Chambourcin is a relatively new French hybrid red wine varietal that has only been available since the early 1960’s. The crossing of varieties resulted in grapes resistant to many fungal diseases, especially downy mildew, which can be a major problem in areas with high summer rainfall. This resistance makes it ideal for more humid regions, particularly the east coast of Australia from New South Wales to tropical Queensland, as seen on the map below. You will find excellent examples in the Hunter Valley, notably at Piggs Peake, and Hastings River, where John Cassegrain is credited with pioneering this variety in Australia.
Unlike most other red grape varieties, Chambourcin produces pink or red juice, whereas the majority of other varietals grape juice is clear. The resulting wine is generally deeply coloured and fruity. It is often described as having a ‘foxy’ character, a unique, earthy, and sweet muskiness, which is more common in American varieties but found in some Australian examples. You will also often see Chambourcin produced as a Sparkling or port-style wine.
Aromas
Chambourcin’s aromatic profile is inviting and layered with ripe red and black fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry. It has subtle hints of green herbs or forest floor and spicy, earthy aromas of clove, and sometimes a light smokiness.
Flavours
Chambourcin offers a diverse flavour profile, often with a unique balance of fruit, spice, and earthy elements. It has primary black cherry, plum, and blackberry flavours and secondary notes of black pepper, dark chocolate, and subtle herbal undertones. Earth, leather, and smoky or toasted nuances can be found in aged wines.
Tannins and Body
Moderate tannins make Chambourcin smoother and more approachable than many other red varieties. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with a velvety texture that can feel lush or lively depending on the winemaking style.
Cool v Warm climate
Chambourcin’s adaptability allows it to thrive in both cool and warm climates, with notable differences in its flavour and structure:
Cool Climate wines have fresh red fruit flavours, such as cranberry, raspberry, and tart cherry, with a stronger herbal and earthy character. Higher acidity leads to a vibrant and refreshing style. Softer and more restrained tannins contribute to an elegant profile. These wines are leaner and more structured in style, often with a savoury or mineral edge. You will find these in the northeast United States, Canada, and cooler areas in Australia.
Warm Climate wines have ripe black fruit flavours like blackberry and plum, reduced herbaceous notes, and more pronounced spice or chocolatey tones. Lower acidity creates a rounder, smoother palate. Riper and softer tannins offer a plush mouthfeel. These wines are richer and fruit-forward, often with bolder, more concentrated flavours. You will find these in the southeast United States, warmer parts of Australia, and Southern Europe.
Listed below are the wineries that produce Chambourcin.
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Winery | Wine region | City | Star Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Tamburlaine Organic Wines | Hunter Valley | Pokolbin | (1) |
O'Reilly's Vineyard | Gold Coast Hinterland (Non GI) | Canungra | (0) |
Cedar Creek Estate Winery | Gold Coast Hinterland (Non GI) | North Tamborine | (0) |
Cassegrain Wines | Hastings River | Port Macquarie | (0) |
Bago Vineyards | Hastings River | Wauchope | (0) |
Douglas Vale Historic Homes and Vineyard | Hastings River | Port Macquarie | (0) |
Long Point Vineyard | Hastings River | Lake Cathie | (0) |
Cambewarra Estate | Shoalhaven Coast | Bangalee | (0) |
Bawley Vale Estate | Shoalhaven Coast | Bawley Point | (0) |
Coolangatta Estate | Shoalhaven Coast | Shoalhaven Heads | (0) |
Roselea Vineyard | Shoalhaven Coast | Gerringong | (0) |
Two Figs Winery | Shoalhaven Coast | Shoalhaven Heads | (0) |
Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery and Retreat | Shoalhaven Coast | Budgong | (0) |
Woodhill Mountain Wines | Shoalhaven Coast | Berry | (0) |
Crooked River Wines | Shoalhaven Coast | Gerringong | (0) |
Ben Ean | Hunter Valley | Pokolbin | (0) |
RidgeView | Hunter Valley | Belford | (0) |
Ivanhoe Wines | Hunter Valley | Pokolbin | (0) |
Capercaillie Wines | Hunter Valley | Lovedale | (0) |
Saltire Estate | Hunter Valley | Lovedale | (0) |
Yarrawa Estate | Southern Highlands | Kangaroo Valley | (0) |
Ernest Schuetz Estate Wines | Mudgee | Mudgee | (0) |
Travertine Wines | Hunter Valley | Pokolbin | (0) |
Domaine De Binet | Hunter Valley | Lovedale | (0) |
Calais Estate Wines | Hunter Valley | Pokolbin | (0) |
Savannah Estate | Hunter Valley | Mount View | (0) |
Stonehurst Cedar Creek | Hunter Valley | Cedar Creek | (0) |
Castle Glen Mt Tamborine | Gold Coast Hinterland (Non GI) | Mount Tamborine | (0) |
Ake Ake Vineyard | Northland | Kerikeri, | (0) |
Marsden Estate | Northland | Kerikeri | (0) |
Okahu Estate | Northland | Kaitaia | (0) |
Jubilee Vineyard | South Coast | Ebenezer | (0) |