Baco Noir Collection

The Heritage of the Hybrid Baco Noir is a grape born of necessity and defined by its incredible resilience. A French-American hybrid created by François Baco in 1902, it was designed to withstand the harsh winters and disease pressures that often plague classic Vitis vinifera varieties. While it has largely disappeared from its native France, Baco Noir has found its spiritual home in the cool-climate vineyards of Ontario, New York, and British Columbia. Today, it is celebrated as a "heritage" variety that offers a flavor profile unlike any other red wine.

A Bold and Rustic Profile Baco Noir is famous for its "inky" appearance—a deep, nearly opaque purple that hints at the intensity within. Because it is a hybrid, it possesses a unique genetic makeup that results in high natural acidity and low tannins, creating a wine that is both powerful and remarkably smooth on the palate.

• On the Palate: Expect a vibrant explosion of dark fruit—blackberry, plum, and wild black cherry—interwoven with signature rustic notes of woodsmoke, cracked black pepper, and damp earth.

• The Oak Influence: Many producers utilize American or Canadian oak to complement the grape’s natural spice, adding layers of vanilla, coffee, and toasted marshmallow to the finish.

The Pioneers of Baco Our collection highlights the producers who have championed this grape for decades, elevating it from a "hardy hybrid" to a world-class premium red:

• Henry of Pelham: Often called the "World's Baco Noir Pioneers," this Niagara estate produces benchmark expressions, including their legendary Old Vines Baco Noir, sourced from vines planted as far back as 1984.

• Sandbanks & Inniskillin: Renowned for their lush, fruit-forward styles that showcase the grape’s accessibility and "BBQ-ready" personality.

• Niche & Small Lot: Unique, limited-production bottlings from Summerhill Pyramid (BC) and artisanal Finger Lakes (NY) producers that explore the grape's more elegant, high-acid potential.

The Ultimate BBQ Companion Baco Noir is widely considered one of the most food-friendly red wines in existence. Its high acidity cuts through the richness of fats, while its smoky undertones act as a natural seasoning for grilled meats. It is the definitive choice for pairing with:

• The Grill: Smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, or char-grilled lamb kebabs.

• Bold Sauces: Rich tomato-based pasta sauces, pizza, or spicy chicken molé.

• Unexpected Matches: Strong cheeses like aged cheddar or even strawberries rolled in black pepper.

Shop Baco Noir at ZYN Discover the depth of our Baco Noir collection in-store at ZYN Calgary or browse our curated inventory online at ZYN.ca. We offer expert-led selection for collectors and enthusiasts alike.