Chardonel The Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ______________________________________________ Our hillside vineyard was planted in the Spring of 1998 and now encompasses over 8,000 grape vines. We grow thirteen different varieties of grapes. The vines are pruned and the grapes are harvested entirely by hand to improve wine quality. We use sustainable farming methods in the vineyard. We use no pesticides and no synthetic fertilizers. _______________________________________________ Image:  Grape Varieties __________________ Of our thirteen different grape varieties, three are of the vitis vinifera species, one (Cynthiana-Norton) is all-American and the remainder are hybrids. Vitis vinifera are traditional European varities, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Hybrids are varieties that have mixed European and American parentage, combining the good winemaking qualities of the European with the hardiness of the American. We are one of the few commercial vineyards in the midwest that grows both vitis vinifera and hybrids. _________________________________________________ White Grapes Red Grapes Chardonnay - This traditional European grape makes an excellent, full-bodied white wine. We age ours on American oak. Chardonel - A hybrid cross between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. This variety grows very well in our hillside vineyard and makes an excellent crisp, refreshing white wine. Traminette - Another hybrid whose main parent is the French/German grape Gewurztraminer. This is an excellent grape that makes several styles of rich, spicy white wine, from dry to late harvest sweet. Cabernet Dore' - A recent addition to the vineyard.  A cross between Cynthiana and Cabernet Sauvignon that came out white!  (Not so surprising when you consider that one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon is Sauvignon Blanc.)  Makes a wine very similar to Sauvignon Blanc. Aphrodite - A beautiful name for a beautiful grape.  This pink grape is a cross between Cynthiana and one of the great grapes of Portugal.  Makes a rich white wine. Cabernet Sauvignon - Often called the "King of Grapes." Makes outstanding, long-lived red wine. Cabernet Franc - Actually a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. Produces wine that is slightly softer than its offspring. This grape is among the most cold hardy of the European varieties. Cynthiana (Norton) - The classic American wine grape. A late addition to our vineyard, we're excited to begin making wine from this grape soon! Chancellor - A French Hybrid that makes excellent red wine reminiscent of a fine Chianti. Chambourcin - Another French Hybrid that makes excellent, fruity red wine. Crimson Cabernet - Just planted in 2008. This is a ground-breaking hybrid that is a cross between Cynthiana/Norton and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are among the first vineyards in the country to have this fabulous new grape. It combines the best qualities of its two great parents. Zinthiana - Another exciting Cynthiana cross. This one is from Zinfandel! Can't wait to start producing our own Midwestern Zin from this grape. Marquette - One of the parents of this highly acclaimed hybrid is Pinot Noir. It makes a soft, yet complex dry red wine.