Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Goose Watch 2007 Finger Lakes Viognier

Tired of Rieslings and Sauvignon Blancs – not to mention
Chardonays? Viognier is a great way to break out of the white wine rut.

This Viognier comes from one of our favorite Finger Lakes wineries, Goose Watch Winery. Goose Watch specializes in truly unique premium wines with a selection unlike any you will find anywhere in the world such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Traminette, Melody, Diamond, Merlot, and Lemberger. This winery is one of the best reasons to visit the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.

I’ve enjoyed some outstanding Viogniers from California and the Northwest and this wine holds its own with some very noted competition.

One of the main differences between Viognier and Riesling is the medium body, a few notches up from Riesling. Riesling can, in unpracticed hands, be a bit watery. This has a lovely, delicate tropical fruit flavor with floral notes.

This Goose Watch beauty is dry with only 0.5% residual sugar. The alcohol is 13%.

It matches nicely with seafood, poultry, and fruit. It has also bagged its share of gold medals in wine competitions. The 2007 vintage is no longer available, but the 2008 can be ordered online for a reasonable $18. There were 500 cases of the 2008 vintage produced.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Niagara Peninsula Winery Visit: Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery



Another in our series of reports on Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, wineries.

Wayne Gretzky is acknowledged as the greatest hockey player of all time. When he retired he held forty regular-season NHL records and fifteen playoff records. And when you are in Canada, as we were for our Ontario wine tasting trip, there is no bigger celebrity than “The Great One.” He sure knows how to blast a slap shot – but can he make a quality wine?

We were about to find out as our itinerary brought us to the winery of the famous No.”99."

Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery was established to raise money for the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which supports numerous charities, including minor hockey programs for less fortunate kids. The winery, in Vineland, is a great destination for hockey fans and wine lovers alike. 

All the Gretzky wines are designated as Niagara Peninsula VQA (the Canadian designation for a wine-growing appellation). The winery features its Grille restaurant with a great outdoor seating area. The tasting room, which is one of the smaller ones we visited, is nicely decorated and has the added appeal of plentiful Gretzky memorabilia on display. The winery gift shop is also a dynamite location if you have a friend or family member that is a sports fan – especially someone who follows hockey.

In 2009 the winery launched its Estate Series and we sampled a couple of bottles. Leading off was the 2007 Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc. I found this to be a unique twist on Sauvignon Blanc, less zingy than a New Zealand Sauv Blanc with decidedly grassy flavor notes mixed with tropical fruit. This wine is finished 70% in stainless steel and the remainder in oak – adding some nice character to the wine and a medium body. The Founders Series is the entry-level, value wines and the Estate Series is the next step up in price and quality. However, the price for this Sauvignon Blanc is only $18.95 Canadian – very reasonable.


The 2007 Estate Series Pinot Noir was light-bodied with pronounced tannins. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak (a combination of old and new). The wine has tangy cherries with a bit of spice. 830 cases were produced. A pleasant wine, but not exceptional in our minds. This wine also is priced at $18.95.

This is an upper-tier winery with some good wines. It is boosted into the “must-see” category by the fame of its celebrity owner. The fame of No. 99 may get you in the door, but you’ll find the high-quality wines a compelling reason to stay.

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Cameron Hughes Lot 90 2006 Tannat Lodi, California


This is the first 100% Tannat wine we’ve sampled. Tannat is a red grape grown primarily in Southwest France and Uruguay (and to a lesser extent in Argentina, Italy, and a handful of other locations including, apparently, California). Cameron Hughes is a negociant, buying wines from some top wineries and selling at discount prices.

The wines are available at discount stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and also World Market.

We picked up our bottle at Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee for only $6, which is an amazing bargain.

The Lot 90 is big on blueberry flavor and is a big wine with a full texture and robust body. In some countries, Tannat is used as a blending grape with Cabernet Sauvignon or other grape varieties. It’s easy to see why. This grape is heavy on the tannins and high in acidity.

This is a nice bargain that is worth checking out, if only so that you can casually drop the phrase, “I had a really interesting bottle of Tannat recently,” at your next party.
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Friday, November 26, 2010

Plan Your Affordable Finger Lakes Holiday Escape


The holiday season in Finger Lakes Wine Country just got more affordable. Escape to the cozy comfort of sitting fireside with someone
wwwBlue4web
special as you warm up with the tastes of the Finger Lakes. Take advantage of affordable packaging when you book a Winter Wine Weekends package between November 26, 2010 and March 20, 2011.

