I love the quizzical look on people’s faces when I mention the Ohio River Valley Wine Region and Midwest wine in general.  Few people know about the rich wine region here in Ohio and the surrounding area, and even fewer realize the diversity of grapes actually grown.

Photo by Batega

The Ohio River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), is the largest viticultural area in America at more than 16 million total acres (yes…bigger than California, Washington, Oregon, etc.).  Within all that real estate grow some amazing grape vines, a few of the most popular ones locally being:

Whites

• Chardonnay: Probably the most popular of the white grapes, this wine can translate to a nutty, buttery flavor or even fruity.  Meranda-Nixon Winery makes a great Chardonnay locally.
• Riesling:  Usually associated with a fruity, sweet flavor but Riesling can also be very dry.  The 2008 Kinkead Ridge Riesling was a Best of Appellation Double Gold winner.
• Seyval Blanc:  Crisp and clean often with a hint of grapefruit.  Harmony Hill’s 2008 Woodwind is 100% Seyval Blanc.

Reds

• Cabernet Sauvignon:  Among the world’s most recognizable red grapes, this varietal is also popular locally.  Cab Sauv grapes are known for their flavor and complexity.  Kinkead Ridge’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon won Silver Medal at the American Wine Society 2009 competition.
• Cabernet Franc:  Cab Franc is the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon and has a lighter, often fruitier characteristic.  Harmony Hill leaned on Cab Franc in their 2006 Rhapsody and 2007 Refrain.
• Chambourcin:  A full-taste grape that can range from berry to nutmeg flavors.  Meranda-Nixon has a 2007 Chambourcin with berry aromas and flavors of cherry chocolate.

These are just a few examples of the many grapes grown and produced into fantastic wines by wineries throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia.  The soil conditions in the Ohio River Valley AVA are perfect for growing top quality grapes, so next time you’re in a wine shop ask for something from the Ohio River Valley!

Tags:   Local Wineries · Ohio River Valley · Wine Education