Saturday, October 31, 2009

Anatomy of a Wine Tasting Disaster

FINGER LAKES REPORT – As we continued on in our wine tasting travels on the west side of Seneca Lake, the afternoon was winding down. This is bad news for wine tasters, because Finger Lakes wineries typically end their tastings at 5 p.m.

We were running out of time and knew we wouldn’t reach some of our planned destinations at the south end of the lake. However, as luck would have it, 2009_1004fingerlks20030we were very close to the Shaw Vineyard tasting room. I thought this would be a great opportunity. I had tried a Shaw Pinot Noir with my meal at the Village Tavern the day before as a flight of Pinots. It was great. Shaw has a reputation for hand crafting some wonderful Pinot Noirs.

Little did I know what was in store.

We rolled in to the gravel parking lot and walked inside the very unassuming and small tasting room. Really. it was more like a storage shed. However, I thought, this could be very cool – being right in the midst of a small production wine operation. Wine barrels were all around and there could be a very interesting story here.

How wrong I was.

There are three components to a great wine tasting: 1. Great locale/facility, 2. Great staff, and 3. Great wines. The location wasn’t much, but perhaps the staff would change first impressions. Uhh… no.
Our server very quickly volunteered that he didn’t know much about wine. He then said he went “to a wine tasting once and didn't like it.” Hmmm. A great way to warm up the crowd (which was only the four of us). We continued the banter to be friendly. He next offered up that this was his first day on the job and it became obvious that he had no knowledge about Shaw wines.

This was apparently going to be our last tasting of the day – it was almost five – so we overcame our impulse to rush out the door. We paid the $3 fee and planned on enjoying some nice tastes. This led to one of the crazier parts of the tasting. I asked to try the Gewürztraminer, and the server asked me to show him which bottle it was! He was standing behind the bottles and apparently couldn’t be bothered to turn the bottle around to read the label.

It was a long day of tasting, so Green Dragon and I had been sharing tastings at some of the last wineries (somebody’s got to be able to drive). At most wineries, you get a 2 ounce tasting portion. Most will gladly pour you another taste of your favorite, because you’ll probably buy a bottle.

Our host again was full of surprises. The tasting was so miniscule that I probably inhaled more than I was able to swallow. If it was 1/2 ounce, I would be shocked. I’d like to be able to describe the layers of flavors to you – but the amount was insufficient.

This was just a disappointing experience and if repeated with other customers could really dampen the winery’s reputation.

 I tasted four wines. The Gewürztraminer was not as spicy as I like. The Dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc I rated as OK. I was looking forward to the  Keuka Hill Reserve. I was only able to rate this as OK, because I didn’t have enough of a sample to be able to tell.

Hopefully this was just an off day (way off) because Shaw produces some nice wines. Steve Shaw has been growing grapes for the finest wineries in the Finger Lakes for more than 25 years. He has an artisan winemaking approach and all wine is cellar aged.
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Friday, October 30, 2009

Finger Lakes: Anthony Road Wine Company

FINGER LAKES REPORT – Continuing south on our Seneca Lake winery swing, we stopped next at the Anthony Road Wine Company. Green Dragon and I had stopped here last year and really enjoyed the place. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the gardens and the grounds. This year was a somewhat different different story. It was rainy and the tasting room was quite full. 

2004_0401Fingerlakes0056 The philosophy of Anthony Road is to produce excellent wines for “the everyday enjoyment of life.” The vineyards were planted in 1973 and Anthony Road began wine production in a small barn in 1989.Anthony Road has a beautiful tasting room, landscaped gardens and is a true “grape to bottle” operation with all winemaking, bottling, labeling and storage handled on-site.

The first selection was the Devonian White, a light dry blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Cayuga. It had a subtle fruit flavor and was nice, but lacked body.

Next up was a very refreshing 2008 Dry Riesling with puckering acidity and notes of apple and citrus. This was a winner.

Batting in the third position was a 2008 Rose of Cabernet Franc, which was crisp and refreshing with berry notes. This was tasty.

Glorious T and Spiderman were impressed with the Devonian Red, another casual sipper with great QPR (quality price ratio). It has overtones of black cherry, vanilla and mocha. A highlight for me was a tasting of the 2006 Tierce. This is a Dry Riesling team-made by winemakers at Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt wineries. It is an exceptional wine sure to delight all Riesling lovers. It packs a lemony punch with Gala apple notes.

The tasting is a very reasonable $1 cost and the tasting room is airy and enjoyable. We missed being able to stroll the grounds. That and the dreary weather made this visit a notch below last year.
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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Viking Vineyards & Winery, Kent, Ohio

A trip to West Virginia resulted in a happy detour to Viking Vineyards in Kent, Ohio. Co-owned by Jeff and Dana Nelson, 2009_1024viking-game0003 the winery is a short hop from I-76 or the Kent State campus. Not only are tastings available, but entertainment is featured. For example, On Sunday, November 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., Tequila Bob and the Flip Flops will be performing. A menu featuring sandwiches, cheese plates and snacks is also available.

The winery is off the beaten path and accessed via a one-lane private drive. Directions are available on the Web site, but our GPS enabled us to zip from Kent State to Viking Vineyard in a matter of minutes.

We arrived just after the sun went down, but there was still enough light to see the beautiful grounds, which includes a small lake with a fountain and plentiful lakeside seating. The tasting room is a good size and nicely decorated.

Tastings are available for 50 cents each, but I would suggest the flights. There are two dry flights (white/red and blush/red), a semi-dry flight and a semi-sweet/sweet flight.
Viking will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on Friday, November 6th with an open house. Grapes were first planted in May 1999 and the winery opened on November 5th of the same year. In addition to the tasting room, a private party room is available for rent for parties and meetings.

The winery currently bottles 4,000 gallons of wine and there are 17 wines on their wine list, including Vidal Blanc Ice Wine and Late Harvest Vidal Blanc. Jeff has also won numerous Gold, Silver and Bronze medals over the past 9 years at both the Ohio Wine Competition and at the Indy International Wine Competition.
We started our tasting with the Dry Riesling. This is an Alsace-style Riesling with a hint of citrus. This was satisfying, but not our top pick.

