A promising hybrid grape, Traminette is a combination of Gewurztraminer and J.S. 23-416.

Press Release

November 24, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's inaugural signature wine was introduced today by representatives of the Indiana Department of Agriculture, the state's Office of Tourism, the Indiana Wine Grape Council, and numerous Hoosier winemakers on hand during a news conference at the Indiana State House.

Traminette, a fragrant and floral white wine, becomes the first vintage to carry Indiana’s signature status, thanks in part to grapes developed specifically to flourish in the state’s climate.

Joe Kelsay, director of the Indiana Department of Agriculture; Amy Vaughan, director, Indiana Office of Tourism; Bill Oliver, owner of Oliver Winery in Bloomington, and Jeanette Merritt, marketing specialist for the Indiana Wine Grape Council unveiled the wine. They explained how a signature wine initiative will help boost not only Indiana agriculture and tourism, but also further advance recognition of Indiana’s rich winemaking heritage throughout the nation.

A promising hybrid grape, Traminette is a combination of Gewurztraminer and J.S. 23-416. Cornell University’s Grape Breeding Program is given credit for developing the varietal – one that is well adapted to the climate and soils of the Midwest, making it ideal for Indiana winemakers to grow. Currently, more than 20 of the state’s 43 wineries are offering their own unique take on this new signature wine.

Traminette is a palate-teaser that offers a delicious aroma and delectable fruitiness - perfect for wine aficionados in search of something new and different. It pairs beautifully with turkey or other poultry, seafood, Asian cuisine, and vegetarian dishes. According to the Indiana Wine Grape Council’s Jeanette Merritt, Traminette also is the perfect “back porch wine” for kicking back and relaxing after a long day at work or play.

“Indiana’s wine industry offers consumers the opportunity to buy local, enjoy a high-quality product, meet the local winemaker and support Indiana,” said Joe Kelsay, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “This industry also offers our Hoosier farm families a niche market to grow grapes that put to good use the rich Indiana soil typically too rocky for more traditional row crops. One of these Hoosier grapes, the Traminette, is now featured as Indiana’s first signature wine. I encourage all to ‘try on Traminette.’”

“Traminette Trails” are in the process of being developed, noted Office of Tourism director Amy Vaughan. These will complement the very popular trio of Indiana wine trails already established. Recent figures show Indiana’s 43 wineries attract more than one million visitors annually.

“Indiana’s wine industry plays an important role in our state’s tourism industry,” said Vaughan. “From wine trails to special events, Indiana wineries offer authentic local experiences. By designating Traminette as Indiana’s signature wine, visitors have another great reason to explore Indiana wineries and taste some of their award-winning products. Indiana Tourism is pleased to join the Indiana Wine Grape Council and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture in promoting our state’s growing wine industry.”

One Indiana vintner who already is on a first-name basis with Traminette is Bill Oliver of Bloomington’s Oliver Winery. Oliver-produced Traminette picked up the “Traminette of the Year” trophy during this past summer’s Indy International Wine Competition, one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world.

“Indiana’s winemaking legacy dates all the way back to 1802,” the Wine Council’s Jeanette Merritt noted. “Hoosiers were making wine long before California’s legendary industry even was launched. We are so fortunate to have extraordinary wineries, creating extraordinary wines.

“It was time to select one as Indiana’s signature wine - and we all believe Traminette is more than worthy of the honor.”

For additional information about Indiana’s signature wine, log on to www.TryOnTraminette.org.

Source: Indiana Wine Grape Council