Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: February 29–March 3, 2012

From Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino Count...
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Wednesday, February 29
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Ken’s Picks: 1. Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava, 2. Michael David Petite Petit, 3. Marchesi Biscardo Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, 4. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel “Deaver Vineyard.” $10 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, March 1

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. The battle of the California Reds: Napa Valley vs. Sonoma County: 1. St. Supery - Merlot – Napa versus Ferrari-Carano - Merlot – Sonoma. 2. Stratton Lummis - Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa versus Rodney Strong - Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual Wine And Meatloaf Night  with Meatloaves from the House of Meats
(since meatloaf is an inexpensive blend of ingredients, all of the wines for this tasting are inexpensive). 1. Tangent Ecclestone, 2. Maryhill White, 3. Louis Chavy Bourgogne Ordinaire, 4. Paul Jaboulet Parallele 45 Cote du Rhone, 5. Lenotti Rosso Passo, 6. Relative Red, 7. Ironberry, 8. Rosa Ridge Road Market Red. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. Four New Reds in the Wine Shop: 1. Zin Your Face Zinfandel, 2. “Heavyweight Purple” Petite Sirah, 3. Temperamento Bobal, 4. Palama Arcanglo Red. $2.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, March 2
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Spanish Reds: 1. Evodia Garnacha, 2. Altos Almanzora Este, 3. Volver Tempranillo, 4. Can Blau. $15 tasting.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Century Club Wine tasting. We will taste two bottles totaling $100 or more. Tasting will begin promptly at 6:30pm. Cost per individual will be based on how many people attend each tasting. Please RSVP by March 2nd @ 12:00pm to Matt : 419-351-3335.

Saturday, March 3
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Spanish Reds: 1. Evodia Garnacha, 2. Altos Almanzora Este, 3. Volver Tempranillo, 4. Can Blau. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. New Discoveries and Closeouts. We are always looking for something new and exciting for the wine shop. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.


AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Technorati Tags: wine [Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Toledo Museum of Art Schedules EpiCuratorial Wine Dinner on March 22

The Toledo Museum of Art will kick off a new series of art-themed wine dinners this spring. The EpiCuratorial Art Dinner in the Peristyle on March 22 will have the theme of Roman antiquities. A sumptuous Roman feast with paired Italian wines will be accompanied by lively presentations about some of the works in TMA's ancient art collection.

At this special dinner, learn about some of the ancient Roman artwork in the TMA collection while savoring a Roman-inspired meal paired with authentic Italian wines. Afterward, enjoy a sneak peek of the newly reinstalled Classic Court not yet open to the public.

Carolyn Putney, director of collections, and Andrea Mall, associate registrar, share their knowledge of Roman culture and antiquities. TMA Executive Chef Drew Ruiz has put together a sumptuous six-course menu, each course paired with a different red or white wine.

Seating is limited; reservations are required. Tickets ($100 members/$115 nonmembers) can be purchased March 2–8, and include presentation, dinner, wine, tax and gratuity. Call 419-255-8000 ext. 7432. Click here for the menu and other details: http://www.toledomuseum.org/events/romanwinedinner

Flickr photo by Renegat

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Atlántico Sur 2006 Single Vineyard Tannat


We usually celebrate Mardi Gras even though we are typically in the midst of a nasty Northwest Ohio winter. It started many years ago with a trip to New Orleans. We loved the vibe of the city, the people’s joie de vivre, the richness of the culture and the great music. (I’m a big Zydeco fan.) Since then we’ve typically hosted a Mardi Gras party.

This year it snuck up on us. I drove home from work sort of bummed that we didn’t have anything special planned.

All that changed when I walked inside the house. The sounds of Rockin’ Sidney performing Don’t Mess With My Toot Toot was blaring forth, the house was decked out with streamers and decorations in gold, green and purple and Green Dragon was cooking up some delicious red beans and rice.

She asked me to pick out a wine and I grabbed a bottle of 2006 Atlántico Sur 2006 Single Vineyard Tannat. We’ve enjoyed getting to know this national red grape from Uruguay. I thought it might be a great match with our Creole dish.

One thing I’ve learned is that there is a spectrum of quality for Tannat. The inexpensive Tannat doesn’t compare to the more elegant mid-range and premium bottles.

