Friday, December 31, 2010

Champagne 101: Understanding Our Favorite Sparkler


When you finally climb to the top of the hill and reach the apex of achievement, you don’t celebrate by twisting off a bottle cap on a Bud Light. Whether it is a Super Bowl win, the winning lottery ticket or a special anniversary, the pop and fizz of Champagne is necessary to make the celebration complete.

Although sparkling wine is produced around the world, Champagne is produced exclusively in France. The Champagne region is the most northern winemaking region in France and is located about an hour and a half northeast of Paris. Occasionally you will see wines produced outside France, especially in the US and Australia, labeled as “Champagne” to help with the marketing. These are usually lower quality wines that should be labeled as sparkling wine. Only 10% of the world’s sparkling wine is truly Champagne.

There are three main grapes used in the production of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. These grapes (and occasionally others) are blended to create complex wines in bottles of extra thick glass designed to handle the pressure from the carbon dioxide in the wine. That’s one reason why Champagne is more expensive than regular wine. We don’t need an exploding bottle to liven up the party.

Authentic Champagne is bottled using what is called the traditional method (also called the Classic or Champagne method). You may see the term Methode Traditionelle on the label. This method produces a smooth and creamy wine with smaller bubbles.

There are two fermentations: The first converts the grape juice into wine. The fermentation is done separately with wines from different vineyards and vintages. In the second step, the Champagne producer blends the various wines in order to provide a consistent product. A winemaker can blend from 20 to 100 different wines to get just the right taste.

The second fermentation is in the bottle and it is then that the sparkling aspect of the wine is produced. This can take one to three years or more. While the first fermentation takes place in open containers (allowing the carbon dioxide to escape) the second in-bottle fermentation traps the gas and creates the famous Champagne bubbles. During the aging process natural sediment from the bottle is removed (after the top of the bottle is frozen).

Most Champagne you see is non-vintage (grapes not from one particular year). In still wine, NV can mean an inferior product. Not so with Champagne. Vintage Champagne is produced using grapes entirely of a single year – but this only happens when the winemaker feel the grapes are exceptional. In a decade, a normal producer might have only three vintage years. This Champagne is fuller, creamier and more expensive than NV. The top of the Champagne ladder is the Prestige Cuvee Champagne, which is made only in small quantities from a single exceptional vintage. This is the most expensive, highest-quality Champagne there is.

We hope we’ve whet your whistle for some bubbly. Here are a few closing tips: 1) Hold the cork and gently twist the bottle to uncork. You should hear a hiss or sigh rather than a loud pop, 2) Traditionally, Champagne is poured using one hand. Place your thumb in the hollow of the bottle at the bottom and spread your fingers around the base, 3) Pour only a small amount of Champagne at first. After the wine settles, fill the glass two-thirds full.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

2007 Domaine du Dragon “Cuvée St. Michel”

I grabbed this bottle after seeing it several times as a recommended pick in the Perrysburg Churchill’s. I thought a Dragon wine would be a good choice to enjoy with my wife (whose blogging nickname is Green Dragon).  This French wine comes from Provence.

This is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. The vineyards of Domaine du Dragon are on the chalky hillsides and so the wines have a dry minerality. Cuvee is a French term for vat or tank and in wine lingo, it usually means a special blend of higher quality.

This is a rich wine and the Syrah really came through with some earthy flavor notes. It is aged in French oak for 13 months and although not overly oaky, it provides a nice foundation for the wine. This was an enjoyable bottle, although a bit restrained – we wouldn’t have minded the fruit being ratcheted up a bit. I felt this wine would benefit from some aging. I got some subtle flavors of green pepper.

This is a quality French red for a nice price of only $19. The percentages of the grapes in the blend varies from year to year. The 2007 vintage is said to be outstanding, so this might be a good choice to pick up a few bottles and lay down for a year or two.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: December 29, 2010 – January 1, 2011

Murganheira Bottle of sparkling wine.Image via Wikipedia
Wednesday, December 29 
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Sparkling Wines. $15.

Thursday, December 30
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Ring in the New Year with the World: 1. De Bortoli - Sparkling Brut – Australia,2. MOET & Chandon - Champagne – France,
3. MUMM NAPA - Brut - Napa Valley, California, 4. Maui Splash - Passion Fruit Punch - Maui, Hawaii. $9.00  per flight or nominal fee per sample.    

