Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Can You Show Me Your Missouri Wines, Please?

Nope. Sorry
We get asked this question just about every week. 
Balaban's is serious about wine, which means we only sell wines made from the Vitis vinifera grape species. What types of grapes are Vitis vinifera? Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo are some Vitis viniferagrapes. The world's greatest wines are made from these grapes.
And unfortunately, they don't grow in Missouri.
Some common grapes used to make Missouri wine are, Seyval Blanc, Vignoles, Chardonel, Chambourcin and Norton. These are grapes of a different species or are hybrid grapes that have been crossed with Vitis vinifera so that the grapes can withstand Missouri's brutal summers and cold winters.
Hey, I mean no disrespect to Missouri wines. Judy and I frequently enjoy going to the wineries here on a nice day to listen to live music and sip on some local vino. 
Many Missouri wines can be very pleasant, and the quality improves every year.
But when someone comes into Balaban's looking for Missouri wines, we point them in the direction of the Dierberg's, across the parking lot.

Tom


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