Our Red Varieties

Chambourcin

A French/American hybrid grape that is quite popular in the Shawnee Hills Region. It is also grown in the French regions of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Very resistant to fungal diseases, Chambourcin can be grown in cooler climates, and when yields are kept low it produces spicy, fragrant red wines that are also rich and concentrated. Strict EEU guidelines against the blending of hybrid wines with that of traditional varieties has kept the Chambourcin from being much more than a table wine in France. It is very popular in the Midwest and Eastern states in the United States. Chambourcin is also grown to a small extent in Australia. Owl Creek creates four wines from Chambourcin: Owl’s Leap Reserve; Owl’s Leap; Bald Knob; and Whooo’s Blush.

Norton

A historically significant native varietal that has been producing distinct and full red wines in the middle portion of the United States since the 1800s, it can be difficult to establish, but once it takes root it produces an abundance of fruit. Norton can produce fine examples of red wine that are notably absent of the foxiness found in most American vines. Owl Creek’s Owl’s Leap Reserve is a blend of Chambourcin and Norton and the Bloody Beak Port is entirely Norton.

Concord

An extremely productive varietal native to North America that has taken well to cooler areas. It is widely planted in the north east, especially New York state. Best known for grape juice and jellies, the Concord is made into several styles of wine, most of which contain some residual sugar. It has a distinct foxiness (that big grape flavor) and is highly regarded by sweet wine drinkers. Owl Creek’s Ruby Red is made from Illinois & New York Concord.