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Sparkling Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Best of Corks 2010: For the last tasting of the year, we've decided to do a lineup of customer and staff favorites from 2010. Based on your taste (and especially mine), this should be a stellar tasting of epic proportions. Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, December 31
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. While there is no official tasting today, there will be some awesome sparkling wine at the bar, including an extra-special-super-secret-surprise. All day long. Nominal fee per sample.

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

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Should You Smell Your Wine Cork?

When enjoying a nice bottle of wine at a restaurant, your server will first show you the bottle of wine so that you can confirm that this is indeed the bottle you ordered, and then open the bottle and present you with the cork. What, you may wonder, are you supposed to do with it?


There is no need – and no point – in smelling the cork. Instead, you should quickly study it. If the wine has been properly stored on its side you’ll note that the end of the cork will be damp, and in the case of red wine, dark with the color of the wine. This is what you should find. If a wine is stored upright, the cork may dry out. This can lead to the cork not being removed intact or crumbling, which could mean you’ll be getting cork residue in your bottle.

If a cork has dried out, it is possible that it hasn’t given your wine the seal of protection for which it was designed. When you try your initial taste, you can determine if the wine has spoiled.

In short, when presented with the cork, give it a quick once-over. Unless it is dried out and crumbling, give a knowing nod of approval and prepare to sample your selected wine. Don’t be a “cork dork” by attempting to savor the aroma of a cork.

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Monday, December 27, 2010

Cascade Cliffs Goat Head Red, Columbia Valley

Too often when looking for value, wine consumers drift offshore – looking to Chile, Argentina, or Australia. You don’t need to roam so far from home! There are some great drinking domestic wines that will tickle the palate and go light on the wallet.

Cascade Cliffs is a family-owned winery in the scenic Columbia River Gorge of Washington. We’ve sampled their goods before and very much enjoyed them. I picked up a bottle of Cascade Cliffs Goat Head Red (NV) as an everyday bottle to have handy for an after-dinner drink or if company dropped in.

Goat Head Red is a winemaker’s blend. The best of the winemaker’s blends are made with traditional Bordeaux grapes and (along with conforming to some other guidelines) are sold as Meritage. I’m a Meritage fan and suggest this as a wine style to explore if you enjoy reds. But not all red blends are destined to be bottled as Meritage.

Cascade Cliffs focuses on Piedmont (Italy) grapes and so grows Dolcetto in addition to Barbera and Nebbiolo. The Goat Head Red uses equal parts of Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. To me, this is very cool. Nebbiolo is the grape used in Barolo and Barbaresco, the greatest wines of Italy.

The cost is only around $12 and it is a vibrant glass of wine. It has a deep black cherry flavor and medium to full body. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, not oak barrels, so the fruit retains its brightness. We enjoyed a Christmas meal of beef tenderloin and the Goat Head Red paired beautifully with the meat.

This wine is versatile, being enjoyable enough to sip alone but food-friendly enough to pair with beef dishes, chicken parmesan or mushroom risotto. Recommended highly.

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Friday, December 24, 2010

Ohio Winery Photo Contest Can Earn You Sweet Prize

Bookmark and Share   Planning to visit Ohio wineries this holiday season? If so, be sure to take your camera and put
Old camera-wholeImage via Wikipedia
your photography skills to work by entering the Ohio Grape Industries Committee's photo contest.

Photos may depict any aspect of your Ohio winery and wine experience, including the scenic vineyards, fun tasting rooms, your family and friends enjoying their favorite Ohio wines during holiday get togethers . . . the possibilities are endless.

The top five photographers will receive a gift basket filled with Ohio food and wine, valued at $100. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Grape Industries Committee at (614) 728-6438. The OGIC has downloadable turn-by-turn directions to Ohio's more than 150 wineries at http://www.ohiowinesonthego.com/. That will make it easier to get out, try some wine and snap some photos,

Click below for a list of rules and the entry form.

2011 Ohio Wines Photo Contest Rules



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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Niagara Peninsula Winery Visit: Featherstone Winery & Vineyard

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


Featherstone is known for its eco-friendly habits.
Featherstone Winery & Vineyard is an eco-friendly estate in the Twenty Mile Bench appellation in the Niagara Peninsula area of Ontario.

The winery first came to my attention when they announced they would be doing a red-tailed hawk release at the property along with the release of one of their wines. We featured the story on the blog and there was a lot of interest in it. I wanted to be sure we visited Featherstone during our whirlwind tour of the Niagara area.