The Atlántico has a very smooth approach, showing just what winemakers can do with this grape. The tannins are very light and the alcohol is 13%. The mid-palate has delicate raspberry and blackberry chords. The medium-duration finish has a puckering berry flavor. We both enjoyed this wine but wished for a touch more body and complexity.

It’s a very enjoyable wine, probably the best Tannat I have had in my limited experience. This comes from the Paysandú Region in Uruguay which has a terrain of rolling hills with clay and loamy soils.

This wine has a single vineyard designation. It would have been nice to know the name of the vineyard, or perhaps in Uruguay they do not follow the American practice of naming specific vineyards.

Our trip to the “South Atlantic” was an enjoyable one. Could wines like this make Tannat the next Malbec? We encourage you to pick up a bottle and judge for yourself.

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a sample.

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Lincourt Vineyards: Santa Barbara County Winery Visit


Lincourt Vineyards is part of the sprawling Foley Family wine enterprise, but you’d never guess it from the unassuming old farm house that serves as its tasting room. Located in the Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, the winery focuses on small lot bottlings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This was the last stop of our first day during last month’s swing through Santa Barbara’s wine country. Our tasting team, comprised of Green Dragon, cousin Mary, her husband Cleve and me, found friendly people and outstanding wine.

The 2009 Pinot Grigio was the opener for us. It had a delightful crispness with notes of lime and apple. This would pair well with spicy foods.

Green Dragon is a bit of a Sauvignon Blanc buff, so we were anxious to try the 2010 Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc. We found it to be nice, but falling short of glory. It was indeed refreshing, which we needed after our long day, and swirled with tropical fruit. The Sauv Blanc was unoaked – as it should be.

The name of the winery comes from a combination of the names of Bill Foley’s daughters, Lindsay and Courtney. Next up was the 2009 Courtney’s Chardonnay. This is a very appealing wine with a fruit forward approach
and nice mouthfeel. It has flavor notes of apples, toast and a bit of honey. It’s a nice buy at $27 retail.

The 2010 Foley & Johnson Dry Rose was a surprise. We had thought this would merely be an unwanted tasting transition between our white and red wines but found this to be a tasty wine just perfect for sipping. It is 86% Grenache and 14% Gruner Veltliner. The residual sugar is less than .5%, which suited our dry palates very well. This has a flutter of strawberry and floral notes.

Our next two wines made the trip to California worthwhile all by themselves. The 2009 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir has black cherry and leather to go with velvety tannins. The wine is aged in oak for 14 months. An outstanding Pinot for sure, but it took a back seat to the 2009 Annie Dyer Pinot Noir, which is named after the owner’s grandmother.

The Annie Dyer is a big, bombastic Pinot Noir tipping the scales at 15.2% alcohol. This Pinot spends 21 months in oak, 50% of it new French oak. This is a ripe, rich and complex wine with a bit of tree bark and spice accenting the dark fruit. It’s only available at the tasting room or through the Lincourt wine club. Only 285 cases were produced.

We rounded out the tasting with a dense and juicy 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Santa Rita Hills Syrah.

Lincourt is part of a wine family with a proud tradition. This branch of the family has given birth to some superbly crafted small batch wines.
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Friday, February 24, 2012

Tres Belle Wine Bar Schedules Blacked Out Wine Tasting Event

Tres Belle Wine & Martini Lounge, (Levis Commons) 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg, is scheduling a special Blacked Out wine tasting, certain to keep you guessing and your taste buds pleased. The event is scheduled Tuesday, March 6, at 7:00 PM.

Six wines will be provided in blacked-out wine glasses and the lighting will be low. Your challenge is to guess what wine you’re drinking.

If you haven’t been to a blind tasting, you’re certain to enjoy it. The focus is on the wine. It’s easy to identify a wine by the color and certainly by the bottle, but it’s a real challenge without these visual clues.

The price is $25 and includes six wines along with crackers, cheese and meats. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (419) 874-4555 or email info@tresbellelounge.com.

Flickr photo by (matt)
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Owen Roe 2009 Abbot’s Table


We’ll save you the suspense and let you know right up front: We love this wine!