Participating accommodations are offering a third night free or at a discounted rate, plus you'll receive the Palate Passport at check-in which is full of great discounts, deals, and experiences.

More information is available,

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Bodega Tarima 2009 Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

Following the Beaujolais Nouveau dinner at Walt Churchill’s Market (Maumee), we were wandering through the wine department while Glorious T picked up a couple bottles of Beaujolais. I grabbed this bottle for a casual quaffer. The cost was only $8, so there was little to lose. The Jumilla region of Spain produces some great wines and some great values. Monastrell is also the grape for Wrongo Dongo, another Jumilla wine that is a value favorite for one of our tasting team members.

This wine was surprisingly good. It is smooth but has a full body. This is a big wine for the price. It is 100% Monastrell and produced from 25 to 30-year old vines. It has complex dark flavors with hints of licorice and chocolate.

Oh, yes. Green Dragon thinks that the label art illustration of a passionflower bloom is rather cool.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: November 24-27,2010

Pinot noir grapes at Santenay, on Burgundy's C...
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Wednesday, November 24 
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Great Wines for The Feast, Part II: 1. Ortman Pinot Noir, 2. Gregory Graham Zinfandel, 3. Weingut Eugen Wehrheim Niersteiner Paterberg Gewurztraminer Spatlese, 4. De Bortoli 8 Year Old Tawny Port. Nominal fee per sample or $8.50 flight.Thanksgiving style accompaniments will be provided by Honeybaked Ham and Saundra.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. New Arrival Holiday Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 25
Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. California Pinot Noir: 1. Steel Creek Monterey Pinot Noir, 2. Mackenzie RR "Boschetti" Pinot Noir, 3. La Crema Sonoma Pinot Noir, 4. Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Black Friday Fuel: Are you one of the millions of deranged consumers hellbent on lining up at 5 AM to buy toasters and doormats for just $1? Well, come on in! We'll start the tasting around 3, so you can stop in and freshen up between shopping excursions. Since you'll already be in a saving-frenzy, the focus will be on value and closeout wines. Don't worry, we won't let you get trampled.
Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, November 27
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. California Pinot Noir: 1. Steel Creek Monterey Pinot Noir, 2. Mackenzie RR "Boschetti" Pinot Noir, 3. La Crema Sonoma Pinot Noir, 4. Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Please help us feed the hungry by purchasing a Beringer Founders Estate Wine in November and December. Beringer is donating $ .50 to the NW Food Bank for every bottle purchased. 1. Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, 3. Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Grigio, 4. Beringer Founders Estate Riesling. Nominal fee per sample or $2.00 for flight.


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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving Wine Happenings Stuff Area Calendar

French red wine from the Loire Valley region o...Image via Wikipedia
Looking for an escape from relatives and leftover turkey? Here is a sampling of activities in the area and at regional wineries.

Get warmed up with a tasting Wednesday, November 24, at the Andersons in Sylvania from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Four “great wines for the feast” will be featured in a flight for $8.50. Thanksgiving style accompaniments will be provided including Honeybaked ham...

To recover post-Turkey Day, try some “Black Friday Fuel” on Friday, November 26, at Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Says wine manager Mike Gregg: “Are you one of the millions of deranged consumers hellbent on lining up at 5 AM to buy toasters and doormats for just $1? Well, come on in! We'll start the tasting around 3, so you can stop in and freshen up between shopping excursions. Since you'll already be in a saving-frenzy, the focus will be on value and closeout wines. Don't worry, I won't let you get trampled...

