Norton Wine from the Missouri State Grape

The Norton/Cynthiana grape (Vitis Aestivalis) is the oldest American grape still being grown. Regardless of the mysteries and controversies surrounding its origins, there is no argument that the small grape produces wine with a complex and intense flavor. Norton wine has a deep dark red color and a spicy raspberry aroma. Subtle touches of coffee and bitter chocolate flavors make it a perfect compliment to prime rib, or any other roasted beef entree.

Both Missouri and Virginia lay claim to the origins of this native American grape. Some people strongly believe that Norton grapes were first found in the Ozark foothills of Missouri. Physician and gardener, Daniel Norton of Richmond, Virginia sent seedlings to Thomas Jefferson Randolph at Monticello, in 1823. Randolph was the grandson of the former President Thomas Jefferson. There the Norton grape was planted and nurtured. It is debatable whether the plants were native or hybridized by Dr. Norton. It was given the name, "Norton's Virginia Seedling" sometime in the 19th Century.

John Bartram's horticultural journal written in 1770, notes a vine that is believed to be Norton grape vines. Mid-Atlantic settlers were then using the fruit to make wine.

It seems likely that German settlers brought seedlings west to Missouri and Arkansas. A plant nursery in Bushberg, Missouri, east of Pevely advertised and sold Norton seedlings in 1860. During that time the vines also found their way to the Hermann, Missouri area. Seedlings for sale can be found in various catalogs printed in the 1870s. The Norton/Cynthiana officially became the Missouri State Grape on July 11, 2003.

A grape grown in Arkansas was named Cynthiana in the late 1800s and promoted as identical to Norton. Vintners in Hermann disagreed and the debate continued until 1992. According to saucemagazine.com, Bruce Reisch of Cornell University took samples of both varieties. DNA testing proved that the two types were genetically identical.

Missouri Norton wines garnered international recognition in 1873. The International Wine Competition held in Vienna, Austria honored it with "Best Red of All Nations" over all competitors. A French wine commission in Montpellier gave the Norton wine high marks the following year. Norton was being shipped to the major states in America and cities around the world by then. The wine was a favorite of President Ulysses S. Grant, who kept the White House wine cellar well stocked with it.

Norton wine is a great source of reservatrol (resveratrol). PDRhealth.com says that the chemical is found in most parts of the plant, but is most concentrated in the grape skins. It is an antioxidant that mimics the calorie restriction process. The effects are touted as an anti-aging compound. Red wine is also a proven aid to heart health.

Robert Mueller, vintner and owner of Robller Vineyard and Winery in New Haven, Missouri (robllerwines.com) lovingly tends his vines and oak casks of fermenting wine. He tells customers that the Norton grapes are small, they are picked by hand, and take around three years to be ready to drink. It is a long, labor intensive affair that results in a wine well worth it.