St. James Winery, Ozark Highlands (Missouri) Vignoles 2021

 Vignoles is a hybrid grape variety with murky origins now that some longstanding theories about its origins have been debunked.  What is known for sure is that it is resistant to winter kill in states such as New York and Missouri, and also that it can achieve impressive complexity without “foxy” aromas or characters that often prove jarring for those unaccustomed to hybrids.  This release is very successful, with notes of pears, Golden Delicious apples, and dried apricots.  Lightly sweet but not cloying, this will prove popular on porch swings over the coming summer.