For a recent celebration I had selected a nice white followed by a killer Merlot blend from Ontario. I had the Owen Roe Abbot’s Table as our last wine – but hardly figured this would be the highlight of the evening.

David O'Reilly, Owen Roe founder and winemaker, once heard of the generosity offered in many monasteries and was told that upon visiting, anywhere in the world, monks would offer weary travelers a place to dine at their table. He tried this out during a European vacation and found himself seated at the Abbot's Table, drinking delicious wine and sharing stories of his travels over a home-cooked meal. When he returned home, he created a new wine in honor of the hospitality and warmth he experienced while visiting with the monks. He named this blend the Abbot's Table.

Abbot’s Table is a winemaker’s blend and so varies from year to year. The 2009 vintage was 25% Zinfandel, 20% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, Grenache 13% and 7% Blaufrankish with lesser amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. All you really need to remember is that this wine is juicy and ready for your glass.

This Washington State wine has a velvety feel with cascading layers of red berries and black cherry. The tannins are round and supportive of the rich, harmonious palate. There’s a little bop of pepper at the end to give the finish a lift.

Abbot’s Table wowed our tasting team and earned the designation as a “go to” wine for special occasions. I picked this up for $22 online, so the price is quite a value. There’s always room at the Abbot’s Table, so join in!

Rating: 5 of 5
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: February 22-25, 2012

From the Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino C...
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Wednesday, February 22
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. That’s right…More Great Closeouts: 1. Maximo Tempranillo, 2. Baguala Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Di Fizzano, 4. The Magnificent Wine Company Riesling. $2.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Krystal Kovacik Certified Sommelier of RC Distributors presents New Arrival Wines. $15.

Thursday, February 23

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Mid-Winter Beautiful Blends: 1. Midnight – Full Moon, 2. Cameron Hughes – Lot 313 California Field Blend, 3. California Republic by Gunfighter Wines (formerly Dark Horse), 4. Dry Creek Vineyards – Meritage. $5.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Powerhouse West Coast Reds: 1. Stratton Lumis The Riddler Red, Napa Valley; 2. Soo’s Creek Red, Washington; 3. Medlock Ames Bell Mt. Ranch Red, Alexander Valley; 4. Sinister Hand, Washington; 5. Buoncristiani OPC, Napa; 6. Five Star Cellars Stellar Red, Washington; 7. Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles; 8. Shafer Relentless, California. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. One for Everyone: 1.Trumpeter Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Les Jamelles Pinot Noir, 3. Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, 4. Batasiolo Moscato Rose $2.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Krystal Kovacik Certified Sommelier of RC Distributors presents New Arrival Wines. $15. 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, February 24
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Reasonably Priced Pinot Noirs: 1. Mountain View Pinot Noir, 2. Pierre Andre Pinot Noir, 3. The Pinot Project Pinot Noir, 4. Cameron Hughes Lot 266 Carneros Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.

Saturday, February 25
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Reasonably Priced Pinot Noirs: 1. Mountain View Pinot Noir, 2. Pierre Andre Pinot Noir, 3. The Pinot Project Pinot Noir, 4. Cameron Hughes Lot 266 Carneros Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. Superstars of the Northern Rhone Valley. One of France’s greatest regions, the Northern Rhone Valley is also one of its smallest. We’ll taste the elegant power of Hermitage, the explosive beauty of Cote-Rotie, the sexy-fruit of Saint-Joseph, and the lush aromatics of Condrieu. Premium tasting. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.


AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Technorati Tags: wine [Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Open That Bottle Night Scheduled For Saturday, February 25

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 25. That's the date for Open That Bottle Night. This is an international event designed to help you celebrate life by savoring a special bottle of wine.

Are you saving a certain bottle of wine for a special occasion that never seems to arrive? Created by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, wine writers for the Wall Street Journal, Open That Bottle Night makes the last Saturday in February just that occasion. Use OTBN as a reason to enjoy that special wine — while it’s still at its prime!

We hope you use this opportunity to pop a special bottle. Let us know about your OTBN plans (click on comment below).

Look here for our report from last year’s OTBN.