The Midnight Sun dry blush is a combination of Chardonnay and Chambourcin. This was very good with a flavor of fresh berries.

My wife and I enjoy Vidal Blanc and have sampled Ohio Vidal Blanc at the Quarry Hill winery. Viking’s Vidal is a simple wine with flavor notes of peach and stone. This wine won a silver medal at the Ohio Wine Competition. It is enjoyable.

The Cabernet Sauvignon has an earthy nose and flavor. Green Dragon is not a fan of wines with high tannins, but this Cab was very enjoyable. Ohio wine judges agree with me, by the way, as this wine has won an Ohio Wine Competition gold.

North Star is a tasty blend of Syrah and Sangiovese with a deep, rich color. It is a fruit forward wine with smoothness and a scent of strawberries. This is very nice.

There were two “aha” moments during our tasting. The first was when we tasted the Chambourcin. This was soft, smooth and with the interesting blend of vanilla and cherry flavors. It is aged in French oak and is just a very nice and interesting wine. The cost is only $13.49 and is a great buy (which is what we did). We stopped on our way to a cabin getaway with friends, but Green Dragon gave me instructions that we were to make sure that we saved the wine until we returned home!

As we were preparing to hit the road, Jeff provided a sample of Red Kiss, one of their most popular wines. This is a blend of red wine and chocolate. The aroma alone is like a box of candy. This is best enjoyed as a dessert wine and special treat.

April through December the winery is open  5 to 9 Tuesday through Thursday, Noon to 11 on Friday and Saturday and 1 to 8 on Sunday. Viking Vineyards and Winery is a gem you will certainly enjoy. Plan on a visit soon.


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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Save The Date: Wine Affair November 20

The 18th annual Wine Affair fundraiser to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio will be held 6:30 p.m. Friday, phillip ingham November 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. The event, titled “Through the Drinking Glass,” will be hosted by Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV.

The honorary chairman is Robert LaClair, President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank of Northwest Ohio. All of the proceeds will stay in northwest Ohio to help the Foundation empower patients to manage kidney disease through patient assistance programs.

Grazing stations will feature appetizers from top area restaurants including Kotobuki, LaScola Italian Grill, Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, Poco Piatti, Beirut, Byblos, The Melting Pot and Wixey Bakery. Silent and live auctions will also be part of the evening. Artist Robert Schira will paint and frame watercolors which will be sold during the auction. Musical entertainment will be provided by pianist Gayle McClellan.

Funds raised during the Wine Affair will help continue patient assistance programs such as dialysis transportation, temporary financial assistance with renal medications, proper renal nutrition, medical supplies as well as help during emergency situations.

Tickets are $85 prior to October 31 and $95 afterward. For tickets or more information call (419) 329-2353 or e-mail sevans@kfnwo.org.
Photo by Phillip Ingham
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2007

A late dinner meeting at the Juniper Restaurant in the Fairmontgroth sv Washington D.C. proved a great opportunity to try this Sauv Blanc with an entree of Chesapeake Bay crab cakes.

It was a mild October evening and we could view diners enjoying their meals outside in the courtyard, lit with Christmas lights. Juniper prides itself on American comfort food with a twist, using local produce and organic ingredients.

The Groth seemed less intense than the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, although with a nice melon and citrus flavor. The wine had a lush taste and lingering finish, which matched with with my seafood dish. This is a Napa Valley wine.

I had ample time to reflect on this as my departure time was pushed back and back and back at Reagan National Airport!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Finger Lakes: Prejean Winery

FINGER LAKES REPORT --  Prejean Winery is one of the handful of must-visit wineries in the Finger Lakes. It doesn’t boast a spectacular winery building or tasting room, it simply offers some of the tastiest, complex 2004_0401Fingerlakes0086 and unique wines in this great wine region.

The building and tasting room have a rustic lodge feel and are small compared to some of the big bus stop wineries in the area. The tasting counters are packed in with the wine displays. In my mind, Prejean is especially noteworthy for two wines: their Dry Riesling and their Marechal Foch. A tip of the hat to our neighbors P & S for turning us on to this great winery.

First out of the chute was the 2007 Dry Riesling. Yes, this was very nice with crispness, minerality and flavors of tropical fruit. This goes well with salmon.

The 2007 Pinot Gris was just OK. It had definite citrus and melon flavor notes, but just wasn’t half as interesting as the other pours we had.

One of our highlights was the 2006 Dry Gewürztraminer. It was very good with a floral, creamy taste and a rich body. It is barrel fermented and was a standout with a very reasonable price of $14.99. To make the deal even more reasonable, you can apply your $2 tasting fee toward the cost of your purchase. They were also offering a three for two promotion and we had a $5 coupon from a recent purchase. In short, it seemed like they were paying us to buy this outstanding wine!

Our tasting just kept getting better. Next was the Marechal Foch. Glorious T proclaimed that it has “bouquet blasts” and a taste of dark chocolate M&Ms. Chocolate and cherry aromas blended with berry flavors and a taste of smokiness. Marechal Foch (named after a French general in World War I) is a grape variety that is uncommon in most places, but a frequently used in the Finger Lakes. And talk about value, a bottle only costs $10.99.

We rounded out with a very pleasant 2006 Merlot which offered a medley of black cherry and plum.
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Friday, October 23, 2009

Coppola Rosso Backstage in Boulder

By chance of the calendar my meeting in Denver finished up on a Saturday and one of my favorite bands – the Emmitt-Nershi Band – was playing at the Boulder Theater. I picked up a rental car and headed for Boulder.

rosso The weather was beautiful, about 70 degrees with beautiful blue skies. I headed toward the mountains, driving by golden fields with buffalo grazing.
After grabbing some Thai at a restaurant on Pearl Street, I picked up my backstage pass and headed into the theater. In the backstage area they had a lounge for the band and the opening act, Assembly of Dust.

Curious to know what they are sampling backstage? This wasn’t the most lavish backstage spread, but they did have a nice bottle of Francis Ford Coppola Rosso 2007. This is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This had a very round, smooth body with rich layers of fruit and berries. There was a hint of dark chocolate. This is a nice, casual sipper that can be found widely.

