W3 Wine School

US Grapes

Cynthiana

Norton grapes growing in Missouri

Cynthiana is the oldest native North American grape in commercial cultivation today.

It was identified in 1770, and it is suggested that it was native to Arkansas.

The Cynthiana, sometimes referred to as the "Cabernet of the Ozarks" is almost identical to the Norton grape.

Cynthiana Flavors

On the palate, you will find vibrant flavors of red and black berries, pomegranate and plum, often accompanied by earthy undertones and spices.

Raspberry
Raspberry
Red Cherry
Red
Cherry
Black Cherry
Black
Cherry
Pomegranate
Pomegranate
Blueberry
Blueberry
Black Currant
Black
Currant
Plum
Blackberry
Plum
Plum

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Oak
Oak
Vanilla
Vanilla
Pepper
Pepper
Cloves
Cloves
Forest
Forest
Mushroom
Mushroom
Chocolate
Chocolate
Coffee
Coffee

Cynthiana Profile

BODY:Medium - Full
TANNINS:Medium - Low
FRUIT:Medium Plus
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:13-15% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
16-17°C (61-63°F)

Cynthiana Food Pairing

Bright acidity and supple tannins make Cynthiana a versatile pairing wine, ideal with smoked meats, rich meat, rich stews, wild game, and robust cheeses.

Salami
Salami
Ham
Ham
Mushroom Soup
Mushroom
Soup
Soup
Oxtail
Soup
Hamburger
Bacon Burger
Stew
Stew
Ox
Ox
BBQ
BBQ
Rabbit
Rabbit
Wild Boar
Wild Boar
Veal
Veal
Game
Game

Excellent Pairings

Cold Cut. Salami.
Mushroom Soup. Mushroom Risotto.
Hamburger. Bacon Burger.
Ossobuco (Veal Shanks).
Beef Stroganoff. Shepherd's Pie.
Rich Meat. Stews. Oxtail Soup.
Venison Stew. Wild Boar Stew.
Roasted or Grilled BBQ.
Chicken. Duck. Pork. Rabbit.


The Ideal Glass for Cynthiana

The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.

The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance.

The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste.

If You Like Cynthiana

You Might Also Like:

Barolo (Italy)
Cabernet Sauvignon (France)
Dão DOC (Portugal)
Languedoc (France)
Lebanese Red (Lebanon)
Malbec (Argentina)
Nero d'Avola (Italy)
Petite Sirah (USA)
Pinotage (South Africa)
Rioja Reserva (Spain)
Shiraz (Australia)
Super Tuscan (Italy)
Syrah (France)
Touriga Nacional (Portugal)

Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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