Baco Noir

Baco Noir is famous for producing a dark, robust red wine. A French-American hybrid grape, cross between Folle Blanche and an unknown grape from New World's Vitis Riparia family, with origins dating back to the 1800s, it's slowly made its way to both the United States and Canada.

Unlike most grapes, Baco Noir benefits from cool growing temperatures. As a result, you'll find it in the province of Ontario and New York, Michigan, and Oregon states. Baco Noir is medium bodied, with an attractive colour tint and rustic aromas, with noticeable notes of cherry and smoke.

Most of the time, it's aged because of its acidity. Once opened, it explodes with flavours of plums and berries, complemented by herbal notes.

Baco Noir is one of the most successful hybrids in Canada and the northern States, due to its ability to survive harsh winters. The only drawback of growing it in the States and provinces where the climate is rather unpredictable is the fact that there are easily susceptible to spring frosts, as it's an early-\ budding and ripening grape. On top of that, Baco Noir requires leaf plucking and a lot of sun exposure, which also makes the grapes more visible and accessible to birds. Some winemakers jokingly call it the Pinot Noir of hybrid wines.

Baco Noir is pretty much exclusive to North America. While not the most popular, it's one of the darkest, richest, and extremely aromatic wines out there. When it comes to picking what to have for dinner, Baco Noir goes well with meats, especially steaks, ribs, and burgers.

If you are open to experimenting with new wines and have never tried Baco Noir, give it a shot. Who knows, you may end up falling in love with it!