Another appealing aspect of the wine is that it controls its vineyard from soil to air. Flocks of birds and resident birds can cause damage to a crop, which can lead to other problems (insects and rot). To help control this, co-owner Louise Engel, a licensed falconer, flies a Harris Hawk in the vineyard.


Scenic grounds of Featherstone
We had a long day of travel from Ohio and were wrapping up an extended string of winery visits, causing us to arrive about 15 minutes before the tasting room closed. The grounds were beautiful with the focal point being the large white house with a spacious wrap-around veranda that hosts meals and wine events.

The tasting team scooted inside the compact tasting room bar. Unfortunately, the arrival of our group at the 11th hour didn’t light up the face of the tasting room attendant. Perhaps she had an important engagement elsewhere, but it seemed like we were more of an inconvenience than welcome development.

Nevertheless, we began sampling the goods. I started with the Estate Series 2007 Pinot Noir from the St. David’s Bench appellation. This was a light Pinot with mild tannins and a bit of tanginess. I rated it as OK, but not stellar.

The 2008 Red Tailed Merlot was a bit better with a smooth and dry fruitiness. Also sampled was the 2009 Cabernet Franc. This had a bit of smokiness to it. The wines didn’t seem inspired, but we may have been suffering from palate fatigue and high expectations.

This was the last winery in the Niagara Escarpment area we planned to visit before traveling to Niagara Falls and then a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The tasting room attendant was watching the clock and didn’t seem likely to pull out a special bottle and spin entertaining yarns, so we headed to our car.

Featherstone is doing some interesting things. On this day we weren’t knocked out by the wines – but that could have been due to our later arrival and our long day. This is a unique winery we plan to visit again when we can spend more time. 

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: December 22-23, 2010

2004 Clos du Marquis, second wine of Léoville-...
Image via Wikipedia
Wednesday, December 22 
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Just Great Wines: The first two wines will be a blind white wine showdown…It shall be a battle for the ages. Blind Wine #1, Blind Wine #2, 3. Gilbert Petit Verdot, 4. Bauer Haus Dornfelder. Nominal fee or $9 for flight.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Stocking Stuffer Wines. $15.

Thursday, December 23
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Bordeaux (and friends). High end tasting. 1. 2002 Cheval des Andes,  Red, 2. 2005 Chateau Bourgneuf (Pomerol), 3. 2005 Clos du Marquis (St. Julien-made by Chateau Léoville Las-Cases), 4. 2005 Chateau Calon-Segur (St. Estephe). $22 per flight or nominal fee per sample.  
 
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. No tasting.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Stocking Stuffer Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. A Fistful of Dollops. It's December in Ohio...deal with it. I say, "Break out the dessert wines!" No super-sugary-syrup here, just world-class wines guaranteed to make you rethink this often overlooked group. Don't fret naysayers - there will be a few dry reds and whites open as well.
Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve – No tastings.


Saturday, December 25

Christmas – No tastings.

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

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

P.F. Chang's Vineyard 518 Sauvignon Blanc

P.F. Chang's private label is tasteworthy and green.
It was Green Dragon’s birthday and she insisted we have dinner at P.F. Chang's. The past few times we went to this upscale restaurant at Fallen Timbers we had to cool our heels and kill time due to the long lines.

Even though it was Monday, I thought the Christmas shoppers would cause us another long delay.

The Dragon must be a sign of good fortune because even though we were told that we couldn’t get a table until an hour after we wanted, we showed up early and slid right in.

We had been tipped off to try some of P.F. Chang’s special wine label. VINEYARD 518, is a new label of handcrafted wines produced exclusively for the restaurant. It was launched on May 18 (5/18) 2010. The number 518 is considered to be a lucky one for the Chinese.

The wine is created in partnership with Wattle Creek Winery, a family-owned estate in Mendocino. The wines are sustainably grown and harvested.

VINEYARD 518 wines are stored in a 10-liter recyclable container that holds more wine than an entire case of bottles. The lighter packaging, approximately half the weight of a traditional case of wine, reduces the carbon footprint during the shipping process, making it a more environmentally-conscious product. The box itself is created from post-consumer cardboard and both the plastic bag insert and box are fully recyclable.

The fruit for VINEYARD 518 comes from the Yorkville Highlands appellation in Mendocino, a high altitude, coastal growing region. The first two varietals available under the VINEYARD 518 label are a Sauvignon Blanc and a Syrah Blend.