Although I only had some light snacks (while checking out the vintage band posters), this seems like a food-friendly wine. While in Denver I had some buffalo and quail entrees, and this certainly would suit those dishes and burgers and pasta as well.

The wine is about $11. The concert? Priceless.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Finger Lakes: Belherst and Fox Run

FINGER LAKES REPORT – After finishing up our six-winery visit on Keuka Lake, we set off for Seneca. Our original plan did not include going all the way north to Geneva, but Spiderman’s stomach was growling and we thought it best to get some food to and opted for the great scenery of Belherst Castle. When my wife and I visited the Finger Lakes last year, Belherst was one of our stops. One of their wines was on the shopping list from our neighbors, so we stopped in. Our reactions last year were mixed – the scenery was stunning, but the wines not so much.

2004_0401Fingerlakes0064 This year we flew immediately for Stonecutters, the less formal of their restaurants which had large arched windows looking out on the lake. I was pleased to see that the menu featured a Monte Cristo sandwich, which I hadn’t had in many years. This is basically a ham, Swiss and turkey sandwich on French toast. This was obviously a high class operation as my bread came “frenched” and not as actual French toast. It was great.

In light of our three wineries before lunch schedule, we passed on the wine (you won’t find this phrase anywhere else in the reporting of our trip!). We hastily headed for the car to begin the north-south run from Geneva to Watkins Glen. It is akin to a long ski run in Telluride, but with wineries replacing the moguls.
2004_0401Fingerlakes0059 Our first wine tasting on Seneca was Fox Run. Fox Run was selected as one of the top100 wineries of 2008 by Wine & Spirits Magazine. They have a wonderful tasting room, a deli-type restaurant and a great building and grounds.
I noticed something straight away. Our last visit had been in the summertime. The sipping was leisurely and the crowds sparse. However, now the tasting room was packed and the space at the tasting bar was almost non-existent. We wedged ourselves in and ponied up our $2 tasting fee.

The first wine was a 2006 Chardonnay with a weak body and dominant lemony taste. The Dry Riesling was satisfactory, but not among the top five on our trip.

I had high hopes for the 2006 Cabernet Franc. It had a rich color with nutty and plum flavor notes. It lacked the smokiness that I like. At $14.99 it was solid, but not spectacular. The 2006 Cab Franc/Lemberger blend was so-so.

Fox Run has a number of animal themed wines, such as the Ruby Vixen. This is a little bit sweeter than I prefer at 4% residual sugar, but it had a soft, bright taste with strawberry aromas.

The service at the tasting bar was really bad, but I suppose understandable. Our server would disappear for long periods of time and then pour the next taste without sharing any of the background on the wine or chatting. At one point his supervisor got into an animated discussion with him about remembering to empty the trash can since it wasn’t done last time. Not the sort of thing you want to hear as you savor wine!

I was now on the backside of the tasting sheet (where everything cost an extra dollar). I sampled the Sable, a nice smooth red blend that gave a warm feeling with a rich berry aroma. At $12.99, this is a high value wine.
Spiderman was not enjoying his selections and was disenchanted at the service. At one point I glanced over and he was marking “no,” “no,” and “no.”

I finished on a high note with the 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir. At $50 a bottle, it has the sweet bouquet of cherries and violets and is an exotic glass.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Demi-Sec 2005

This lovely bottle is actually a souvenir of the last wine tasting at Stimmel's Market in Bowling Green. I was surprised to see that it is actually a screw top, something unexpected from a reknowned French label. It only goes to show the growing acceptance of the screw tops especially for white wines.

Green Dragon and I love Vouvray wines, made from the Chenin Blanc grape. The Mango Tree restaurant in Toledo is one of the few area restaurants to carry Vouvray and we would enjoy it with our meals on special occasions. It strikes the right note with us -- not too sweet, often with a slight fizz and certainly a change from Chardonnay or wimpy Pinot Grigio.

Chateau Moncontour is in the heart of the Vouvray region and overlooks the Loire River. It dates to the fourth century and at one point was the property of Charles the Seventh. Sadly, it was burned during the French Revolution. Since 1994, the Feray family has worked to make the vineyard and the winemaking cellar one of the most respected in the Loire Valley.

This vintage has a slight sweetness as to be expected with this off-dry wine, but a very clean taste with a bit of honey and mineral tartness. It has a long, elegant finish with a touch of lime.

It is a great food wine standing up nicely to spicy food and working well for picnics as well. Try also with sea food and mild blue cheese. The wine cost $21.99 and is recommended.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Clean Slate Riesling

While the “balloon boy” drama was playing out on CNN, I happened to be in Denver at a meeting at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center. The meeting kicked off with a nice reception in the Centennial Room on the 12th floor. In fact, while getting ready for the reception I scanned the bright blue Colorado skies from the Centennial Room to see if I could spy the spinning silver “flying saucer” balloon as it zipped by. No luck there.
clean slate The reception, however, was a great success. It featured buffalo canapés, black bean hummus quesadillas, melted brie with apricot sauce and some other nice appetizers.

The wine of choice for the evening was a 2007  Clean Slate Riesling. I have had this German white wine in the past and have enjoyed it. The slate hills of the Mosel River valley give this wine its minerality. Its acidity means it is crisp and refreshing. The residual sugar is 2.8%, sweeter than a dry Riesling, but certainly not dripping with sweetness. The wine also has a nice lime tone.

With the lights of Denver spread out below and piano music wafting in the air, the Clean Slate was a great accompaniment to the evening. It pairs well with Asian dishes, spicy food, poultry, sushi and pork.

This wine is available widely and has a great QPR (quality-price ratio).
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Monday, October 19, 2009

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Oct. 19, 2008

059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapesWednesday, October 21
   Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Wines with scary names.


Thursday, October 22
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM.

