Baco Noir

Baco noir (pronounced BA-koh NWAHR) is a hybrid red wine grape variety produced from a cross of Vitis vinifera var. Folle Blanche, a French wine grape, and an unknown variety of Vitis riparia indigenous to North America. Baco noir produces a medium body, deeply tinted, acidic red wine which is fruit forward and often carries aromas of black fruits and caramel. Ageing potential is 5–8 years for good examples of this wine.

The grape tends to be vigorous and is fairly resistant to the common ills of grapes in the eastern U.S., including black rot, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. It grows well on 6–8-foot (1.8–2.4 m) cordons, with vertical shoot positioning. The vines can carry up to 3 clusters per shoot without overcropping. The vine tolerates highly acid soil (pH 4.9) and is not susceptible to phylloxera. The vine is not particularly attractive to Japanese beetles. In droughty years, the vine is balanced. In wet years, there is no coulure; however, the vines produce more vine than needed and may need to be hedged many times. The vine is not recommended for planting in good soil.