If you love made in Oklahoma wine, you might be interested to discover Oklahoma wines that excel in our state’s climate. Here are the top ten Oklahoma wines varieties that you need to check out.
The Top 10 Oklahoma Wines
Our state is perfect for growing a variety of grapes that create your favorite made in Oklahoma wine. Here are ten Oklahoma wines that you should try when you visit local wineries.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
The top grape for making American wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, originated in France centuries ago with the cross-pollination of Cabernet Franc and white Sauvignon Blanc plants. The result is a grape that creates a full-bodied, acidic wine that is rich in tannins. This rich dry wine often has the aroma of cherries, tobacco, and cassis. Oak aging can add a hint of vanilla.
2. Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a thin-skinned and highly adaptable grape, so it thrives in warm and cool climates. While its flavor varies slightly depending on where it was produced, some flavors stay the same. Tempranillo is known for its black fruit flavors of blackberries and dried figs. It becomes complex through its savory hints of tobacco, dill, and wood.
3. Traminette
This hybrid grape is strong and adaptable. Similar to its parent wine, Gewürztraminer, Traminette has flavors of apricot, peach, and other fruits, which are complemented by hints of honey. Traminette can be dry or sweet and pairs well with rich foods.
4. Chambourcin
This French-American grape is one of the world’s most loved hybrid varieties. Chambourcin is known for its distinctive dark purple coloring. These wines have black cherry and plum flavors, which are balanced with its hints of spices and herbs. Chambourcin may be sparkling or dry.
5. Seyval Blanc
As a dry white wine with some minerality, Seyval Blanc presents the perfect balance between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This highly acidic wine has notes of green apple, melon, and citrus. Seyval Blanc grapes have various uses, including for sparkling wine, oak aging, and in blends.
6. Riesling
Another white wine of German origin, Riesling can range from sweet to extremely dry. High in acidity, the wine has similarities to Gewurztraminer with lighter fruit flavors such as peach, apricot, or pear. There may also be aromas of honey, ginger, or citrus.
7. Sangiovese
Sangiovese is somewhere between a Pinot Noir and Syrah. This deep red wine is acidic, high in tannins, and comes with different flavor profiles. Rustic Sangiovese wines are rich, herbal, and smokey. There are also fruit-forward varieties with cherry, strawberry, or plum flavors.
8. Vignoles
Vignoles grapes allow for a highly versatile white wine. Ranging from entirely dry to highly sweet, there is a perfect Vignoles wine for anyone. Its floral hints, fruit flavors, and varying sweetness allow this wine to pair with nearly any meal. It can also serve as a good dessert wine.
9. Muscat Blanc
Dating back to Ancient Greece, Muscat Blanc wines are dry, sweet, fortified, or sparkling. This wine may have the flavor of the grape, which is rare, along with citrus, honey, floral, or peach.
10. Rosé
Rosé wines are typically made by removing the skins from red grapes before fermentation. Different grapes can be used to create Rosé, but most have rose, citrus, berry, and melon flavor profiles.
Of course, the grapes and fermentation method has a substantial impact on the final flavor profile of any Oklahoma wines. You can discover Oklahoma wines at local wineries to find your favorite.