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor Rd., Grass Lake, Michigan (517) 522-8167 is hosting a holiday open house and food drive Saturday,  November 27, 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday, November 28, 12:00 noon to 5:30 PM. Bring a non-perishable food item to the open house and receive a free logo wine glass. (Limit of  one glass per person.) Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and live music throughout the day. All donations will benefit the Jackson Interfaith Shelter…

Chateau Aeronautique in Jackson, Michigan, offers suggestions for pairing its wines with your Thanksgiving Dinner. As an aperitif, Aviatrix Blush wets any appetite. Our Chardonnay, Chardonnel, and Seyval Blanc are winners with turkey; the wines complement the food, and the turkey opens up the wines. For smoked ham, DeChaunac; for maple or honey ham, Aviatrix Blush. For beef, of course the Cabernet Franc. For desserts, Late Harvest Riesling pairs well with most cakes; Pinot Gris with apple pie, Riesling with peach cobbler, and Aviatrix Blush with pumpkin and pecan pies…

Satek Winery, 6208 N. Van Guilder Road, Fremont, Indiana, is offering a trio of new releases: Blueberry Wine, a fall favorite returns with aromatic semi-sweet fruit wine with hints of nutmeg and cloves, made from Indiana blueberries; Larry's Luscious Dry Red Wine, 2009,  a Meritage style dry red blend of three Indiana-grown grapes; Pinot Noir, 2008, dry red wine boasting cherry cola and roasted strawberry flavor array…

Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Road, Jackson, Michigan (517) 764-0679 has scheduled a holiday open house on Saturday, November 27  and Sunday, November 28 featuring live music, holiday treats, a free ornament for all visitors, and a 5% discount on all wine-related gifts. Free admission.
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Monday, November 22, 2010

2010 Wine Harvest Celebrated With Arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau

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For wine lovers, the third Thursday of November holds a special place in their hearts. On that day the Beaujolais Nouveau is released and it is greeted with fanfare and celebration. A band of 30 vino fans gathered at Walt Churchill’s Market (Maumee) to celebrate the occasion with several different bottlings of BN and a hearty traditional French dish.

The wine, produced from Gamay grapes located in the southern part of France’s Burgundy region, is a special category. The wines are only seven to nine weeks old, quite a contrast to your typical red wines which are aged for months and then released the following year or in some cases even longer. These wines typically sell in the neighborhood of $10 to $15.

This is a celebration of the harvest that has endured as long as humans have cultivated grapes – and wine manager Austin Beeman was front and center during the event at Walt Churchill’s Market pouring wine and explaining the traditions. The Beaujolais is fresh and fruity and made to be consumed young. To accompany the wine we were treated to cassoulet – a white bean and meat stew with over a thousand years of history.

This wasn’t a wine tasting per se. Really, how do you compare wines that are only weeks old? It was more of a wine party with friends new and old. The cassoulet, as Austin related’ is a traditional French dish said to be served to Crusaders headed to the Holy Land. The dish is “maximum calories in minimum bites.” The exact recipe wasn’t shared, but there was plentiful meat (lamb? pork?) plus white b
eans.

We sampled BN wines from Georges Dubeouf, Bouchard Aine & Fils, Domaine Rochette and Joseph Drouhin. Glorious T and Green Dragon gave the nod to Maison Drouhin as having the best of the Beaujolais.

This is a very light and obviously young wine. There are no tannin flavors at all. It shouldn’t be stored and should be avoided if you see it on the shelves after the first of the year. This is a wine that could accompany your Thanksgiving turkey, although a nice Pinot Noir works great as well.

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Tanzanian Paintings on Exhibit At Vino 100 During November


The Arts Council Lake Erie West is sponsoring an exhibition of four Tanzanian, East African painters at Vino100, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Maumee, during the month of November.  The exhibition is open free to the public during business hours:  Monday through Wednesday,  Noon-10:00 PM; Thursday through Saturday Noon-Midnight.

The painters, two young women, and two young men, were selected for their high quality, professionalism, and four distinct styles of painting.  The artists are all active in promoting the arts in Tanzania as a personal expression and as a means of economic development for Tanzania.

Pendael Naftal Mollel is from the Maasai tribe in Arusha. His paintings of area wild animal scenes and portraits are highly realistic and directly from life or from actual photos he has taken in the field.

Kaiza Khamis Mohammed is a leader in the Zanzibar Women Artists’ Network and has assisted with the copywriting of the ‘henna’ painting style taken from the traditional body adornment techniques.

Seif Soud is from Zanzibar where he is one of the founders and leaders of the Zanzibar Young Artists’ Association.   Seif is a master in oils with the palette knife and brush strokes.  He paints local historic Zanzibar scenery and portraits of Zanzibar residents.  The paintings in this exhibit relate to the early relationships with the United States. 