Here are some tips for enjoying OTBN:
  1. Choose the Setting. Alone with a special loved one, at a dinner party with friends, or in a restaurant that permits BYOB.
  2. Select the Bottle. The important concept is that the bottle of wine or champagne have a special significance, not that it be particularly expensive or prestigious.
  3. Stand it Up. Sediment sometimes forms inside wine bottles, so you should set the bottle vertical position a few days before OTBN to let it settle to the bottom.
  4. Watch the Temperature. Both reds and whites are best served at about 55F (12C).
  5. Watch the Cork. Old wine-bottle corks may crumble during removal. If that happens, pour the wine through a coffee filter into a carafe until all the cork particles are separated.
  6. Watch the Oxygen. Older, fragile wines are quickly damaged by oxygen in the air. Keep them closed up.
  7. Have a Backup Wine Available. If your favored bottle has gone bad, you will still be able to enjoy the evening.
  8. Share Your Thoughts. Everyone should say a few words about the significance of their bottle.
  9. Give it Time. Gaither and Brecher report that they often hear of bottles of wine that becomes more delicious as the evening progresses.
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Monday, February 20, 2012

The Bistro at Maumee Wines Opens; Offers Area Tasteful New Wine Bar Option


The Bistro at Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee, (419) 893-2525, is now open and offers a tantalizing new option for wine lovers.
An advertisement in The Blade caught my eye and we were anxious to check out the area’s newest wine bar. So we made reservations for our Saturday dinner. Maumee Wines is open 11 AM to 11 PM Tuesday through Saturday and dinner hours at The Bistro are 5:00 to 10:00 PM.
The Bistro looks beautiful with hardwood flooring, linen napkins, floral arrangements and seating for more than 50 diners. Wine-related posters decorate the walls. An old-time poster of the Pelee Island Wine Company was adjacent to our table.
Maumee Wines itself has a more bright, open and vibrant feel than it has had in the past. During our visit the attractive bar area, which is in between the retail area and the dining area, was very lively.
Maumee Wines is now owned by Jeff and Dawn Rozek and their investment and energy has paid off with what will now be a popular destination for wine lovers. Chef Justin Thomas, formerly of Vino 100, is doing the cooking and the menu is one that would do any fine dining restaurant proud.
Entrees on the menu include beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, New Zealand rack of lamb, Duck Aux Frombroise and Sea Bass. There is a nice assortment of appetizers and salads too.
One of the nicest aspects of The Bistro is that you can select your wine from the wine shop and enjoy it with dinner for just the retail price plus $8 corkage. This is a great deal considering most restaurants price their wine at twice the retail cost or more.
The Bistro currently offers three whites and three reds by the glass and 12 great craft beers. We’re told the wine offerings will be expanded in the near future. The menu listed six featured bottles, which were very reasonably priced, ranging from the white 2010 M. Chapoutier “Belleruche” Cotes du Rhone at $12 to the French red 2009 Chateau La Clare Medoc at $25. Of course there are hundreds of bottles to choose from in the store.
Richard  Fortney, the former owner of the wine store, was serving as manager when we visited on Saturday. He explained that Jeff and Dawn were enjoying a well deserved night off.
He recommended a 2009 Four Graces Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon, as a good match for our meal (I was having the short ribs and Green Dragon chose the chicken).
I started with a spinach salad. Beware! This salad can easily serve two. It was prepared nicely and the candied walnuts and goat cheese provided just the right accents. My braised short ribs were perfectly
cooked, falling off the bone. The potatoes and asparagus were my sides.
The food was delicious! Quite above what you might expect from the humble exterior. True kitchen facilities give Chef Justin the opportunity to do much more than was possible at Vino 100.
We’re planning a trip to Portland this summer and so wanted to check out a nice Oregon Pinot Noir. It did not disappoint. This is a jammy wine with loads of raspberry, cherry, plum and strawberry flavors (perhaps those are the Four Graces?). There is a slight earthiness, but the tannins do not mask the fruit characteristics.
The opening of The Bistro at Maumee Wines is a welcome addition to the Toledo area wine scene – especially after the recent loss of Vino 100. We suggest a visit soon as we envision healthy crowds as the word of mouth spreads.
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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Rideau Vineyard: Santa Barbara County Winery Visit


