competitions all over the world. Experience the delight of wines made in Ohio at a winery or ask for them at your local wine shop or restaurants. We think that you will enjoy their unique character and quality