Tatu Ally Hussein is also a leader in the Zanzibar Women Artists’ Network and paints in the traditional Tanzanian style of tinga-tinga. Tinga-tinga is characterized by a naïve and surrealistic style using brilliant and highly saturated colorful bicycle paints.  Her paintings reflect the local flora and fauna of Tanzania and are very popular with tourists because of the unique style.

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Friday, November 19, 2010

A Dozen Budget Wine Picks


Loews Hotels’ team of sommeliers has put together a list of 12 suggested wines in the budget category along with approximate prices. Do you have a favorite wine under $20? Let us hear about it by leaving a comment.

WHITE WINES:

Paco & Lola, Albarino, D.O. Salnes Valley, Rias Biaxas, Spain: $18
Pale straw color; bright and youthful; fresh notes of citrus; green apples, peaches and floral notes; refreshing and crisp on the palate; the perfect sushi and fresh seafood wine.


14 Hands, Riesling, Washington: $11
Wonderful aromas of apple blossom and tangerine with a hint of wet stone. Flavors of fresh peaches and Granny Smith apples fill the mouth with racy acidity and a juicy finish. A perfect pairing for spicy Asian dishes, or before dinner as a cocktail.

Walnut Crest by Emiliana, Valle Central, Chile: $9
Light, clean and crisp with fresh citrus and grassy aromas on the bouquet. Flavors of pear, kiwi and melon dominate the taste of this dry, fruit forward style wine that finishes with a zesty twist of lemon and grapefruit.

Chasing Venus, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand: $15
This fun white is a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with flavors of grapefruit and gooseberry followed by a crisp and lingering finish. Chasing Venus focuses on what New Zealand does best: Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit source is from the Comely Bank and the Griggs vineyards in the heart of the Marlborough region. Try it with grilled fish.


Sonoma - Cutrer, Chardonnay, Russian River, California : $22
The Russian River Ranches is packed with fragrant aromas of ripe pears, pineapple and acacia blossom - perfect compliments to its crisp and firm structure. On the palate, flavor notes of fresh red apple, peach, apricot and melon seems to go on forever with just a hint of oak, leading to a rich, long-lasting, perfectly balanced finish. A perfect complement to poultry, fresh sea bass or halibut - especially when finished with cream or butter - or rich, buttery cheeses like young Gouda.


RED WINES:

Pinot Noir, Irony, Monterey: $13
Aromas of ripe, red cherry, vanilla and undertones of earthy clove and mushroom.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Geyser Peak "Walking Tree", Alexander Valley: $28
Subtle aromas of luscious blueberry and blackberry that are refined and perfectly balanced with a long and elegant finish.


Zinfandel, Sanctuary "Mariah Vineyard": $24
Full bodied yet elegant with flavors of blackberry, black licorice, white pepper and exotic aromas of mandarin orange.

SPARKLING WINE:

Domaine Chandon Brut, Sustainable: $16
Fresh and lively with a hint of pear, fig and honeysuckle; recommended as an aperitif.

Poema Cava, "Penedes" Brut, Sustainable: $12
Excellent value for this sparkler from the northeastern region in Spain. Ripe peaches with creamy texture and an elegant finish.

CHAMPAGNE:

Taittinger, Sustainable: $35
Complex with a nice bouquet of peaches and tropical fruit with a dry finish.

Henriot Brut Souverain NV, Sustainable: $38
A fine crafted wine, dry and rich with apple and apricot flavor, cream and vanilla on the finish.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Vino 100 Offers French Wine Flights

French wines are usually made to accompany food.
Image via Wikipedia
In November, Vino 100, 3355 Briarfield Boulevard, Maumee, (419) 866-8466, will be celebrating French Wines. All flights during the month will concentrate and focus on the French Wines Monday through Saturday.