Green Dragon went for Sichuan from the Sea, a shrimp dish with a spicy red chili and pepper sauce and I got the sweet and sour pork. We opened up with the chicken lettuce wraps. To go with our meal we tried the Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is crisp with citrus flavor notes in a New Zealand style. It’s very refreshing.This was a nice pick as it took the bite out of the spicy shrimp.

At one point I put a few dashes of a spicy chili sauce on my lettuce wrap. I boldly crunched away until I took a bite that unleashed an inferno in my mouth. Through the Sauvignon Blanc and some ice water I was able to get my voice back and enjoy a delectable meal.

The 518 wine is only $4 a glass, so it is a great deal for a pleasing wine that matches well with the Asian cuisine. The wine is easy on the environment and got the seal of approval from the birthday girl. P.F. Chang’s also has a varied wine list with a good selection of wines by the glass. We look forward to trying the Syrah during our next visit.

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Artificial Ice Wine: No Thanks! I'd Rather Freeze

Bookmark and Share   Margarine. Turkey bacon. Sugar substitute. Reduced-fat ice cream.

Bottle of 2006 inniskilin Ice Wine, VQA Niagar...Image via Wikipedia
Enough already!

The latest assault on real food is artificial ice wine. I must declare upfront that I'm not a big fan of sweet wines. However, there is something elegant and special about ice wine.

Ice wine is made from grapes that are allowed to freeze on the vine. Timing is everything with the production of this delicacy. Across Ohio, Michigan and Ontario hearty bands of winery workers and volunteers help harvest the grapes that are used in the production of one of the most expensive dessert wines.

Making ice wine is a risky proposition because a slight variation in temperature can doom an entire crop. If a winemaker is successful, the ice wine is like liquid gold. The wine is typically sold in half bottles and can range from $35 to more than $75.

According to a recent Associated Press story, some winemakers are now harvesting the grapes earlier in the fall and simulating winter conditions in a freezer. This, they say, allows for a lower-priced product and one that is more consistent. Others are aghast.

A good quality Riesling ice wine from New York can cost $75 to $100, while the artificial version would run about $50.

I was surprised to learn that Glenora Wine Cellars, an awesome  Finger Lakes winery, offers an artificial ice wine (for $18). One of the coolest things about ice wine is that some poor soul had to go out at 5 AM into a frozen vineyard and harvest the grapes which then have to be pressed while still frozen. I love the whole terroir aspect of wine. You can actually taste the sun, wind, soil and the care of the winemaker as you sip a glass of wine from a particular area, say Walla Walla Washington. What can you say about artificial ice wine? "Wow, they did an awesome job adjusting the temperature of the freezer?"

This is like an artificial pearl. It might still glimmer, but it doesn't have the same soul as the treasure that is formed through the forces of nature. The natural process allows for variations in the temperature and differences in grapes in the cluster. We're talking about complexity versus a standardized commodity.

Ice wine is also a specialty of our region. If we have to put up with unbearably cold winters and seemingly unending steel-gray skies, at least we can get some recognition and enjoyment from ice wine. I don't want to walk into Giant Eagle one day and see the shelves stocked with mass-produced ice wine from Modesto.
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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Niagara-On-The-Lake Icewine Festival A Cool Event For January

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NYC 007: The View, Ice WineImage by Andy Ciordia via Flickr
Snow draped vineyards and warm hospitality collide during the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival. Events are scheduled in this scenic Ontario town daily throughout the month of January. Icewine comes to life as each of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake offer distinct events sure to leave a sweet taste in your mouth. For a full list of Winery events, click here.

In addition, the Heritage District will be the site of a variety of Icewine-inspired events, the flagship event being the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village. Held on January 22 and 23 from11 am to 5 pm, the event pairs Icewines from the 25 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake with jazz music and Icewine-infused delicacies from Niagara-on-the-Lake dining partners. Admission is free.

Back in September TWAV visited the wineries of NOTL and we were dazzled by the wine and beautiful "tasting boutiques" at the wineries. Ice wines are a rare treat -- and done perhaps nowhere better than in Ontario. One of the wineries we visited was Strewn. I'm sorry I won't be able to get back there to try their Icewine Shake. Sounds tasty.