The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 5-7 PM, Wines with scary names.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. King Cab. All hail the King of the grapes! Celebrate the majestic wines made from this oh-so prestigious grape. Sample bottlings from Washington, Australia, Bordeaux and, of course, Napa County.  6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Friday, October 23
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Cotes due Rhone Reds. 1. Delas Cotes du Rhone, 2. Segries Cotes du Rhone, Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, 4. Cuillas Visan. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. King Cab. All hail the King of the grapes! Celebrate the majestic wines made from this oh-so prestigious grape. Sample bottlings from Washington, Australia, Bordeaux and, of course, Napa County.  6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Saturday, October 24
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Cotes due Rhone Reds. 1. Delas Cotes du Rhone, 2. Segries Cotes du Rhone, Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, 4. Cuillas Visan. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000— Premium Priorat (with special guest). These are highly rated wines (90++). The special guest will have photos and maps of the region. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Noon to 5 PM.

Finger Lakes: Keuka Spring Vineyards

FINGER LAKES REPORT – Finishing up our tour of the eastern shore of Keuka, Keuka Springs Vineyards was our next stop. Our plan was to hit a couple wineries on the east side and then make a jaunt down Seneca’s western shore. There was no pre-set itinerary, schedule or route – simple impulse was leading us on.
2009_1004fingerlks20024 Keuka Spring makes a favorable impression even before you get out of the car. The grounds are beautiful, with a spectacular view of the lake and ample sitting and picnic areas. You walk past large oaken barrels (great for photo ops!).

Inside is a quaint tasting room with a long bar and windows with one of the best views of Keuka. There are plenty of wines and gifts on display for those who wish to browse.

First out of the chute was a double-gold medal winner, the 2008 Gewurztraminer. Green Dragon always goes straight for the medals (like a moth to the flame) and her instincts were right on target in this case. “Wow” was the consensus on this one – perhaps the best Gerwurtz of our trip. Floral notes with a rich body. It was also the first Gerwurtz  I’ve tasted with a caramel tones.

Moving on I next sampled the Miller’s Cove Red 2007. This is a red blend that’s soft on the palate with a great color and nuances of black berries. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Next we move to a tasting of their reserve wines. First was the Riesling Reserve 2007. Bright, floral and minerally.

The winner of the day was a red Epic Reserve 2007. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot. This is made from hand picked and specially selected grapes and features an allspice taste and also a hint of ripe cherry tomato. Very cool.

Keuka Springs should be a stop on your next Finger Lakes visit. It brings together the three key elements of a great winery visit: great location/facility, great wine and great staff.

The Toledo Vines and Wines tasting crew salute you!
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Friday, October 16, 2009

Halloween Vineyard Adventure

A special wine tasting is scheduled 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 30,  at the Toledo Zoo. Sample wines of the world with atz Halloween twist! Come in costume and enjoy great live entertainment along with tasty hors d'oeuvres and an amazing array of wines. You must be 21 or over. Tickets are required in advance.  Cost is $35 for Zoo members and $40 for non-members.

The event will take place in the Nairobi Event Pavilion from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for wine tasting, then a cash bar from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The event includes the following: Around the World wine sampling, Appetizers, Tarot card reader, psychic,  live entertainment and  costume Contest. Reservations can be made by calling 419-385-5721, ext 3092.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Update on Blog Action Day

UPDATE FROM BLOG ACTION DAY CENTRAL -- "October 15th is finally here and nearly 10,000 bloggers around the world are writing about climate change today for Blog Action Day 2009!

At the stroke of midnight we got off to a great start when UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown surprised us with a Blog Action Day post on his blog saying that "climate change is the biggest threat to all our future.

From there we have seen thousands of interesting posts from bloggers in 150 countries. The Official Google Blog provided a green tour of their campus, Gadling is featuring green travel posts all day, and Grist has a great round-up of some of the best posts thus far. Nonprofits including Oxfam, Greenpeace , 1Sky and TckTckTck have all put up new posts. Blog Action Day has been the top Google blog search today and CNN just wrote an article about us!"

Be sure to check out our post on the impact of climate change on the wine industry.

Wine Growing and Climate Change

October 15 is Blog Action Day, an annual event where bloggers across the world unite to write about a single issue on a single day.  Through this collaboration conversation is sparked on an issue of importance across the web.

This year’s topic is climate change, and more than 4,000 bloggers from 123 countries are taking part, including many of the world’s largest blogs.



Climate change might be more devastating than you ever imagined. Global warming could lower the quality of wine in some of the world’s premier wine growing regions. (You may want to pour yourself a nice glass before reading further…)

One 2004 report stated that growing season temperatures have increased for most of the world's high quality wine regions over the last 50 years by an average of more than 3.5 degrees F. The temperature is expected to increase by another 3.5 degrees in the next 40 years.

According to a recent report by Greenpeace, France, famous for its unique wine varieties, stands to lose an important part of its cultural heritage as rising temperatures impact vineyards. The right climate is essential to grow premium wine grapes. Ideally it will be hot during the day and cool at night. Extremes in temperature can ruin otherwise good wine grapes.

The average annual temperature has significantly increased, leading to major shifts in the wine production calendar, according to the Greenpeace report. The harvesting season is occurring much earlier than normal and higher temperatures are proving detrimental to the vines. Wines end up having higher sugar levels and alcohol content while retaining less acids - which means they are unbalanced with an overripe flavor and heavier texture.

Other expected impacts are the increased risk of frost in spring, disease, and rotting. Wine authority Dr. Tony Jordan, speaking at an international wine symposium earlier this year in Australia, said that 'vineyards being planted now are going to be in the wrong place in 30 years' time'. A Melbourne University study has found that some areas could become too hot to grow wine grapes and growers might have to change to other varieties over the next couple of decades.

Finger Lakes: McGregor Vineyard

2009_1004fingerlks20018 FINGER LAKES REPORT – Our travels on the second day continued with a drive up a steep road to McGregor Vineyard. The winery building itself is just a few feet away from the vines. The operation is overseen by Max the wine dog. Glorious T and Spiderman are great dog lovers and were missing their own dog Scarlet, so they were glad to be greeted by Max.

The McGregor tasting room doubles as their restaurant, so this was the only sit-down tasting we had on our trip. It was good we were sitting down, because the tasting was a slow paced one. However, Max helped the time pass quickly by gladly sitting in the laps of each of our group.2009_1004fingerlks20019

The vineyard was established in 1971 and the winery opened in 1980. It was our first visit to the winery but probably will not be our last. The winery has a very distinctive down home feel. The tasting fee was $5, the highest we encountered on our trip, but it did include a snack plate of cheese and some great pesto dip.