A little bit of Creole… in California? It’s unexpected, but cool, as we discovered as we at Rideau Vineyard during our recent swing through Santa Barbara County.
Rideau Vineyard owner Iris Rideau is a New Orleans native. The winery is dedicated to Rhone varietals, which are a perfect match for the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Iris also instinctively felt these wines would be best suited to the Creole cuisine of her youth.
The tasting room is a historic gem, housed in the El Alamo Pintado Adobe, once a famous guest ranch on the Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara stagecoach line. The house dates back to 1769 when it was owned by the King of Spain and supervised by Mission Santa Barbara.
The Inn became very a very fashionable resort. Guests enjoyed exquisite dinners in the Adobe and lemonade on the verandah overlooking the lilacs in the spring and golden yellow cottonwoods in the fall.
The good times didn’t last. After struggling as a working ranch it finally lay abandoned for 10 years. In August 1995, Iris Rideau purchased it with a vision to rescue the once famous inn.
Our tasting began with the 2010 Estate Viognier. This wine is finished sans oak and has a subdued floral and vanilla aroma. On the palate there is tropical fruit together with a underlying thread of acidity. This is a winning white wine.
Our next wine was the 2009 Camp 4 Vineyard Grenache Blanc. It may take me a while to warm up to this grape. This was our second Grenache Blanc sample of the day and I had difficulty pulling out any notable characteristics. There was a slight bouquet of wet stone and flavor notes of pear. This was our signal to move to the reds.
The 2009 Sangiovese spends 18 months in French oak and has a luscious appeal. There is a red berry and spice nose. Flavors of black cherry and cigar box combine into one of Rideau’s most popular wines.
The 2008 Lagniappe got my attention right away. This wine is an 85% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah and 5% Mourvedre blend. I love New Orleans and their concept of Lagniappe, which means “the little something extra,” – a bonus or unexpected surprise. This is a classic Rhone-style wine. this is a highly drinkable wine. It is supple with herbal undertones and pepper accents. This retails for $27 and I brought a bottle home.
We wrapped up with the 2007 Iris Chateau Duplantier, which recently won a gold meal at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. This is another Rhone blend, but with a different formula: 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache. This is an age-worthy red with exotic spice aromatics.
Our report would not be complete without a tip of the hat to our hostess, Rise Delmar Ochsner, a former resident of New Orleans who moved to Santa Barbara in 1995 to become an artist. She has painted commissioned portraits of Mick Jagger, Emeril Lagasse and Carol Burnett’s cat. Her unique stories paired well with the excellent wines of Rideau.
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Jaffurs 2009 Santa Barbara County Syrah

This is a wine that almost wasn’t. But the experience provides a cautionary tale.
Green Dragon and I decided to celebrate Valentines Day on the Saturday before with a nice dinner at Mancy’s Blue Water Grille, one of the top restaurants in the Toledo area. Having had salmon earlier in the week I opted for their filet mignon and my valentine chose a beef medallion Oscar. Of course Mancy’s has a reputation for exquisitely prepared steak.
As we enjoyed the vibe of the restaurant I scanned the wine options. Mancy’s has a contemporary layout to their wine list. Organized by categories such as “fresh and crisp” whites and “full bodied” for reds as opposed to listing by countries or varietals.
My eyes were caught by the ‘09 Jaffurs Syrah. We recently returned from a wine trip to Santa Barbara County. Jaffurs was one winery on our list that we missed. Here was a chance to sample the goods!
I placed the order and our waitress soon returned with a bottle. She presented it to me and I looked at the label. Often this is an automatic step – but this time I noticed that it was the 2010 vintage.
Beep. Beep. This does not compute. A 2010 Syrah is too young – aside from not being what I ordered. We sent it back and were reluctantly thinking about a different wine if they were out of the 2009.
Cupid’s arrow was flying true that night because our waitress returned with the Jaffurs 2009. Perhaps the 2010 would have tasted comparable – but I can’t imagine how.
The 2009 Jaffurs was succulent and layered. The tannins were integrated very well – present to interplay nicely with our entrees, but retreating to allow a rich, berry-drop finish. The berry and spice flavor notes seemed especially spectacular as we swirled the last drops in our glasses. The wine, the food and the company made quite a memory.
The punch line is to always check your label for the vintage and appellation. If you receive a wine with only a California appellation instead of a single vineyard designation, for example, you could be paying for a first class wine and receiving a mundane wine instead.
The second thing to look for is wine by Jaffurs. Their 2009 Syrah is simply outstanding!
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival Slated March 3, 10, and 17; Proceeds To Help Local Food Banks


Madison, Ohio – Looking for a sweet way to warm up this winter? The Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley Wine Region have just the answer. Their ninth annual Ice Wine Festival is scheduled March 3, 10  and 17.