The cost of the flights (4-3 oz. pours with light pairings)will be $20. If you purchase a bottle, you will receive $5 off your tasting! No Reservation required.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: November 17-20, 2010



Wednesday, November 17 
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Son of Z-Best! 1. Roederer Brut Premier Champagne, 2. Ehlers Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 3. Gorman Winery “Albatross” Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot 2007, 4. Dr. Loosen Eiswein 2007. For this once a year tasting Mike Bailey from our House of Meats will be preparing prime rib and tenderloin, Saundra will be preparing a variety of special foods to accompany the wines, and we will have live jazz. Flight is $34.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Holiday Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 18
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. The Furst – Pinot Blanc – Alsace, France, 2. Raptor Ridge – Pinot Gris – Willamette Valley, Oregon, 3. Tavel – Rose’ – France, 4. G & M Machmer – Gewurztraminer – Germany. Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines For Thanksgiving & Beaujolais Nouveau: 1. Monmousseau Vouvray, 2. Mireille & Vincent Rose, 3. Mireille & Vincent Cote du Rhone, 4. Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, 5. Darting Riesling Kabinett, 6. Mon Ami Ice Wine, 7. Pelee Island Ice Wine and Beaujolais Nouveau at Various Prices. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Holiday Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Thanksgiving Twist. Well, here it is, our obligatory Thanksgiving wine tasting. Yep, every one's going to be doing one this week, and every one's going to be pouring Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Rosés. Not us. We're gonna throw a Thanksgiving twister with some super, spiced-up wines, both exotic and controversial. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Beaujolais Nouveau 2010 Party. 6:00 to 8:30 PM. $30 per person.  Ticket must be purchased in advance – see Austin. Limited to 30 people. Featuring Chef Bill’s authentic French Cassoulet.

Friday, November 19 
* Special Event *  The Wine Affair, a benefit for the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio. 6:30 PM, Parkway Place in Maumee. Silent auction, live auction and a sampling of fine wines from area wine distributors. Appetizers will be supplied by notable area restaurants. The cost for this black-tie optional event is $100 per person. To register online go to http://www.kfnwo.org/ or call (419) 329-2353.


Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. Mi Terruno Sweet Torrontes, 2. Chateau Souverain Chandonnay, 3. Apothic Red Blend, 4. Meiomi Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Thanksgiving Twist. Well, here it is, our obligatory Thanksgiving wine tasting. Yep, every one's going to be doing one this week, and every one's going to be pouring Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Rosés. Not us. We're gonna throw a Thanksgiving twister with some super, spiced-up wines, both exotic and controversial. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, November 20
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. Mi Terruno Sweet Torrontes, 2. Chateau Souverain Chandonnay, 3. Apothic Red Blend, 4. Meiomi Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Nominal fee per sample or $3.00 for flight.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Perfect Pairings – for Thanksgiving Dinner. Nominal fee per sample or by the flight.

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Help with Thanksgiving Wine Selection: Wine Version of “Turkey Hotline” Now on Facebook

A glass of Beaujolais red wine with salad as b...Image via Wikipedia
Looking for just the right wine to pair with this year’s Thanksgiving turkey? Need an expert to recommend a red wine to complement the standing rib roast this Christmas Eve? Is there a drink that can stand up to Bubby’s latkes? Want a great bottle of bubbly to pop open on New Year’s Eve? The wine experts at Loews Hotels will be ready to take care of all these questions and more, with Loews Hotels’ Wine Line now through January 1, 2011.

Before the holidays send you over the brink, put down the corkscrew, take a deep breath and visit Loews Hotels on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoewsHotels (“Wine Line” tab). Post a question on the wall and have it answered by an expert. Knowledgeable, warm and unpretentious certified sommeliers will help guide cooks at home through their wine pairing or wine gift giving dilemmas, no matter their budget.
Four of Loews 15 certified sommeliers will serve on the Wine Line panel. Loews Hotels promises to respond to all questions within 24-hours, if not sooner.

“For years, loyal guests from across the country have been contacting our hotels during the holiday season, asking questions of our chefs and sommeliers,” said Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels. “We have always answered those questions with great detail and expert advice, so the Loews Hotels Wine Line is our way of sharing the vast wine and food knowledge among our sommeliers and chefs with everyone. We are delighted to take some of the stress out of the holiday season whether you’re planning a special meal or looking to give a gift of wine.”

What lessons can be learned from the Loews Hotels Wine Line? Time will no doubt reveal stories and questions as entertaining as those posed to the Turkey Hotline over the years, but for now, consider these tips: While everyone knows that white wines go well with turkey, you may also want to consider a pinot noir, which has a bit fuller flavor than white wines. Because it has very few tannins, it will not overwhelm the meal. Also, keep in mind that salty or smoked foods are best served with sweet white wines such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.


