CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES
GETTING TO KNOW
Frontenac GRIS WINE
Frontenac Gris (fron-ta-nac gree) is actually a very light-colored alteration of the (red) Frontenac grape, much like Pinot Grigio is to Pinot Noir. This French-American hybrid grape produces wines exhibiting balanced sweetness with higher acidity and fruit forward flavors of stone fruit, strawberry and kiwi combine for a silky, elegant big mouth feel.
“Frontenac Gris lends itself well to producing everything from a pale rosé to dry, light, crisp white wine that echoes the flavor profile of an Austrian Kabinettwein (riesling).”
Dan Faber, Head Winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate Winery
WHERE TO FIND THE Frontenac GRIS GRAPE
This cold-hardy grape is found in the northern United States – New York, Michigan, Vermont and Minnesota – and into Quebec, Canada.
frontenac GRIS Food Pairings
If you are new to sipping Frontenac Gris, but familiar with a dry Riesling, then you can pair perfectly. With a big mouthfeel and silky texture, the higher acidity in Frontenac Gris and its slight sweetness works well with spicy Asian style foods, lemon chicken, seafood such as Maine lobster rolls and pan-seared scallops. It is a lovely complement to desserts with chocolate and strawberries due to its’ aromas of sweet honey.
French-American Hybrids are the crossing of the European Vitis vinifera species with one or more Native American Vitis species. Early on, many of these grapes were grafted – aka spliced together – in France. The goal was to combine the superior traits of both vines to produce grapes, with excellent wine quality that have a higher resistance to diseases and pests.
Research began on grafting Vitis vinifera species to American rootstock in the 1860’s to combat the phylloxera epidemic that nearly decimated wine regions around the world. Research continues today at the University of Minnesota and Cornell University in New York due to the rise in climate change. More on French American hybrids.
Frontenac GRIS WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Looking for recommendations on Frontenac Gris wines? Here are a few we suggest.
Frontenac Gris 2022
Rolling Hills Estate Winery
Frontenac Gris 2021 Lambs Hill Vineyard
Rolling Hills Estate Winery
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Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.