The first wine was an unoaked 2007 Chardonnay. This was medium bodied with an apple and pear taste. It was rated “nice” by our group.

The tasting started to get very interesting with the 2007 Dry Riesling. This was very pale straw color with notes of grapefruit and lime. The showstopper (at least thus far) was when our server brought out the 2008 Dry Riesling for comparison. This vintage had a bit of spritz that created an entirely new and pleasing effect. It wouldn’t have been a bad day to spend just sipping this wine and enjoying the great McGregor scenery.

Next up was the 2007 Traminette. Traminette is very reminiscent of Gewürztraminer. This did not disappoint and it was especially good for McGregor’s first Traminette. Nice and dry with a spicy aroma.

Another unique wine was next up: Rkatsiteli-Sereksiya. We have enjoyed several glasses of Dr. Frank’s R-Kat over the years, but this was the first blend of this variety. Dr. Frank and McGregor are the only two R-Kat producers in the Finger Lakes. McGregor is the only producer of Sereksiya. It is considered a “mash-up” of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer as far as taste goes. It was enjoyable, but not sensational. It retails for $24.99.

We next moved on the the reds and found two succulent, tasty wines. First was the 2006 Rob Roy, a Bordeaux style blend of Cab Franc (50%), Merlot (42%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (8%). The wine is aged in French oak for more than a year and the resulting wine is soft on the tongue with flavors of raspberry and black cherry. This is a standout and is priced at $39.99.

The crowning moment of our visit (well, maybe second to Max) was the 2006 Black Russian Red, a blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya Charni unique to McGregor. It is a deep, dark purple in color with bold aromas of plum, cranberry, blackberry and oak. I told Green Dragon I tasted elderberry as well. Glorious T ranked it as “so flavorful.” This was the winery winner and it is priced accordingly at $49.99.

The Rob Roy and Black Russian Red are available in large format bottles: a magnum (equates to two bottles) or the Jeroboam (equates to four). We discussed splitting a large bottle but ended up getting the pesto dip and headed out the door. There were more wineries to visit….
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Mobile Meals Wine Gala November 7: The Details


One of the area's premier wine events is on the near horizon. The Mobile Meals Wine Gala will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Stranahan Great Hall in Toledo. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with wine tasting from 14 area distributors and appetizers followed by a sit-down dinner. After dinner, the live auction begins which features more than 30 groupings of wine -- some from private cellars. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Wrapping up the evening, there will be dancing to the tunes of the band Touched.

The schedule is as follows:
  • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Wine Tasting
  • 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. -- Silent auctions
  • 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- Gourmet meal with accompanying wines
  • 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. -- Live auction
  • 10:00 - Midnight -- Live music
Tickets are $125 and patron tickets are $150. Sponsorship opportunities are available and cash donations are welcomed. The event is black tie optional.If you wish to attend, please call Carolyn at (419) 255-7806 or visit the Mobile Meals Web site.

Not only is this a sensational evening of wine and entertainment, but your support helps a most worthy cause. Mobile Meals home-delivered meal program is designed to enable the elderly, ill, disabled, homebound, the convalescing and all those who need assistance with diet and meal preparation to remain in their own homes and retain the dignity and independence they treasure. This program postpones and often eliminates the need for more extensive and expensive care arrangements. Meals are assembled in Mobile Meals' kitchen at Mercy Health Center. More than 600 clients are served daily and more than 500,000 meals are delivered annually.

Wine Gala A Sumptuous Success
Photo by Kyle May

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Cotes du Rhone Rule

The best value in French wines may be found in the Rhone. Eighty percent of the wine in the Rhone region are called Cotes du cdr Rhone and this term can be used for wines made anywhere in the region. The grapes used are typically Syrah, Grenache and Carignan.

Now your local wine store is making it easier than ever to purchase a taste of this classic French winemaking region. A blind tasting was held at Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee on Saturday, October 10, and a tasting of Rhone wines is scheduled at Corks in Maumee this Thursday and Friday (October 15-16).

At Churchill’s Austin presided over a blind tasting of four Cotes du Rhone with prices ranging from $9.99 to $15.99. The four featured wines were: Grand Veneur 2007 CDR Reserve ($15.99) Wine A; Domaine le Vieux Lavoir 2007 CDR ($9.99) Wine  B; Kermit Lynch 2007 CDR 'Cypress Cuvee' ($15.99) Wine C;  and Chateau de Segries 2007 CDR ($13.99) Wine D.
The bottles were bagged and no information was available until after the flight was completed.

The Grand Veneur made a nice start to the tasting, but made no lasting impression. The Lavoir tasted of black cherry and to me and Green Dragon tasted superior to the Lavoir. The Kermit Lynch has a nice flavor of black berries. My favorite was the Chateau de Segries with its lighter body, well balanced cherry flavor.

My top two were D and B while my wife chose C and B. You can read the final results on Austin’s blog. This was a pleasant surprise on a couple of levels. My first choice was also the winner of the blind tasting. After reading the results of the blind tasting, I checked the wine rack. When I visited Churchill’s a week ago Austin had recommended a nice Cotes du Rhone, which I bought. It turns out is was the Segries. I’m looking forward to uncorking it very soon (maybe before I finish this post!).

On another note, it is great to see how affordable a nice bottle can be.  At less than $10 a bottle the Lavoir has great QPR (quality price ratio).

etiquettebeaucastel
The upper end of the price scale is nice too. Austin served up two upper end Rhones, the grand finale being a $100 bottle of 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel. This is a symphonic blend of Mourvedre (30%), Grenache (30%), with lesser amounts of Syrah,  Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault. This is an extraordinary wine with a soft, velvety feel and a complex bouquet.

Photo by Hajime Nakano.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Oct. 12, 2009

 059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes Thursday, October 15
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM.

