Whites

Edelweiss – It is the most widely grown grape in Nebraska. It makes the number one selling Nebraska wine and was developed by Elmer Swenson. The flavor profile is semisweet to sweet — sweetness to start then a burst of tartness to finish. Pair Edelweiss with pome fruit or salads. It is refreshing as a summer drink.

LaCrescent – Ideal for the production of off-dry and semi-sweet wines and is apt to retain some acidity, which balances this style. It is a relatively aromatic variety and exhibits flavors of stonefruits, such as peach, citrus fruits, or even tropical flavors of pineapple.

LaCrosse – The flavor profile is dry to semisweet. It has aromas of pear, apricot, slight Muscat, citrus and floral. It is good with seafood, chicken, pasta dishes and light salads.

Brianna – A relatively new grape from Minnesota, the flavor profile is semisweet to sweet, with tropical fruit flavors like pineapple. It pairs well with salads, fruits, lemon tart or cheesecake, and lighter cheeses. It is a nice companion to foods with spicy flavor profiles.

Vignoles – Vignoles are used to produce wines ranging in flavor from dry to a sweet, late harvest dessert wine. Vignoles’ luscious floral aroma and fruity flavors of citrus, pineapple, and apricot are similar to a German Riesling. Vignoles is an ideal accompaniment with Asian cuisine, fresh fruit and fruit desserts.

Reds

Frontenac – This is a diverse grape that is widely grown in Nebraska. It is made into a variety of styles of wine, from Rose’ to Port. It will produce a deep-colored wine with cherry, blackberry, black currant, and plum notes. It pairs well with hearty foods such as duck, pheasant, lamb, beef, and pasta dishes made with tomato and eggplant. The dessert or Port-style Frontenac produces cherry or blackberry flavors with prunes and pairs well with chocolate.

Chambourcin – This grape produces one of the best full-body wines currently in Nebraska. A mature wine can give a nice soft finish with cherry notes. It does well when aged in American oak and is excellent with grilled meats or Italian dishes.

DeChaunac – This produces a medium- to full-body wine. It is a Beaujolais-style wine when aged in oak and shows hints of fruit with low to mild tannin content, also hints of an earthy bouquet. It can be enjoyed alone or paired with roasted lamb or pork.

Marechal Foch – This is a red grape with a dry to semisweet profile. While the styles range from blush to full body, it is most popular as a blush. It pairs well with fish, seafood, and salads.