Norton Grape

Vitis aestivalis

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The Norton grape is the oldest cultivated American grape.  Dr. D.N. Norton of Richmond, Virginia first grew the hybrid in 1820 and produced wines through the late 1800s.  During this time period, Norton wines were highly valued in both the US and Europe.

Today, farming of the Norton grape is concentrated in Missouri, where it is
the official state grape although the largest norton grape vineyard (69
acres) is said to be in Middleburg, Virginia.  The grape is highly adaptable to local growing conditions, as it is durable, hearty and nearly immune to all disease. Vintners value this grape for its ability to produce high-quality, dry table wine.
Described as intensely ‘grapy’ in flavor, the Norton is similar to the concord, but slightly less sweet. The Norton grape has a small, but strong following and many vintners express an inability to produce sufficient crops to fulfill demand.

Sources

Adam Puchta Winery>
Timothy Puchta
1947 Frene Creek Rd.
Hermann, MO 65041
573-486-5596

Stone Hill Winery
Jim & Betty Held
1110 Stone Hill Hwy
Hermann, MO 65041
800-909-9463

Hermannhof Winery
Paul LeRoy
330 East 1st St.
Hermann, MO 65041
800-393-0100

Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Cory Bomgaars
12847 West Hwy BB
Rocheport, MO 65276
800-690-1830

St. James Winery
John Hofherr
540 Sidney St.
St. James, MO 65559
800-280-9463

Chrysalis Vineyards
Jenni McCloud
23876 Champ Ford Road
Middleburg, VA 20117
540-687-8222
http://www.chrysaliswine.com

Find Producers on LocalHarvest

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