The festival includes five area wineries all within 10-minutes drive time. Patrons begin at the winery of their choice for this fun, progressive Ice Wine tasting all throughout the Grand River Valley wine region.

Participating wineries include Debonnè Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards.
Last year the festival was extended for three weekends, which turned out to be a great success. The wineries were much less crowded than in years past giving the customer better service.

“Each year this festival has grown in popularity due to the quality product that is being offered to the consumer,” says Nick Ferrante, from Ferrante Winery and chairman of the organization. “We are fortunate to be able to grow internationally award winning ice wines right here in Northeastern Ohio. Many of the ice wines consumers will taste have won Best of Show and Double Gold Medals from competitions all over the United States. Not only is it a great product but a very reasonable priced event for the quality of the product.”

Making this event a progressive tasting is one of the reasons the event is such a draw. Patrons will have a unique experience at every winery and will be able to see different sights around the area. Many wineries have added “extras” for people to enjoy. Some of the extras include special wine dinners, ice carving, dog sledding, and several artisans. Most of these “extras” are free but some will cost the patron a little extra. In addition, many of the winemakers will be on hand for people to talk to and other wines will be available for people to taste.”

This year is a special celebration. “There was much concern regarding the ice wine harvest,” says Tony Debevc, president of Debonnè Vineyards. “With an unusual warm winter, there was fear that the grapes would rot on the vines before there was an opportunity to pick. But, a blizzard blew into the region, temperatures dropped and the picking crews were called in.” The wines featured at the Ice Wine Festival are ‘true’ ice wines. The grapes are left on the vines at the end of the traditional harvest season and await Mother Nature to shift seasons from fall to winter. Once the grapes are truly frozen, reaching temperatures below 17 degrees, the grapes are picked and pressed immediately before they have a chance to thaw.”

Out of town guests will be sure to want to check the winegrowers website for a places to stay the night. Many hotels and restaurants are able to give top-notch service because it is a slower time of year and they are able to offer wonderful amenities and are much less crowded.

Participants will need to determine a starting point at one of the participating wineries in the Grand River Valley. Each winery will then provide a sample of their wines, an ice wine glass, along with a complimentary appetizer. The event begins at noon and ends at 5:00 PM. The cost is $6 per person at each winery. In an effort to help the local food banks, the wineries are encouraging everyone to bring in canned food items for which they will receive $1 off at each location. For more information about the Ice Wine Festival call (440) 466-3485 or www.wggrv.com for a list of details and a map.
Appetizer and Event Menu
DEBONNE’ VINEYARDS: Adams Reserve Sharp Cheddar served with Homemade Peach Jam & Crushed Walnuts. Featuring Ice Carving at 2 p.m. Sled Dog Demonstration. Ice Wine Martini Bar (small additional fee). Winter Glow Progressive Dinner- each Friday evening. Call (440) 466-3485 for more information on the dinner.

FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE: Peach Vidal Mascarpone with Vanilla Crisp.

GRAND RIVER CELLARS WINERY & RESTAURANT: Homemade Warm Peach Cobbler. Featuring Ice Carving at 12 p.m. Ice Wine Marshmallow Roast All Day (small additional fee). Jelly Sales and Samples by Gatherings. Winter Glow Progressive Dinner- each Friday evening. Call (440) 298-9838 for more information.

LAURELLO VINEYARDS: Homemade Orange Cranberry Biscotti. Featuring Beach Glass Jewelry & Pottery.

