chambourcin

Chambourcin was by far our most successful red wine and food pairing and tasting. In June of 2023 we had on our wine racks at the time three great representations of the grape, though I would have liked to have had a fourth. We just didn't have it and, as the state grape of Pennsylvania, it is much easier to come by in that state than it currently is in Maryland. There are still a decent number of wineries making it though, and making it pretty well in our opinion. Basingani Winery's marisa reserve is a blend that is mostly the chambourcin grape. Harford Winery and Port of Leonardtown are also making excellent chambourcins currently. My favorite in this tasting was Port of Leonardtown's and Ian's was Harford, but we both still very much enjoyed Basignani's. Chambourcin is a very distinctive grape from its color and appearance to its flavors. It is one of the only red grapes that has flesh in a pink/red color, not green. It's highly acidic, medium-bodied and is known for it's jamminess. Due to this, gamey meat goes perfectly, along with tomato based sauces and jams. On the menu for this tasting was veal bolognese & veal sliders with lemon, parsley and roasted garlic aioli, provolone and arugula.  Baked brie en croute with strawberries, fig jam, walnuts and parsley along with "lazy empanadas" using tacquitos, store bought mole, bell peppers and cheddar. Charcueterie included gruyere, carrots, guacamole, hummus, crackers and dark chocolate covered almonds. Usually Ian and I can pick a clear favorite or one or two things that paired the best but we were stumped with this one. All went so unbelievably well together. This is also a wine I think that often needs food due to its acidity and body so it was a great situation where it wasn't just that the food was better with the wine but the wine was also better with the food. All around great tasting and a lovely evening getting to know some local chambourcin together. As another interesting side note, I think these are some of the best wines these wineries are making currently. We have been lucky enough to get to all three of these wineries in the last year or so. Basignani is making great marisas and marisa reserves, along with I think one of the best cabernet sauvignons in Maryland right now. They also have an excellent oaked chardonnay and throw a great Christmas party every year in December. Port of Leonardtown has been cleaning up recently at the Maryland Governor's Cup winning best in class for it's Old Line Red and getting double gold for its cabernet franc. Chambourcin and vidal blanc were our favorites during our visit. Harford winery makes our favorite malbec in Maryland but really a whole line of great dry reds, plus a really popular sweet peach wine. I enjoyed a few months volunteering there after wineries started to re-open after the pandemic. Their summer music events are very popular, along with their car shows. Teresa is a lovely host and  winery owner. Pay these wineries a visit and you won't be disappointed.