The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Rhone. What an amazing region for value and quality! Come and experience a lineup of creamy, zesty whites and robust, rustic reds. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Friday, October 16
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Fall Cigar Wines: 1. Pineau Des Charentes, 2. Graham’s Six Grapes Porto, 3. Noval 10 Year Tawny Porto, 4. Seppeltfield Cellar No. 9 Muscat. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Rhone. What an amazing region for value and quality! Come and experience a lineup of creamy, zesty whites and robust, rustic reds. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Saturday, October 17
** Special Event ** Dance Uncorked -- Catholic Charities will host Dance Uncorked, an evening with exceptional wines, exciting dance and outstanding silent auction items at the St. Joseph Sylvania Family Center beginning at 6:30. Tickets are $75. More information is online at http://www.danceuncorked.com/ or call Cheryl at (419) 244-6711, Ext. 405.

Six local celebrities will team up with 6 professional dancers from The Dance Clinic to perform a dance routine for guests. Each pair will perform one dance and will be judged by the audience based on performance.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Fall Cigar Wines: 1. Pineau Des Charentes, 2. Graham’s Six Grapes Porto, 3. Noval 10 Year Tawny Porto, 4. Seppeltfield Cellar No. 9 Muscat. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000— Austin is out this weekend, so no wine tasting. However, there will be an Oktoberfest German Beer Tasting with Dave and Matt. No reservations are necessary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Noon to 5 PM.

Finger Lakes: Ravines Wine Cellars

FINGER LAKES REPORT – We wrapped up our first day with a 2009_1004fingerlks20017 great dinner at the Village Tavern in Hammondsport, a small village at the southern tip of Lake Keuka. The Village Tavern has an expansive Finger Lakes wine list and a menu that ranges from pub fare to gourmet. Fortified with a breakfast of corned beef hash the next morning, we set out to cover the East shore of Keuka – the first stop: Ravines Wine Cellars.

Ravines is a high quality, low production winery founded by Morten Hallgren, a French-trained winemaker who oversaw winemaking at Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars before striking out on his own. His resume includes a stay at Biltmore Estate Winery.

The tasting fee (as with most Finger Lakes wineries) was a very reasonable cost, $2 for five tastes. The day’s first wine was an outstanding 2007 Dry Riesling, a winner with a flavor of apples and a distinct mineral finish.

Batting second was the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has a twist in that the predominate flavor was a grassy herbaciousness rather than citrus or melon. This was crisp and wonderful.
Our very accommodating  server wanted to be sure we tasted the 2007 Chardonnay as a bonus sixth selection. Rich and buttery.

The 2006 Cerise is a Pinot Noir and Lemberger blend that is peppery with a strong cherry flavor. (Cerise is French for cherry.) Drink this wine young.

The 2007 Pinot Noir was a complex and flavorful offering, but the stars of the tasting were the 2007 Cabernet Franc and the 2006 Meritage. The 2007 Cab Franc is the “vintage of the decade” according to our server. The nose was powerful and this is a great barbeque wine.

The superb Meritage is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It shows layers of flavors with finesse. Flavor notes of blackberry, currants and pepper. As a sensational accompaniment, we sampled a chocolate truffle with the Meritage and the combination was a symphony for the taste buds.

Spiderman bagged a bottle of Meritage and I the Cab Franc was we headed through the rain to our next winery.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Dance Uncorked in Sylvania October 17

Catholic Charities will host Dance Uncorked, an evening withlogo exceptional wines, exciting dance and outstanding silent auction items at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at the St. Joseph Sylvania Family Center. Tickets are $75.

Six local celebrities will team up with 6 professional dancers from The Dance Clinic to perform a dance routine for guests. Each pair will perform one dance and will be judged by the audience based on performance.

Celebrity dancers of the evening include Marianne Ballas, President, Ballas Buick; Frank Barone, M.D., F.A.C.S; Sally Dandar, Content Director and News Reporter for GossipGirls.com; Sister Ann Carmen Barone, O.S.F.; Reverend Alan Zobler, O.S.F.S; and Robert Shiels, Chief Meteorologist at WTOL-TV.

For information, visit http://www.danceuncorked.com/ or call Cheryl at (419) 244-6711, Ext. 405.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009

Karlbach Dornfelder Max 2003

This German red wine was sampled at the recent wine and cheese benefit event in Bowling Green. It is distributed by Bowling Green Beverage and I noticed a bottle recently while visiting Walt Churchill's Market in Maumee. Dornfelder Max is made from the Dornfelder grape, a popular grape variety in Germany. It has a traditional, fruity style.


Dornfelder is known for its deep, dark color and crisp, fresh fruit flavors. The grapes are grown on rich, loose soil and this helps to enhance the robust, fruity flavors of the Dornfelder Max.


When sampling, we were struck by the smoothness and the fruity flavor. Green Dragon said it had a very grapey taste, but quickly added that she liked it. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in 100-year old oak barrels. It lacks the earthy, tannic quality of a typical red. It is a nice smooth sipper with pleasant qualities, but little complexity. Retail price is $13.

The Lingenfelder family has been making wine in the Pfalz region of Germany for 13 generations and the red wines in in the Villa Karlbach line are aged in the house’s wine cellar. The wine village Grosskarlbach, where the Lingenfelder estate is located has been producing wine for over 1200 years and the wine tradition in the Pfalz region goes back even farther, to Roman times.
 
Enjoy it with a fresh baguette or piece of good cheese!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Finger Lakes: Bully Hill

FINGER LAKES TRAVEL REPORT – For our final visit on our first day, we visited my wife’s favorite from our last trip: Bully Hill Vineyards. Bully Hill is not so much about the wines as about the whole experience. Bully Hill is  rogue winery which
has marched to the beat of its own drummer since its founding in the late 1960s. Walter Taylor, the founder, is the son of Greyton Taylor who established the Taylor Wine Company.

Ed was pouring the tastes for us and immediately let us know that (in a fun way) “Bully Hill is fine wine and Napa is auto parts.” I was surprised to see the range of their dry wines. I came away from our last visit thinking they offered predominately sweet wines. A great thing about the Finger Lakes is that many wineries list the residual sugar for their wines: 0% or less than 1 is bone dry. A dessert wine can be over 20% . Bully hill also has a scale with a sweetness indicator on their wines and materials.

We started with their very dry Chardonnay Elise, which showed bright fruit and only a hint of oak. Next up was Chardonel, a unique cross between Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay. a refreshing melony wine you may find nowhere else.