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Monday, November 15, 2010

Another Rustic Wine Tasting: 2007 Red Guitar and 2007 Seven Artisans Petite Sirah


Each year we travel to the hills of West Virginia for the Game Cabin, its a time to bond with college buddies in a rustic setting, enjoy a few drinks, and relive the glory days. Over the years our beverages of choice have shifted and we typically have several bottles of wine to enjoy during the get-together.

This year’s cabin was in Watoga State Park. It was quite a bit different than our normal location of Seneca State Park. The Seneca location – about 15 miles away – is truly rustic. The cabins were built in the 1930s and feature wood stoves, gas lights, no running water, and an outhouse. However, the escape from modern conveniences really is an elixir for the soul.

In Watoga, we were “forced” to endure the modern conveniences of running water, electricity, and two bathrooms. Green Dragon didn’t seem to mind this change of setting.


We tried a trio of wines with a nice spaghetti dinner. We had picked up a bottle of Red Guitar, thinking it might be a nice match for dinner. This Spanish wine is Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache) from old vines, some more than 100 years old.

These gnarled old vines from the ancient region of Navarra yield grapes with highly concentrated flavors. Garnacha is a light, fruity grape and Tempranillo is one of Spain’s signature grapes. This was a light and enjoyable drink.

The Petite Sirah is a much fuller-bodied wine, loaded with dark fruit. It is rich and pairs well with full-bodied food. This ink-dark wine seemed to be a better match for our dinner. 

The winner for this meal was a 2008 Campos Reales Tempranillo from the La Mancha region of Spain. This had the smoothness, light tannins, and touch of acidity to make a nice match with our meal. It is a youthful, medium-bodied wine with a deep violet color and flavors of blackberries and strawberries.
These wines were just the ticket after a long day of hiking the West Virginia hills. The weather was cold – we saw the first snow of the season – so these really helped us warm up.

A highlight for the trip was a Friday night party at the “party platform” an old CCC-era reservoir building with a concrete top that allowed us to have a nice campfire to enjoy some vino and play some guitar while the snowflakes were coming down from above.game cabin10 012 A hike in Beartown, a visit to the Greenbank National Radio Observatory and lunch at the Pretty Penny in Hillsboro rounded out another great cabin.

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Orin Swift Wines Captivate Crowd; New Release Abstract Joins The Prisoner

Orin Swift’s Prisoner is an iconic wine, a perfect blending of Zinfandel, and five other grapes that has captured the palates of a multitude of American wine lovers. It was one of four Orin Swift wines highlighted during a recent tasting at Corks hosted by wine manager Mike Gregg and Vanguard distributing representative Dave Duling.


Dave Phinney, the founder of Orin Swift Cellars, was a political science student who had just graduated after a semester internship with a congressman. He decided he needed a “more honest” profession and entered the wine business as the low man on the totem pole working his first harvest at the Robert Mondavi Winery. He was hooked and started Orin Swift Cellars the next year with two tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes and one pair of shoes.

He’s come a long way. The wines showcased at Corks show his finesse and range.

We opened the tasting with Veladora, a 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. This is 94% Sauv Blanc with 2% Muscat and 4% Semillon. We’ve been tasting quite a few New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs lately and this seemed subdued by comparison. It has flavors of tropical fruit and vanilla and a long finish. This is finished in stainless steel with 10% in French oak – but the oak certainly came through to me on the finish.

I suspect that this would grow on me, given time for the wine and me to unwind, but on this night, the reds were the main attraction.

We moved to the 2009 Abstract California Red Wine. As the first release for a new Orin Swift wine, this has generated quite a buzz. At $25 it is also one of the most affordable OSC wines.

This is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, mostly from the hillside vineyards in Sonoma County. The exact percentages in the blend haven’t been disclosed, but typically the grapes are listed in descending percentage order. That may be the case here, but those expecting some lightness from the Grenache will be greeted with a big body punch from this full-bodied, richly textured wine.

It’s a dense wine that I suspect is powered by the Petite Sirah. The wine was inspired by Dave Phinney’s visit to the French Roussillon region in the Pyrenees mountains. He recently started his own winery there and wanted to create something similar from the grapes back home.This is a plump, enjoyable wine.


Dave Duling Releases "The Prisoner"
Batting next was The Prisoner 2008 Napa Valley Red Wine. This is a masterful blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono and 1% Grenache. (My first experience with Charbono. Heretofore I thought Charbono was an outfielder for the Indians a couple decades ago.)

