Chambourcin: Grape of the Month, June 2025
When I started my wine journey in Maryland back in 2022 at Linganore Winecellars, Chambourcin was one of the first grapes I got to know up close. At the time, I assumed everyone in wine was familiar with it— after all, it was everywhere in my early cellar days. But when I moved to the Willamette Valley, I quickly realized that wasn’t the case. To my surprise, many people had never even heard of it. So today, I’m taking a moment to celebrate this under-the-radar grape that shaped the beginning of my path in wine.
Chambourcin is a truly distinctive grape, especially well-suited to humid climates thanks to its strong resistance to mildew—particularly the dreaded downy mildew that plagues vineyards throughout the eastern U.S. all season long. This natural resilience makes it an excellent choice for growers in that region. It’s also impressively cold-hardy, thriving in northern states and even into Canada. Despite its success in North America, Chambourcin’s roots trace back to France. It was developed in the Loire Valley in the 1960s by French biochemist Joannes Seyve, who also bred the hybrid variety Traminette—another favorite in eastern vineyards. While the exact parentage of Chambourcin remains somewhat mysterious, genetic research shows it includes North American Vitis species in its lineage, which explains its adaptability across a range of challenging climates.
Chambourcin is a teinturier grape, meaning its juice is naturally red or pink, rather than the usual clear juice found in most red grapes. When this richly pigmented juice is fermented with the skins, it produces wines with strikingly deep, saturated color. Because of this, Chambourcin is often used in blends to add intensity and depth. At Linganore Winecellars in Maryland, we worked with Chambourcin both as a single varietal and as a blending component, crafting everything from dry reds to sweeter styles. During my time making wine in Maryland, this grape was central to everything I was learning. Chambourcin will always have a special place in my heart—it’s where my foundation in winemaking truly began.
While Chambourcin may not have the name recognition of Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, its resilience, versatility, and deep character make it a gem, especially for regions like the East Coast that face unique growing challenges. For me, it’s more than just a grape; it’s a symbol of where I started and how far I’ve come. Wherever my wine journey takes me, I’ll always be grateful to Chambourcin for being there at the beginning, teaching me lessons about winemaking, patience, and place.
A few notable Chambourcin wines to check out, and what to pair them with:
Aperture 2023- Linganore Winecellars
100% Chambourcin. Dry, full-bodied, aged 100% in French oak barrels
Pair with aged cheddar, grilled pork chops, twice-baked potatoes
Steeplechase- Linganore Winecellars
Chambourcin blend. Sweet
Pair with fresh berries, chocolate
Chambourcin Merlot- Boordy Vineyards
Chambourcin & Merlot blend. Sweet, medium-bodied, aged in stainless steel
Pair with grilled chicken, salad with goat cheese & honey-balsamic dressing