Slightly up the sweetness scale was Lighthouse White, a nice blend of Seyval Blanc, Aurora and Cayuga. Aurora is another grape developed by Cornell that you are unlikely to see anywhere else except the Finger Lakes.

For the reds we tried the Cambourcin, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Foch and Barnyard Red. What a list! Our favorite was the Marechal Foch which is a dry red with a hint of raspberry. Bully Hill wines have great labels some created by Walter Taylor. The Barnyard Red may be the only label you’ll find that features an outhouse and purple pig.

This winery was one of our top picks during our three-day tour.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009

March of Dimes Auction & Wine Tasting Oct. 26th

The 15th annual March of Dimes Auction & Wine Tasting will be held 5 p.m. October 26 at the Crowne Plaza in Toledo. The event pays tribute to the culinary excellence of the chefs of the Toledo area. Each chef offers specially prepared hors d'oeuvres, entrees or desserts in a sampling for guests. Lead chef is Richard Grimm of Toledo Country Club. Host chef is Aaron Lawson of Crowne Plaza. Tickets are $75. For information call (419) 534-3600.

Chef participants include representatives from Beirut, City Barbecue, Hamway's on the Main, Handel's Homemade Ice cream, Hilton Toledo, Ice Creations, Kotobuki, Mancy's Bluewater Grille, Mary Poppins Cake Factory and Mercy Health Partners. Other participants include Nautica Cafe, Petit Patisserie & Cafe, PF Chang's, Revolver, Rosie's Italian Grille, Super Supers, Sweet Louisiana Sauces, Sylvania Country Club, Tea Tree Asian Bistro and Zia's.
Photo by Pricilla Darre

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Finger Lakes: Dr. Frank and Heron Hill

FINGER LAKES TRAVEL REPORT – We arrived in the Finger Lakes area (Hammondsport) about 3 Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Cellar. After our ride of more than six hours it was great to see Keuka Lake from Dr. Frank’s wonderful deck. Another nice feature is that the tasting is completely free.
We tasted 15 different wines. For me, the class of the tasting was the 2007 Dry Riesling. With a crisp acidity and great balance, this wine rocks. Other members of the crew had different favorites.  Green Dragon  favored the 2008 Cold Brook White – a beautiful white blend with a pleasing price tag of only $8.99. Glorious T selected the tasty Gewürztraminer with the peppery finish. Spiderman  selected the Rkatsiteli –this is an unusual grape and this is one of the few wineries that makes wine with it. Also notable is the Lemberger (very rare) and Celebre Rose Champagne. This won out over the much awarded Chateau Frank Blanc de Noirs in our mind.

With the help of our GPS navigator Jan, we were off to  Heron Hill. Heron Hill has one of the most beautiful wineries and tasting rooms in the Finger Lakes. With an expansive view from a hilltop, you can look out from the tasting room and view Lake Keuka and see the vines from which the wine you are sipping came.

Audrey was our server and provided some nice background on the winery and the wines. The tasting room is fashioned to look like the inside of a wine barrel
and is filled with attractive wine displays. It was awarded the most scenic tasting room by Travel + Leisure magazine. The easy drinking wine is titled Eclipse and both a red and white version are offered. These wines are nice but simple. The bottles do look excellent, scattered with stars.

Our favorite was the Reserve Old Vines Riesling 2007 with citrus aromas and a mineral finish. This is a European style Riesling with grapes from three different local vineyards. Their Semi-Dry Riesling 2007 is perhaps Heron Hill’s most awarded wine and offers a sweeter taste, but a great harmony of flavors.

On the red side the Reserve Pinot Noir ‘07 is a smooth, pleasant glass with delicate nuances and a deep color. This was our winner, even over the Reserve Blaufrankisch, which it turns out is a Lemberger. Glorious T gave this one the highest marks.

Heron Hill is a must-see for the Finger Lakes wine traveler.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Destination: Finger Lakes Wine Country

We’re getting ready to launch on a fall trip to the Finger Lakes wineries. You’ll be able to “tag along” through our posts. For those who have never visited this area,
  what are you waiting for? This is the largest concentration of wineries this side of Napa Valley. The region is about six-and-a-half hours from Toledo and is noted for its natural beauty with countless streams, rivers, gorges and waterfalls. There are more than 100 wineries and plentiful quaint towns, accommodating bed and breakfasts and charming restaurants. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, camping, biking and even dinner cruises on the lakes.

The Finger Lakes are a series of glacier-carved lakes that to the original settlers, resembled the shape of a hand. Native Americans believed that as God was creating the earth, he rested his hand, creating the Finger Lakes and leaving His imprint for all to see. In 1860 a Frenchman named Charlie Champlin founded the Pleasant Valley Wine Company to make wine with the local grapes. However, the true “father” of Finger Lakes wines is Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian-born professor of plant science who first cultivated the European vinifera style wine (despite naysayers).

The terroir of the Finger Lakes is unique with the character of the lakes and soil blending to express itself beautifully through the wines. The region is truly heaven for lovers of Riesling. The Riesling here takes on a crisp, minerally flavor. The dry Rieslings is perhaps the perfect expression of Finger Lakes winemaking, although there is a nice kaleidoscope of wine type's available. The Cabernet Franc is especially noteworthy.

The main lakes for wine lovers are Seneca, Keuka, Cayuga and Canandaigua. The lakes themselves are worth the trip – even without the world-class wine. Seneca Lake is 35 miles long and 630 feet deep in places!

The Finger Lakes are funky, fun and a great place to unwind with a glass of great wine. The setting is especially glorious during the fall foliage season. There’s much more than can be said – and you’ll hear it as we hit the road. Time to finish packing…

Monday, October 5, 2009

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Oct. 4, 2009

Thursday, October 8
The Andersons Maumee . Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Pinot Noirs Under $20. O’Reilly, Willamette Valley, Castle Rock Reserve, Russian River Valley. Cloud Line, Oregon, Joseph Carr, Sonoma Coast. $8 for flight. $2 each.
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The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Great Whites! Summer isn’t over yet (is it?) – let’s keep the sunny mood alive with a bright lineup of great white wines from Austria, Alsace, California, Burgundy, Germany, Champagne, even Canada! And don’t worry, there will be at least a couple of reds for the diehards. Hey, maybe we’ll watch Jaws! 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.
Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. Frei Brothers Sauvignon Blanc, Vigna Delle Monache Negro Amaro, Italy; Chateau Brassac, Bordeaux France plus one additional wine. 5-9 PM.

