The grape variety Baco Noir

Baco Noir is a distinguished French-American hybrid grape variety, celebrated for producing medium-bodied red wines with a unique, expressive character. In the glass, Baco Noir typically offers a deep, inky hue and an inviting aromatic profile featuring bright notes of black cherry, plum, and ripe blackberry, underscored by subtle hints of smoky wood, spice, and earthy nuances. On the palate, it reveals a vibrant acidity and moderate tannins, which balance its intense fruit flavors and contribute to a pleasantly smooth, lingering finish.

This varietal thrives in cooler wine regions, with significant plantings found in Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, New York’s Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley, and parts of Oregon and the Midwest in the United States. Baco Noir is most often crafted into varietal red wines that showcase its dark fruit intensity, though it is occasionally blended for added complexity.

Recommended food pairings for Baco Noir include grilled meats such as pork chops or lamb, hearty mushroom dishes, and robust cheeses like aged cheddar or blue. Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward palate make it a versatile companion to both rustic and sophisticated cuisine, particularly those featuring earthy or smoky elements.