Danenberger Family Vineyards Opens in New Berlin
The State Journal Register reports that a new winery opened on September 8th in New Berlin, Illinois which is just off I72 between Springfield and Jacksonville.
Danenberger Family Winery Owners Doug and Susan Danenberger are making wine from distinctive grapes that are unusual for Illinois including Regent (German interspecific hybrid), Oberlin Noir (reportedly a cross of Gamay and American riparia), Arandell (formerly NY 95) and Noiret (a Cornell grape released in 2006.)
Susan Danenberger explains the taste of the winery’s exotic Oberlin Noir as “rustic” wine with ample tannins. The Winery only made 60 gallons, so taste this wine while it lasts and call ahead if you have your heart set.
Susan described Oberlin Noir as “a blend of Marquette and Beaujolais, fruity but with deep, luscious tannins.” Danenberger got her Oberlin Noir from Double A Vineyards in New York who says the cultivar is “widely planted in France.” Susan said the finished wine also reminds her of Syrah with hints of anise and licorice.
Noiret is a hybrid that was developed by Cornell University . This relatively new wine grape makes rudy red wine that is very popular in the Hudson Valley of New York.
See Danenberger Family Winery for more information.