Riverboat Red wine is made at Les Bourgeois Vineyards, which is located in the charming town of Rocheport in the heart of Missouri. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful winery and experiencing their winemaking process firsthand.
Rocheport, Missouri, is steeped in history and is known for its picturesque scenery along the Missouri River. Les Bourgeois Vineyards takes advantage of this unique location by cultivating several hybrid and Native American grape varieties that thrive in the region's climate and soil. The winery also works closely with local growers from around the state to source the majority of their grapes.
What sets Les Bourgeois Vineyards apart is their commitment to using locally grown grapes. In fact, more than 95 percent of the grapes they use in their winemaking come from Missouri growers. This dedication to supporting local agriculture not only ensures the freshest and highest quality grapes but also helps to promote the local economy and foster a sense of community.
During my visit to Les Bourgeois Vineyards, I had the opportunity to tour their vineyards and see the grapevines up close. It was fascinating to learn about the different grape varieties they cultivate, including Norton, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and Traminette. These grapes have been specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in the Missouri climate and produce wines with unique flavors and characteristics.
The winemaking process at Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology. After the grapes are harvested, they undergo careful sorting and destemming to ensure only the best fruit is used. The grapes are then gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise temperature control and optimal fermentation conditions.
Once fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, imparting additional flavors and complexity to the final product. The length of aging varies depending on the wine, with some wines spending several months in oak barrels, while others may be aged for several years.
One of the standout wines produced at Les Bourgeois Vineyards is their Riverboat Red. This wine is a blend of different grape varieties, resulting in a balanced and flavorful red wine. The exact blend may vary from year to year, as it is influenced by the characteristics of the grapes harvested in a particular vintage.
Riverboat Red is known for its medium body, rich fruit flavors, and smooth tannins. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty pasta dishes. I personally enjoyed a glass of Riverboat Red with a juicy steak during my visit to the winery, and the combination was absolutely delightful.
Riverboat Red wine is made at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport, Missouri. This winery takes pride in using locally grown grapes and combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to create their exceptional wines. The result is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Missouri terroir and delights wine enthusiasts with its unique flavors and quality.