Exploring Wisconsin’s Dry Red Wine

Let’s face it. To many on either coast, Wisconsin is an afterthought. Flyover country. It doesn’t matter whether the discussion focuses on sports, politics, or even wine. What good can come from Wisconsin? Certainly not great dry red wine.

Still, it is not like we intentionally keep all the good things, such as our red wines, hidden from the world. They choose to think they know better. Word is slowly getting out that Wisconsin wineries have much to offer connoisseurs of fine wine, particularly dry red wine. Napa and other well-known wine regions around the world make different red wines. Notice I said different, not better. The reason is in the grapes.

Traditional Grapes* Not Necessary for Great Dry Red Wine

Our climate will not support the grapes used to make the same Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot from the other regions. However, it does not mean that a Merlot or some other dry red wine from Wisconsin cannot thrill one’s palate. The difference is the grapes.

It is true that some wineries here import grapes (concentrate) from places like California. Nothing wrong with that. However, many Wisconsin wineries use cold-hardy grapes grown in this part of the world.

Grapes known as cold-hardy (meaning these can withstand harsh winters) used to make dry red wine include:

• Frontenac

• La Crescent

• Marechal Foch

• Marquette

• Petite Pearl

These and other cold-hardy grapes used in dry red wines of Wisconsin deliver a different flavor profile than wines from California. You may discover the following when comparing a California dry red to a Wisconsin dry red.

Their Grapes Versus Ours

California dry red wine may have flavors from darker fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry with notes of vanilla or oak. Similar flavors appear in dry reds from Wisconsin, but you may also notice flavors including cranberry, raspberry, or cherry. A different level of acidity is common, perhaps even refreshing. Another difference is the likelihood of dry reds in Wisconsin made by blending two or more grape varieties. The results may be different from those in other wine regions. However, the difference is better.

Enjoy Soon Before They Come to Their Senses

Our advice is to enjoy the little secret about Wisconsin’s dry red wine before the rest of the world learns what we already know. Make a plan to visit one of Wisconsin’s wineries today and taste some fantastic dry red wine.

*Some wineries in Wisconsin choose to use grape concentrates from other parts of the country, such as California. Their reasons are their own for making that choice and the wine produced is certainly a welcome part of the Wisconsin winemaking tradition.