Norton Infographic compliments of Missouri Wines
January is Norton Month in Missouri! Winter is the perfect time to sit by the fire and enjoy a glass of Norton. Big and bold, one of our prized wines on the Hermann Wine Trail, we have many Norton wines to choose from.
The Norton grape originated around 1830 near Richmond, Va., it made its way to Missouri and was planted by German immigrants who settled in Hermann, Mo. A true native American grape, it is believed to be one of the oldest native grape varieties still commercially grown in the U.S. Disease resistant and perfectly suited to Missouri’s growing conditions, it is a favorite variety for grape growers and wineries. In 2003, Norton was declared Missouri’s official state grape.
Today, Norton is the most planted grape in Missouri, accounting for 16% of all grapes grown in the state, with 275 bearing acres. The Hermann Wine Trail wineries are proud to say, have a total of 45 acres of Norton planted in the Hermann area.
Norton wines available on the Hermann Wine Trail:
Adam Puchta Norton NV – A complex dry red wine, aged in French and American oak. The bouquet exhibits rich cherry, red raspberry and vanilla with subtle hints of spice, tea and licorice. Perfect with dark chocolate, lamb or duck. Similar to Shiraz or Syrah.
Bias Winery and Gruhlke’s Microbrewery – Their Norton is made from the finest local grapes, harvested at the peak of ripeness. Presently, their Norton is quietly aging in the cellar, and won’t be released until late spring or early summer.
Hermannhof Vineyards Norton 2004 – A full-bodied, dark ruby-red, and moderately oaked dry wine. Concentrated full flavors of berries, brown spice, and black fruits. Notes of earth and smoky vanilla oak compliment the long, full finish.
OakGlenn Winery Norton 2006 – A rich full bodied red wine with a dry character similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon with the spiciness of a Zinfandel.
Röbller Vineyard Norton – Produced from estate-grown Norton fruit, it gains its robust profile from a combination of cold soaking of the fruit, extended fermentation under controlled conditions, gentle pressing and finally aged to perfection in Missouri Oak barrels for at least 18 months.
Stone Hill Cross J Norton 2011 – Estate Bottled, produced from 100 percent estate-grown Norton grapes from their Cross J Vineyard. Displays vibrant aromas of wild blackberries, chocolate and spice, framed by lovely toasty oak. A dry, full-bodied wine with a long lingering finish of black currants and sweet fruit.
Stone Hill Winery Cross J Norton 2012 – Estate Bottled, produced from 100 percent estate-grown Norton grapes from their Cross J Vineyard. This Norton displays deliciously ripe red cherry, blueberry backed by complex notes of lavender infused dark chocolate with warm earthy tones. Creamy with silky smooth tannins that melt in your mouth like Belgium chocolate.
Stone Hill Winery Norton 2012 – Estate Bottled, produced from 100 percent estate-grown Norton grapes. This Norton is full-bodied and dry, with tremendous fruit and complexity to complement red meat, wild game, lamb or full-flavored foods. Estate grown, and aged in small French, Hungarian and American oak barrels. Voluptuous now, with ripe supple tannins, intense blackberry flavors and spicy aromas.
Stone Hill Norton 2010 – Estate Bottled, produced from 100 percent estate-grown Norton grapes from the Kemperberg and Cross J vineyards. Careful fermentation on the skins is followed by 12 months of aging in French, Hungarian and American oak barrels.
Norton is excellent on its own but pairs well with robust flavored foods such as lamb, venison, beef, sharp cheddar, blue cheese and dark chocolate. A Hermann favorite on a cold winter day, is a glass of Norton with spicy venison chili!
Cheers from the Hermann Wine Trail