It’s easy to see why The Prisoner has captivated so many. Swirling unleashes a wonderful aroma of currant and blackberry. The texture and body are bold although the tannins are mellow. The finish really lingers. Dave Duling commented that it “starts like a Zin and finishes like a Cab.” It is beautifully balanced.

The Prisoner retails for about $37 and is worth every penny.

Rounding out the stable of OSC wines was Papillon.  Each wine has a unique label, and Papillon is no exception. It features a black and white photo of third-generation Napa Valley grape grower Vince Toffanelli’s hands with a letter on each finger spelling out the wine’s name.

Papillon is a Bordeaux blend with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from a number of great Napa vineyards including Lewelling, Taplin, Ink Grade, and Morisoli. These span the Napa Valley appellations of Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Howell Mountain.

The wine has a soft approach and is quite lush. This is finished for 20 months in French oak with a third of the barrels being new. The wine has a great complexity to be savored before it eases into a soft finish. Quite a debate was triggered when our band of tasters tried to decide which was the top wine. There was a 50-50 split between The Prisoner and Papillon. There was a consensus that Abstract is a QPR winner. It’s a nice buy for $25 while Papillon weighs in at about $55.

You should be pourin’ Orin; these are wonderful wines.
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Friday, November 12, 2010

Wine Affair: A Vintage To Remember Takes Place Friday, November 19

The Wine Affair, a benefit for the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio and one of the area’s top wine events, will take Place Friday, November 19, at 6:30 PM at the Parkway Place in Maumee. The cost for this black-tie optional event is $100 per person.

The Wine Affair includes a silent auction, a live auction conducted by auctioneer Beth Rose and a sampling of fine wines from area wine distributors.

Appetizers will be supplied by notable area restaurants including the Beirut/Byblos/Poco Piatti, Ice Restaurant & Bar, Koto Buki, La Scola Italian Grill, Super Suppers, Manhattan’s, The Melting Pot and Wixey Bakery.

Honorary Chair is Randy Oostra, president and CEO of ProMedica Health System. WTOL News 11 television personality Chrys Peterson will serve as emcee. Tonya Robinson and Timothy Dudderar are the event chairs. An interesting attraction is artist Robert Schira, who will create a watercolor-on-canvas painting that will be framed and sold at the live auction.

To register online go to www.kfnwo.org or call (419) 329-2353.
Flickr photo by andi.vs.zf
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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Niagara Peninsula Winery Visit: Megalomaniac (John Howard Cellars of Distinction)

 Megalomaniac on our recent visit to Ontario.
There certainly was no other winery like

It starts with the attitude. John Howard is the owner of the winery and had originally planned to market the wines under his own name. One of his friends called him just another (expletive) megalomaniac and the name stuck. He says that the wine is designed “to be shared by friends of equivalent or even greater egos.” The wine, he says, pairs very well with delusional fantasies of wealth, power, and occasionally, omnipotence.

The roadside sign beckons you to a winding road through sweeping vineyards on gently rolling hills. As we admired the sights we were startled by the occasional blast cannon that frightens away the birds – and perhaps US tourists.  The winery sits on a 96-acre site on what some say is the highest spot on the Niagara Escarpment, the rocky geologic feature that gives the region its wonderful terroir.

Our destination at the end of the road was not a magnificent mansion, but an entrance to an underground cellar. An expansive tasting bar gives visitors a total tasting experience in the midst of a production and barrel-aging facility. You might call it “shabby chic” because although it is an underground cellar, there were chandeliers and other touches of opulence down below.

Quirky marketing and ‘tude aside, Megalomaniac makes some fine limited quantity, artisan wine. We began the tasting with the 2006
Narcissist Riesling. This is a bone dry Riesling that is very good with minerally notes.

We proceeded to taste the 2008 Frank Cabernet (Cabernet Franc). This was a winner with a healthy dose of spice and black cherry. The 2007 Bigmouth Merlot provided a pop of cherry and smooth finish. The Merlot was the most noteworthy and is aged for 22 months in French Oak.

