Florida Wineries – The Wine List
| July 10, 2012 | Posted by Tom under Produce, Wine |
Image from tryfloridawine.com
Most dictionary definitions inform us that “wine” is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. Of course that is true, but at this point we all know that wine can be much more than this limited definition. Grapes may have been the first fruit used for wines, probably for many reasons, but our quest for knowledge and variety has opened our eyes and minds to the endless possibilities of things to make wine from. If you can grow it, you can make wine from it.
Below is a partial list of Florida commodities used in making some of Florida’s most unique and delicious wines.
Muscadine Grapes – Muscadine grapes, (Vitis rotundifolia) are a grapevine species native to the present-day southeastern United States. They have been used for making commercial fine wines and port wines dating back to the 16th century in and around St. Augustine, Florida. They are well adapted to their native warm and humid climate.
Cultivars in Florida wine – Noble, Carlos, Fry, Granny Val, Magnolia
The term scuppernong refers to a large bronze type of muscadine originally grown in North Carolina that it is also used in making wine.
Bunch Grapes - In Florida, bunch grape varieties are bred to tolerate disease. All the varieties are self-fertile so will bear full crops without another variety as a pollinator.
Cultivars in Florida wine – Blanc du bois, Stover, Suwannee, Conquistador, Lake Emerald
Berries & Stone Fruit - Researchers with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences tout blueberry wine as higher in heart-healthy antioxidants than the majority of wines made from grapes. Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries have been Florida wine staples for years and now Florida has a successful commercial peach industry.
Types in Florida wine – Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches
Tropical Fruit -Florida tropical fruits offer an endless variety of flavors, textures, aromas, and colors. More than 500 types of tropical fruit, including 150 varieties of mango and 70 types of bananas, are grown in Florida.
Types in Florida wine – Mango, carambola, guava, passion fruit, lychee, longans, dragon fruit, banana
Citrus -Florida has a long history with citrus and citrus wine. Much of the flavor in citrus fruits comes from citric acid and sugar, but citrus fruits also exhibit a relatively high concentration of glutamate, the “savory” amino acid.
Types in Florida wine – Oranges, grapefruit, key lime, cumquat, tangerine
Non-Traditional - Yes, there is a Florida winery making wine from tomatoes and carrots. http://www.floridawine.com/
Types in Florida wine – Carrots, tomatoes, avocado, honey, watermelon
Find wines made from these products and others at:
- Florida Department of Agriculture Winery Site: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/crops/winetours/
- Certified Farm Wineries: www.tryfloridawine.com
- Florida Grape Growers Association: www.fgga.org
- Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida: http://www.tropicalfruitgrowers.com/