ST. JOSEPH VINEYARDS: Golden Pound Cake with Warm Maple Syrup. Art Work featuring Jeff Suntala. Krzys Family Maple Syrup Demonstration.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: February 15-18. 2012


Cabernet Sauvignon fermentation
Cabernet Sauvignon fermentation (Photo credit: niallkennedy)
Wednesday, February 15
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Gianni Vanni of European Wine Imports presents Delicious European Vinos. $15.

Thursday, February 16

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Some more great closeouts: 1. Lot 27 - Russian River, California – , 2. Chateau Lacombe La Petite Culotte, 3. Buena Vista "The Count" Red Blend, 4. Vigilance Cabernet Sauvignon. $3.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Gianni Vanni of European Wine Imports presents Delicious European Vinos. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, February 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. California Cabernets: 1. Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Gunfighter Cabernet Sauvignon (New Dark Horse Label). $15 tasting.

Saturday, February 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. California Cabernets: 1. Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Gunfighter Cabernet Sauvignon (New Dark Horse Label). $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. Elderton Estates vs. Qupe Vineyards with special guest Jim Kruzinski of Vintner Select. Elderton Estates is one of the elite wineries of Australia with a history vineyards dating all the way back to 1894. Qupe Vineyards is one of America’s most exciting wineries producing organic wines that emphasize regional terroir through Rhone-styled varietals. Premium tasting. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.


AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
Technorati Tags: wine [Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Salomon Undhof 2006 “Steinterrassen” Riesling

Founded in 1792, Salomon Undhof is an Austrian wine estate with a long tradition. The seventh generation of the Salomon family continues to produce white wine from its terraced vineyards along the banks of the Danube River. All grapes, including their famous Riesling, are harvested traditionally by hand.

I picked up the 2006 Steinterrassen Riesling at Andersons for $11. That’s a hard to resist price for an Austrian Riesling.

This wine has an elegant palate. Rather than an austere acidity, there is a soft sweetness that is balanced with a bone-dry finish. There is a tingly minerality with delicate floral aromas.

In short, this is a darn good Riesling for the price. Have no fear about the 2006 vintage, it is still drinking well and still has plenty of life.
The high acidity of Rieslings provides a longer cellar life than most whites. I intend to add Salomon Undhof to my “watch” list for the future.

Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 4 of 5

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Monday, February 13, 2012

Italian Winemaker Massimo Piccin Introduces Sapaio Super Tuscans


Massimo Piccin believes winemaking is a creative process with the focus on quality – not reproducing an industrial process. He brought his artistry and new releases to Corks Wine and Liquor in Rossford last week. 

Massimo founded Podere Sapaio in 1999 with the intent to experiment and find new expressions of Bordeaux style wine in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Sangiovese is the most famous of Tuscan grapes, and is front and center in wines from Brunello and Montepulciano. But the trio of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate in the small DOC of Bolgheri. Unlike some other regions, the use of these Super Tuscan varieties conform to regulations in the relatively new (1994) Bolgheri DOC.

Massimo grew up in Venice and later moved to Tuscany where with the help of his father he began making wines. Sapaio is an 80-acre estate winery that stretches between Castagneto Carducci and Bibbona. His wines are imported by Specialty Wine Co. of Sandusky, which is owned by Claudio Salvador, who is also partner and winemaker at Firelands Winery.

The first Sapaio wine sampled was the 2009 Listra, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah aged 10 months in French oak. The wine is made for Specialty Wine according to a blend determined by Claudio. The wine is an easy drinking red that sells for $22.

Volpolo is a DOC Toscana Rosso, which is a less expensive and lighter alternative to the DOC Toscana Superiore. This is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged 14 months in French oak with prominent notes of cherry and vanilla oak. This wine copped a 90 rating from Wine Spectator.

The flagship wine is Sapaio, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot aged 18 months in used French oak. The flavor is concentrated, but with round tannins. On the tongue the wine is thick and lush with generous blackberry and coffee sprinkled with cherry. This wine not only has been praised by Wine Spectator (92 pts.) but earned the Italian Gambero Rosso Tre Bicheri award. This full bodied wine retails for $55.

“The focus is on artisinality,” said Massimo. “This is my idea of a contemporary wine. It is drinkable when released, but has a long life.”