If you are audacious enough, insist on having things your way and want a wine that matches the sky-high ego of its owner, then be sure that Megalomaniac is on the list for your next visit to the Niagara Peninsula.niagara 035

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: November 10-13, 2010


Wednesday, November 10 
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines for Thanksgiving Part I: 1. Estampa Estate Viognier/Chardonnay, 2.  Brooks Pinot Noir, 3. Karly “Pokerville” Zinfandel, 4. Pannonian Red. Nominal fee per sample or $8.00 per flight.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Beautifully Blended Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 11
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Dessert Wines, Sherry and Ports: 1. St. Christopher – Auslese Riesling – Rheinhessen, Germany, 2. Pedro Romero – Moscatel Sherry – Jerez Xeres, Spain, 3. Hardys Whiskers Blake – Classic Tawny Port – Austrailia, 4. Noval – “Black” Reserve Ruby Port – Portugal. Nominal fee per sample or $7.00 flight. 
 
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. The World of Syrah: 1.Langmeil “Hangin’ Snakes” Barossa, 2. Selkirk Bremerton Langhorn Creek, 3. Mollydooker “The Boxer” Australia, 4. Gorman “Pixie” Red Mountain, Washington, 5. Two Percent “The First Drop” Barossa, 6. McCray “Orleans Cuvee” Yakima Valley, Washington, 7. Ojai “Roll Ranch” California, 8. Mollydooker “Blue Eyed Boy” Australia. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Beautifully Blended Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Orin Swift. Orin Swift is a very hot, young brand out of Napa. The owner and winemaker, Dave Phinney, is a master of blending, and his wines are consistently rated and ranked highly. Join us as we welcome our special guest, Dave Duling, of Vanguard Wines. He'll be there to tell the tale of Orin Swift, and to pour through the amazing lineup.Nominal fee per sample.

Manhattan's Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Toledo. Wine Tasting with Uptown Vineyard. 6:30 PM. $15. Five wines and appetizers. In Union Square room. Reservations required. E-mail info@uptownvineyard.com or call (866) 276-1984.

TREO Restaurant & Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. 7:00 PM. Fall Harvest Dinner. Italian-themed night features six courses paired with wines from Claudio Salavador. $65. Call to RSVP or for info or email events@treosylvania.com.

Friday, November 12 
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. California Rhone Style Blends: Featuring Dave Duling from Vanguard Distributing. 1. White Elephant Chenin-Viognier, 2. Curran Granache Blanc, 3. Cline "Cashmere", 4. Orin-Swift "Abstract. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Orin Swift. Orin Swift is a very hot, young brand out of Napa. The owner and winemaker, Dave Phinney, is a master of blending, and his wines are consistently rated and ranked highly. Join us as we welcome our special guest, Dave Duling, of Vanguard Wines. He'll be there to tell the tale of Orin Swift, and to pour through the amazing lineup.Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, November 13
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. California Rhone Style Blends: Featuring Dave Duling from Vanguard Distributing. 1. White Elephant Chenin-Viognier, 2. Curran Granache Blanc, 3. Cline "Cashmere", 4. Orin-Swift "Abstract. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. 1. Bott Geyl 2007 Pinot d’Alsace Metiss, France, 2. G. Duboeuf 2008 Morgan Beaujolais France, 3. Chateau St Michelle Riesling Washington State, 4. WV Blueberry Mist Sparkling, Versailles Ohio. Nominal fee per sample or $3.00 for flight.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Bordeaux Verticals from Famille Vaulthier. From the family behind some of the world’s greatest wines.We will be tasting multiple vintage of some world-class Bordeaux wines with an emphasis on Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. Premium tasting. Fee per sample or by the flight.

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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Beaujolais Nouveau Party Set November 18 at Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee

Beaujolais Nouveau
The 5th Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Party is scheduled 6:00 to 8:30 PM on Thursday, November 18, at Walt Churchill’s Market (Briarfield), 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. The cost of the event is $30 per person and is limited to 30 people.

On the third Thursday of November, the world of wine takes a day to celebrate.  The release of the Vintage 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau is a celebration of the harvest that has endured as long as humans have cultivated grapes. Deliciously fresh and fruity Beaujolais is poured and consumed along with a dinner of Cassoulet.  Cassoulet is a white bean and meat stew with over a thousand years of history. This is a delicious feast that you won’t soon forget.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at the store. Only 30 tickets are available and are expected to sell out quickly. Contact Austin Beeman to buy tickets.

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