Reif Winery, another one of our favorites, is offering the Icewine Experience on weekends. You can taste a flight of Icewine paired with culinary delights at their Sensory Wine Bar. Start with a butternut squash soup paired with Riesling Icewine, next taste two Vidal Icewines, one paired with duck terrine and one paired with blue cheese for a sensory explosion. Finish with a strawberry truffle paired with Cabernet Franc Icewine. Reservations are not required but strongly recommended. Cost is $30 per person.

On the evening of January 22, Wine Country’s hottest Icewine “mixologists” will compete in the Icewine Cocktail Competition, where guests can sample the innovative Icewine cocktails created. Admission is free.

Icewine Legends, a tasting series lead by Niagara-on-the-Lake’s founding and upcoming Icewinemakers, allows guests to taste the legacy of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most precious wine. It takes place the weekends of January 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30. The cost is $35 per person. For more Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival events, including Icewine & A Movie, a celebration of Icewine and 50 Years of Shaw Festival and Goodies for Grownups, an Icewine and dessert reception hosted by celebrity Chef Anna Olson, visit the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake website.
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Friday, December 17, 2010

Sheldrake Point 2008 Finger Lakes Gewürztraminer


Sheldrake Point Winery is a beautiful winery located on scenic Cayuga Lake with 44 acres of vineyards amidst a 155-acre farm. The operation boasts a beautiful tasting room and great bistro. They were named New York Winery of the Year in 2009 by Wine & Spirits Magazine and copped the honor again this year.

During our visit there a couple years ago we really enjoyed their whites, especially their unoaked Chardonnay.

I was very pleased when I was able to score a case of their 2008 Gewürztraminer at a steal of a price during a charity online auction. Sheldrake is another reason why you should be sure to visit the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail when you are visiting the Finger Lakes wineries.

During our recent holiday party, we opened a magnum of East Dell Black Cab, a Niagara Peninsula red blend of Bacco Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the white, I opened a bottle of the Sheldrake Gerwurz.

The wine is pale lemon in color and is full-bodied. This wine could crush a Pinot Grigio in a flavor battle with one vine tied behind its back. The aroma alone is worth the $18 price tag. It exudes rose petal and orange. It also has the signature spiciness of Gewürztraminer, although the floral flavor notes predominate. It is full and round in the mouth. The wine has 0.5% residual sugar, which is almost bone dry. There were 711 cases produced.

This is a wine that I find thought-provoking. A sip prompts you to try and unravel just what tastes you are experiencing.

Although this vintage has won its share of awards, is it possible it might be too flavorful? Green Dragon feels there is too much rose petal and led me to the interesting situation of trying to decant a white wine to lessen the aroma for her.

To the timid souls I say, “Long live Gewürztraminer!” Raise a glass of Sheldrake Point and hang on for the ride.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Ice Cubes, Beer Mugs and Frozen Spoons: Chillin' With Your White Wine


Ice cubesImage via Wikipedia
 Bookmark and Share   This is the time of year my inbox is overflowing with special holiday offers. One arrived today from wine.com that caught my eye. Their blog had a post about how to quickly chill white wine.

This seems to be a modern equivalent of building a better mousetrap. Apparently, our country was overrun by rodents in the not too distant past and if you built a better mousetrap the world would beat a path to your door.

It's about 5 degrees outside, so any rodent that might have spurred my creative juices is frozen solid. I think a much more pressing problem is how to chill white wine quick enough to enjoy on the spur of the moment when you haven't had the forethought to chill it down.

I've seen bottle chillers for sale along with waffle irons, panini presses, and the other assorted gifts that no one would consider buying except during the frenzy of the Christmas shopping season. Bottle chillers are nice and some of the area wine stores (like Aficionado) have them and can deliver a freezing blast so you can enjoy your new purchase when you get home. I don't need another gadget that I would only use a couple times a year.

Green Dragon used to plop a couple of ice cubes in white wine. Not cool.

The blog post I saw today proposed an interesting solution -- frozen spoons. We've not tried it yet, but I have some silverware chilling down now. Stirring an individual glass of wine will instantly cool the wine's temperature.

Green Dragon has developed a nice technique that we use. I have a couple of beer mugs designed to keep beer cool. The acrylic mugs are hollow and filled with fluid that, when frozen, keep your brew nice and cold. The real bonus is that they also serve as mini-chillers for your wine. Pour wine into the mugs, wait a couple minutes, and then pour into your wine glasses. Bam! Chilled wine in about 5 minutes.

A nice way to chill wine during this holiday season is to scoop some fresh snow (I said fresh!) into a large bucket or other container. This gives your party a little festive twist, plus I think it works better than ice because it molds perfectly to the bottle shape.