Friday, October 9
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Big Reds: 1. Protos Tinto, 2. Palazzo Della Torre, 3. Matetic EQ Syrah, 4. Buehler Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Great Whites! Summer isn’t over yet (is it?) – let’s keep the sunny mood alive with a bright lineup of great white wines from Austria, Alsace, California, Burgundy, Germany, Champagne, even Canada! And don’t worry, there will be at least a couple of reds for the diehards. Hey, maybe we’ll watch Jaws! 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. Frei Brothers Sauvignon Blanc, Vigna Delle Monache Negro Amaro, Italy; Chateau Brassac, Bordeaux France plus one additional wine. 5-9 PM.

Saturday, October 10
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Big Reds: 1. Protos Tinto, 2. Palazzo Della Torre, 3. Matetic EQ Syrah, 4. Buehler Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. Frei Brothers Sauvignon Blanc, Vigna Delle Monache Negro Amaro, Italy; Chateau Brassac, Bordeaux France plus one additional wine. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000— 2007 Cotes-du-Rhone wine tasting. No reservations are necessary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Average cost for the entire flight -- $7-$12. If the weather permits, enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Noon to 5 PM.

Red Newt Circle Riesling Touted in Wine Spectator

The Red Newt Winery in Hector New York is  favorite with us. We attended a winemakers dinner there last year and had a sensational time. We were pleased to see one of their Rieslings selected as a “great buy” in the latest issue of Wine Spectator.
Here’s the information as reported in Wine Spectator and distributed in the Red Newt newsletter:
Score: 88 points    Price: $12.00
"There's no shortage of crisp whites and good values coming out of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, and Red Newt owners David and Debra Whiting are among the most quality-conscious winery owners in this scenic region.  Located on the east side of Seneca Lake, Red Newt produces more than a dozen reds and whites, but few are more successful than Riesling.  Winemaker Dave Whiting made about 2,100 cases of the 2008.  Fermented in stainless steel, the Circle Label is designed with a touch of residual sweetness, keeping it user-friendly for new Riesling drinkers as well as showcasing the winery's younger vineyards, which Whiting believes don't have the acid structure to support the drier-style bottlings the winery also produces.  The result is a bright and refreshing off-dry wine with a candied lime peel edge to apple, pear, fig and anise notes."
Wine Spectator, Oct. 15, 2009, "500 Great Buys", Kim Marcus.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Why I Love Malbec

One of my friends is a psychology professor at a university out West. One of his favorite stories is about how he decided on his “signature drink.” He apparently tired of always ordering nondescript
cocktails and wanted something with the cachet of James Bond’s “shaken and stirred” martini. He enlisted some students to observe him in the bar as he ordered several different drinks and evaluate the reaction of others in the bar – especially the women. After running through several failed alternatives, (the Old Fashioned, the Box Car, and some fruity fru-fru drinks) he settled on the Gibson confident that all citizenry would sit up and take notice when he strode to the bar and confidently ordered his signature drink.

I think of Malbec in much the same way. Why order a wimpy house Merlot when you can call for an exotic Argentinean Malbec!   Malbec is exploding with popularity due to a sumptuous taste and unbelievable values.

The undisputed king of Argentine wines, Malbec is rich, dark, robust and fruity. Malbec has its roots in the Bordeaux region of France, where it is one of six grape varieties approved for making red wines. Malbec is typically just a small percentage of the blend. In fact, the amount of Malbec being grown in Bordeaux has been diminishing over the years.

Argentina, which has a highly developed wine culture, born of its Spanish roots and nurtured by waves of immigrants from other wine-loving countries, has welcomed Malbec with open arms.  Malbec has made Argentina, and especially the region of Mendoza, famous as a center for world class wine. It is the major red varietal planted in Argentina, which supplies more than 70% of the world’s Malbec. It is one of the few wines that have found greater fame in the New World than the Old World.

Flavor notes include plums, blackberries and even coffee. Some of the best examples taste like a softer,  lusher Merlot. Malbec also ages well. The Malbec name is not yet well recognized and so you can score some good bottles at reasonable prices. The Gascon Malbec is a tasty value we sampled two nights ago with friends. It's a sure winner.

Malbec is also known as Cot and Auxerrois in France. It is the dominant red grape in French Cahors, however, Cahors is not a well-know French appellation. Malbec is also planted in Chile,  California, South Africa, Italy and New Zealand with it typically blended in these countries.
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Friday, October 2, 2009

Familia Oliveda Cava Brut Jove


This Spanish sparkling wine is pale yellow in color with a nose of average intensity. Aromas of citruses, pear and honey. Fresh and flavorful in mouth. This is great for a warm summer's night. Chill well and enjoy with friends. Purchased at Corks. Rated by KN as good but a tad behind some other Spanish Cavas that are more crisp.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Banrock Station Moscato 2009


This is definitely a value wine. It was picked up by my wife while grocery shopping as a “backyard” casual sipper. In fact, this can be considered an ultra-value wine at about $4. Unfortunately, the price is just about the only good news.

While I would not give this wine my lowest rating (which is “ghastly”) it is not a very complex wine and comes to close to earning that label. It tends to the sweeter side of semi-dry and has a bit of fizz to it. The taste is citrusy with a prominent lemon tang. The body is rather flat with no finish to speak of. This is an Australian wine and the winery has been very supportive of environmental issues. Banrock Station’s 2002 Cabernet was selected as a top value wine by Wine Spectator, rated 86 with a price of $7. So the winery can produce some respectable wines. This Moscato, however, didn’t enchant us.

(I've noticed many people from around the world looking at this post. If you have tried this wine we would like to see your comment. PLEASE COMMENT by clicking on the comment link below. We would love to hear from you. Also read our follow-up article, by clicking “Rethinking Banrock Station Wines)

Rethinking Banrock Station Wines

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