The Scoop: Chaumette announces new winemaker Henry Johnson

{From left, Chaumette owner Hank Johnson and new winemaker Henry Johnson}

  Keeping it in the family, Chaumette Vineyards and Winery has named Henry Johnson as its new winemaker, effective in late June. Son of winery owners Hank and Jackie Johnson, Henry Johnson has studied the art of winemaking under departing Mark Baehmann, who will continue to consult with Chaumette while opening his own winery, Wild Sun.

“Winemaking is always something that’s intrigued me, but is hard to get into at a young age,” Johnson said. “I’ve always found it fascinating because there is such a romantic notion behind it, but it really is a thousand little things that go into it.”

After spending much of his childhood helping with growing and harvesting, Johnson didn’t expect this opportunity to present itself so soon, but he couldn’t pass it up. He said he knows the ropes but is keen to keep learning and “coaxing the grape’s attributes out and into the glass.”

Don’t expect any drastic changes in the next few years, though. This year’s vintage is already bottled, so Johnson will spend the next few months “getting the vineyards in shape to have a good harvest and good wine.”

Johnson said he particularly looks forward to working with the Chambourcin grape. “A lot can be done with it,” he said. “It has a different sugar level and we can make a really fine wine out of it. While the Norton is the official Missouri grape it can be hit or miss with people. I think Chambourcin has a lot more potential.”

This article appears in June 2015.