You could also plan ahead and keep a chilled bottle of white on hand at all times -- but why ruin the fun?


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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: December 15-19, 2010

Wednesday, December 15 
 The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Blind tasting: As usual, we will ask for your ratings/price guesses/comments/etc. and reveal the results next week. Nominal fee.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. West Coast Wines. $15.

Thursday, December 16
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. High end California tasting, just in time for Christmas: 1. 2005 Duckhorn Howell Mountain Red, 2. 2006 Cakebread Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. 2006 Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. 2003 Jarvis Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. $20 per flight or nominal fee per sample.  
 
The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. West Coast Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Sicilian Job. Stop in on the 17th and help us give a warm welcome to our good friend Dave Blankenbeker of the fine wine importer, Specialty Wine Company. We'll be pouring top-notch Sicilians on both nights, ranging from fruity and sweet, to earthy and bone-dry. Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, December 17
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Christmas Cabs: 1. Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Peju Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Delectus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. $20 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Sicilian Job. We'll be pouring top-notch Sicilians, ranging from fruity and sweet, to earthy and bone-dry. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, December 18

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Christmas Cabs: 1. Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Peju Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Delectus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. $20 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. 1. Gerard Bertrand Cremant De Limoux Brut, 2. 2 Two Pinot Noir, Fiddelheads 2nd label 3. Tenerelli Limoncello, Italy, 4. Dolce Nero Espresso Liqueur.  Nominal fee per sample or $2.75 for flight.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Grower Champagnes & Gifts for the Wine Lover. Nominal fee per sample or by the flight. Premium tasting.

Sunday, December 19
 Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon to 2:30 PM. Grower Champagne Brunch. Cost is $80 per person and is limited to 18 people. Advance tickets required.

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

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

It's Snowing Outside: Try Some Riesling Onion Soup

Bookmark and Share  Outside the snow has been falling for at least three hours. The football game between the
Cup of French onion soup. At "Ruby Slippe...Image via Wikipedia
Vikings and the Giants has been postponed because the roof of the stadium in Minneapolis has collapsed under the weight of the snow. This is a great day to stay inside and enjoy some warm soup -- of course, that soup is so much better if one of the main ingredients is wine.

Here is a recipe for Riesling Onion Soup courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Riesling Onion Soup


1½ T. butter

1½ T. olive oil

1 minced onion

4 large onions

1 T. flour

2 c. Riesling

6 c. chicken stock

Salt and pepper

Slice of French bread

Shredded cheese

Directions

1.Melt 1½ T. butter with 1½ T. olive oil in large pot over medium heat.

2.Add 1 minced garlic clove and 4 large onions, very thinly sliced (as whole or half rings) and cook onions until soft, about 10 to 15 minutes.

3.Sprinkle 1 T. flour over softened onions and cook for about 5 more minutes.

4.Pour in 2 c. Riesling and simmer for 10 minutes.

5.Pour in 6 c. chicken stock and simmer everything for about 45 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6.Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Place a thin slice of French bread on top of soup, sprinkle with cheese, melting it until the cheese is bubbly

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Tickets Available For December 19 Growers Champagne Brunch

Bookmark and Share  Tickets remain available for the Grower Champagne Brunch scheduled Sunday, December 19, 12:00noon to 2:30 PM at Walt Chuchill's Market in Maumee. The cost is $80 per person and is limited to 18 people.

To puchase tickets, call Austin Beeman at (419) 794-4000 or contact him by email austin.beeman@waltchurchillsmarket.com.
Image of a Blanc de Blancs Champagne made from...Image via Wikipedia


The event will be an afternoon of the finest Grower Champagnes with a delicious gourmet brunch. The Grower Champagnes have been selected as some of the finest available. They will be poured out of 3 Liter bottles and the youngest is Vintage 1999.

For the food, Chef Bill with prepare what he calls “a humorous re-imagining of classical American breakfast food.” Austin says you will be blown away by how good, and how interesting, the Champagne and food menu will be.
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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Canadians Want To Know: Why Do People Write and Read Wine Blogs?

Three professors at Carleton University in Ottawa are studying why people write and read wine blogs. They’d like your ideas to help with their research project.

According to Associate Professor David Cray at the Sprott School of Business, “We are three professors at Carleton University who have spoken to bloggers at wine blogging conferences in the US and Europe to find out how they view their work and their audiences. Using this information we have now put together a survey which examines why people create and read blogs, what they look for in wine blogs and what kinds of wine blogs appeal to them.”

