Table of Contents:
LOUISIANA GRAPES
LOUISIANA WINERIES.
SUMMARY.
Louisiana Spirits, Taste Louisiana, Louisiana Beers.
Louisiana Wine
The Pelican state is not the perfect place for growing grapes. This obstacle puts a real challenge into having a wine industry.
The climate of Louisiana is extremely hot and humid, suitable for cotton but not grapes.
The climate is excellent for many grapevine diseases like Powdery Mildew.
There is also Pierce’s Disease, which stunts the growth of the fruit. It destroys nearly all European rootstocks they try to import into the southern United States.
With all this going against you, there’s no reason to grow grapes in Louisiana. So tell that to the people producing wine here.
Not Taking Can’t as an Answer
Currently, Louisiana has a couple of commercial wineries producing just over 8,000 cases a year.
Interestingly, the vineyards are not near each other. One is in northern Louisiana while the other is in the south.
Grapes
White
Blanc Du Bois – is a hybrid grape created in 1968 in Florida. It is one of a growing number of vine types that can create marketable wine and withstand Pierce’s Disease. It produces dry to sweet white wines with melon and citrus character. The acidity is crisp.
Red
Lomanto – is an American hybrid that does well in high heat and is drought tolerant. Also, the grape has a high degree of disease tolerance. It produces a dry red table wine with fresh fruit flavor. The color is a deep purple.
Le Noir (Black Spanish) – seems to be a natural hybrid of American and European stock. It is tolerant to both the Phylloxera pest, as well as to Pierce’s Disease. For many years it took a backseat as a blending varietal. They would add its earthy aroma and dark color to milder reds. Today, they are making Port and dry reds with black currant and cherry notes.
Norton – is America’s oldest native grape. Up until the ban on alcohol, it was probably the most famous wine grape in the United States. After prohibition ends, people forget about the Norton. It has only been in the last 30 years that it is reemerging. It is a hearty grape that can grow as far north as Missouri. In Louisiana, the Norton produces a wine similar to a Zinfandel. Flavors may include blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, and vanilla. It has high levels of acid.
Muscadine – is a species of grape native to the United States, predominantly in the southeast. As a fruit, Muscadine grapes have high levels of antioxidants and ellagic acid.
They use them to make red and white wines. Unlike most wines, the first thing you notice about a muscadine wine is the aroma. They give off firm ripe/brown bananas with slight notes of lime, or honeydew in whites. Reds have small hints of cranberry.
The grapes produce dry to sweet wines with a medium body. The acidity is noticeable. Best while still young as they do not age well.
Special Mention
Victoria Red – comes from the Victoria Texas area and also has a high tolerance to southern diseases including Pierce’s disease. It grows well in Louisiana but currently is only a table grape for eating.
The Vineyards
Landry Vineyards is the largest vineyard and winery in Northeast Louisiana. It is 90 minutes east of Shreveport, near Monroe. The family relocated here after Hurricane Katrina. They grow Blanc Du Bois and Muscadine grapes. However, they import grapes, predominantly from California, to balance their white wines. Several white wines and all of the red wines are from imported grapes. They produce over 20 wines.
Pontchartrain Vineyards – is north of Lake Pontchartrain, about 90 minutes north of New Orleans. They have been growing grapes since 1992, starting with table wines. The Vineyards are more mature and today they are making more complex wines with grapes grown on the estate. Also, they are importing Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes, primarily from Northern California, for other varietals. Currently, they offer over ten different wines.
Note: The two vineyards above both have concerts throughout the year. Click on an orange link to go to their websites and learn more.
Casa du Sue – is the oldest winery in Louisiana since prohibition. It is approximately one-hour drive northeast of Baton Rouge. They have been selling wine since 1992. They grow the Muscadine grapes on their property. From these, they make nine different red and white wines. Some include their organic blueberries. They require reservations.
Louisiana Wine Summary
Wine has had a rough go of it in Louisiana. There was no real wine industry before prohibition. The French were importing wine from the homeland. Early settlers were happy with rum, then whiskey and local beer.
With prohibition, they remove what grape vines there are.
After prohibition, no one jumps on the wine wagon.
A wine business takes a while to establish. The breweries and distilleries were already there. All they had to do was add ingredients.
So Louisiana just does not become a wine drinking state.
Fancy hotels and restaurants import European wines for their customers through the 1960s. In the 1970s they start adding California and later
wines from Oregon, and Washington.
Why make wine in Louisiana? There’s too much competition, and it’s too darn hard.
A New Way.
But in the 1970s, something else happens. Agricultural schools in the south start seeing new ways to deal with diseases and pests making grape growing so tricky. They also graft grape varieties that do not require perfect dew points and afternoon shade. All of a sudden, it’s not as hard to grow grapes in Louisiana.
By the 1990s, there are some brave souls taking baby steps. Some fail, but with each passing year, knowledge and experience are building a Louisiana wine industry.
There are also several mom-and-pops selling fruit wines in rural areas and even one right in New Orleans. They are planting the seed of Louisiana wine in peoples thought process.
Are any of them ready to go up against a Super Tuscan or Bordeaux? Probably not. But with each harvest, they are improving.
Don’t you deserve to have a local wine with your Cajun or Creole meal?
Most of the wineries are seasonal and are not open every day of the week. Check their website by clicking on the orange links above or contacting the wineries. Some are by reservation only.
If you get the chance, taste Louisiana wine.