De Chaunac

De Chaunac is a French grape variety that is predominantly grown and used in the production of wine in the United States and Canada. Named after François de Chaunac de Lanzac, a French pioneer in the New World, this grape variety is known for its hardiness and adaptability to various climates and soil types.

History

The De Chaunac grape variety was developed in the 1860s by French viticulturist Albert Seibel, who was known for his work in creating hybrid grape varieties. Seibel's hybrids, including De Chaunac, were designed to be resistant to phylloxera, a pest that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century.

Characteristics

De Chaunac grapes are medium to large in size and have a blue-black color. They are known for their hardiness, being resistant to both cold and disease. This makes them particularly suitable for growing in regions with harsh winters, such as the northeastern United States and Canada.

The wines produced from De Chaunac grapes are typically full-bodied and have a deep red color. They often have flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberries and plums, and can also have notes of spice and earth.

Cultivation

De Chaunac grapes are grown in several regions in the United States and Canada. In the United States, they are primarily grown in the Finger Lakes region of New York and in Michigan. In Canada, they are grown in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, where they are used to produce both table wines and ice wine.

Wine Production

De Chaunac wines are often made in a dry style, although they can also be made into semi-sweet or sweet wines. They are typically aged in oak barrels, which can add flavors of vanilla and toast to the wine.

In addition to being used to produce varietal wines, De Chaunac grapes are also often blended with other grape varieties. They can add body and color to blends, and their robust flavors can complement lighter, more delicate grape varieties.