The survey takes about 15 minutes.  To encourage participation the name of everyone who completes the survey will go into a drawing with the winner receiving a $500 gift certificate at the wine store of their choice.  Those who complete the survey before December 15 will go into an additional draw for a $100 gift certificate.  The questionnaire is at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SZ76K86.

I’ve reviewed the survey, gone to the university’s website and the researchers’ blog. It is all legitimate. The survey is very easy (and interesting) to complete. You can follow the progress of their study at their blog http://wineblogresearch.blogspot.com which is where the results will be posted when the study is completed.

By the way, I have a couple of bottles set aside for a “research project” this weekend!

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Illustration by Fritz Ahlefeldt



Friday, December 10, 2010

Niagara Peninsula Winery Visit: Kacaba Vineyards and Winery

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

We really packed things in during our recent visit to Ontario’s wineries in the Niagara Peninsula. Kacaba Vineyards and Winery was the 11th winery we visited on this day. Wow. But sometimes you have to travel down the road a ways before you reach the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The weather, which was overcast and drizzling, had cleared up and we were ready for an amazing wine experience.

Kacaba produces ultra-premium wines and is a leader in sustainable agriculture practices. The vineyards are meticulously tended with roses accenting each row. (Roses are more sensitive to disease than the grapes and so serve as an early warning system for the vines.)

The winery has beautiful grounds and by the time you have strolled into the Neo-Victorian tasting room, you are in a great mood – even before you’ve sampled any of Kacaba’s goods.

We started with the 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay. This had a hint of minerality with a bit of peach and light fruit. We rated it as just OK. We knew that the main attraction was the reds for which the winery has garnered a gaggle of medals.

We asked our server to pour something that would really knock us out. We started with the 2007 Merlot Reserve. This has spicy, herb flavor notes and is full-bodied. This is a big Merlot with black cherry and toasted oak. A bottle retails for $42.95.

Glorious T and Ace of Bass went for the 2007 Meritage Reserve. This was a beautifully balanced wine. It is a ble
nd of 42% Cabernet Franc, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot. The flavors danced in complex layers. Espresso and dried fruit aromas lead to flavors of blackberry and black pepper. This is worth the drive to Ontario! Priced at $44.95.

The 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve was dark and chewy. This had tobacco leaf and black currant flavors. This was very tasty but needed additional time to come into its own.

The 2007 Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah was perhaps the best wine we sampled during the day where we visited an even dozen wineries. Kacaba was the first winery in the area to plant Syrah, and they have produced a masterful wine. Our tasting team termed it “completely awesome.” The wine is rich and complex with a smoky aroma and full body. The flavor has caramel and vanilla wafted with black fruit. The wine brought smiles to our faces as we savored hanging out in a great Niagara winery on a beautiful day with great wine. You can buy a case of the Proprietor’s Reserve for a mere $840 or a bottle for $70. Totally worth it.

This wine was named Wine of the Year in Canada and is made from one of the oldest plantings in Canada. It is the first red wine from Ontario to take the honor.

Kacaba is one of the brightest stars in the Niagara wine scene.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Closest Wineries To Toledo, Ohio: Choices Abound Within 60 Miles


UPDATED 8/30/2018 - In case you’ve ever wondered, it’s 2,350 miles from Toledo, Ohio, to Napa Valley. But that doesn’t mean that vino lovers in the Glass City are devoid of local wine destinations. We’ve scanned the maps and fired up our mapping programs to determine the closest wine destinations to Toledo (OK, I actually measured from my home in Perrysburg). The results are rather surprising:
  • There are four wineries/winery tasting rooms within 45 miles.
  • Within an hour’s drive (65 miles) there are 11 wineries or tasting rooms.
  • You can visit wineries in three states (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana) without traveling more than 82 miles.
If you have updates or comments, please add them by commenting on this article. Link is at the end of the story. Here are the 15 closest wineries to Toledo:
  1. 11.83 miles -- Johlin Century Winery, 3935 Corduroy Road, Oregon. I’ve never heard of this place and never, in 15 years of living in the Toledo area, read a story about it or heard of anyone who has been there. What’s the deal? Nevertheless, it is listed on the Taste Ohio Wines website. If you’ve heard of it, please leave a comment. Knowing nothing about it (and seeing a rather nondescript website) I can’t recommend it. But it is there.
  2. 16.8 miles -- Benfield Wines, 11828 Shaffer Rd., Swanton, OH. The newest addition to our list. A quaint tasting room two miles from the Toledo Airport. The emphasis is on fruit wine, but there's a Shiraz listed as well. Tasting room currently open on weekends or other days by appointment.
  3. 17.46 miles -- Majestic Oak Winery, 13554 Mohler Road, Grand Rapids, Ohio. One of the newest area additions. Just a short, scenic drive from Toledo, this winery offers a spacious tasting room, scenic grounds and a nice lineup of wines. Check their calendar for cool special events. Check out our report for more information.
  4. 36.47 miles -- St. Julian Winery Tasting Room, 700 Freedom Ct., Dundee, Michigan. You can taste a wide selection of St. Julian wines that are usually unavailable in retail stores. Tends toward simple and sweet wines, but there are some worthy reserve wines.
  5. 44.83 miles – Mon Ami Historic Winery and Restaurant, 9845 East Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton. Some interesting wines, great scenery and excellent restaurant. A nice side trip when visiting this scenic Lake Erie area.
  6. 47.45 miles – J. Trees Cellars tasting room, 703 E. Chicago Blvd. Tecumseh, Michigan. This great winery has relocated its tasting room from Blissfield to Tecumseh. Truly outstanding Dry Riesling and ice cider. Check out our report for more information. Remember the location is now Tecumseh.
  7. 50.42 miles – Heineman Winery, Put-In-Bay, Ohio. This is all about the amazing Lake Erie experience. The winery is on an island. You’ll have to decide if it is worth the trip to sample the 25 different wines with the mostly sweet Lake Erie grapes. Scenic summer destination.
  8. 50.52 miles – Pentamere Winery, 131 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, Michigan. This is a hip, urban winery on the main street in downtown Tecumseh. This is a historic town with lots of great shops and restaurants. The tasting room is expansive with an interesting gift shop, long bar and plenty of wine. The wines, produced on-site, are made with grapes from the Great Lakes watershed. Check out our report for more information.
  9. 50.98 miles – Hillside Winery, 221 Main St., Gilboa, Ohio. Haven’t visited this winery yet, but it looks like it has a wide assortment of wine. I’ll be dropping in on them soon! Tasting room has a view of a historic bridge over the Blanchard River.
  10. 50.99 miles – Hermes Vineyard/Sand Hill Winery, 6413 South Hayes, Sandusky, Ohio. This winery has some noteworthy wines and a cool tasting room in a historic barn. THIS WINERY IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS as of 10/27/16 You can read about what used to be right here.
  11. 53.40 -- Spotted Dog Winery, 108 E. Michigan Ave., Saline Michigan. This is a winery with a wide selection of wines. It is a favorite with some of our readers, so check out their comments. Any easy drive up U.S. 23.
  12. 54.99 miles – Firelands Winery, 917 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky. Firelands is the largest wine producer in Ohio and has some nice wines, including its Gewürztraminer. Slick tasting room. They have been making wine since 1880, so it’s time you made the trip. Check out our report for more info.
  13. 63.39 miles – Chateau Tebeau Winery, 525 SR 635, Helena, Ohio. This is an appealing newcomer on the Ohio wine scene. Traminette, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc and Frontenac – there is a lot to like. On the list to get a visit from the TWAV tasting team.
  14. 59.03 miles – Kelley’s Island Wine Company, Kelley’s Island, Ohio. This is another island winery on the somewhat tamer Kelley’s island. Enjoy the island vibe, a relaxing meal and a game of volleyball!
  15. 71.77 miles – Stoney Ridge Winery, 07144 County Rd. 14, Bryan, Ohio. Scenic location plus outstanding special events. Sweeter wines dominate. Wine list includes a number of fruit wines.Check out our report for more info.
  16. 81.88 miles – Satek Winery, 6208 N. Van Guilder, Fremont, Indiana. Very close to Pokegon State Park. Lively tasting room with some outstanding wines. Be sure to check out their Chambourcin. Check out our report for more info.
In case you wondered:
  • It is 154.92 miles to Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Geneva, Ohio.
  • It is 320.65 miles to Forty Five North Vineyard and Winery in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.
  • It is 387.10 miles to Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellar in Hammondsport, New York.
  • It is 2,348.16 miles to the Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley, California.
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Photo by Mark Bray
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