Podere Sapaio wines have arrived in the Toledo area. Seek them out to enjoy an artistic glassful of Tuscany.

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Dry Creek Vineyard 2010 Sauvignon Blanc


My first introduction to Dry Creek Vineyard was probably not unlike many other wine drinkers. I spotted a bottle of their California Fume Blanc with a sporty painting of a sailboat on the label. Soon after I was awash with the fresh taste of cool climate Sauvignon Blanc.

Dry Creek is entering their 40th year of family winemaking in Dry Valley and is a pioneer in California Sauvignon Blanc. They launched the very first Sonoma County Sauv Blanc in 1972. Founder David Stare is probably the biggest reason that Dry Creek Valley is now known for producing world class wines instead of prunes.

The 2010 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc is a new release from a vintage that was one of the most challenging of the last decade. There were late spring rains, a cool summer and then several heat spikes. Thankfully the winemakers kept a steady hand on the tiller and were able to bring in the grapes with full ripeness, flavor and balance.

Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite grape of ours, especially Green Dragon, who favors the style of Marlborough New Zealand. She has thumbed her nose as some recent California Sauvignon Blancs, so it was a moment of truth when she sipped the DCV.

This Sauvignon Blanc easily won her seal of approval, with the grassy aromas and citrus zest that is a hallmark of the variety. It’s an energetic wine swirling with floral and pineapple flavor notes. The wine is medium bodied for a white leading into a mouthwatering finish. The finish turned from citrus to a mineral note.

Our preference for Sauvignon Blanc is steel fermentation, and this wine has no oaking whatsoever. In fact, no oak barrels are used on any of DCV’s Sauvignon Blanc wines – preserving its crisp and refreshing character. This is a juicy wine that will pair nicely with shellfish. It’s a great value at $16.

I had always wondered about the incongruous image of the sailboat on a label from a “dry” creek. The sailboat reflects the family’s commitment and passion for the sport, but it is easy to imagine the boat on a sea of wine sailing boldly towards the next successful vintage.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.

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Rating: 3.5 of 5
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Friday, February 10, 2012

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard: Santa Barbara County Winery Visit


There was one stop I had to make during our recent trip to Santa Barbara County wine country. A couple years ago I was covering a wine tasting at the Toledo Museum of Art that featured winemaker Karen Steinwachs of Buttonwood Farms Winery & Vineyard. We had the opportunity to sit down and sample her wines while she gave the backstory on each.
It was so enjoyable. The white wines seemed crisper and the red wines smoother as Karen described the Buttonwood Farm vineyard in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley. Now I has the opportunity to see the farm firsthand.
Cousin Mary, husband Cleve, Green Dragon and I rolled through some rainy weather on the way from Lompoc to Buttonwood, but the light and airy tasting room lifted our spirits. The 39-acre vineyard stretches across the top of a mesa. A barn and production facility are at the top of the hill – unfortunately it was too muddy for us to walk up there.
Perhaps the coolest thing about Buttonwood is that it is a working 109-acre farm. The tasting room is nestled next to a field of fruit trees and the farm freshness is pervasive. The farm grows persimmons, olives, Asian pears, almonds and peaches.
The vineyard is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Marsanne, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Buttonwood opened in 1989 and now produces about 8,000 cases of boutique wine goodness a year.
While we chatted with Karen, we tasted through her wines.
We opened with the 2010 Zingy Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is the flagship grape for Buttonwood and Zingy is a pure expression. There’s no oaking and no malolactic fermentation. It is bright gold in the glass with green highlights. On the palate there is citrus and a fresh zesty flavor with a mineral thread. Hard to believe that this wine is just $18 – one of the best values on our trip. Only 403 cases of this were produced versus more than 2,600 of Buttonwood’s regular Sauv Blanc.
We next tried the Grenache Blanc 2010. This is just the second vintage for this wine and it was a challenge. The grape ripens late and this year about half of the crop was lost. The bouquet is of white flowers. Peach and melon flavor notes mix together with a bit of dust.
The 2010 Devin is worlds apart from Zingy. Where Zingy is crisp and bold, Devin (a 60-40 blend of Sauvignon Bland and Semillon) is smooth and full bodied. This is a classic Bordeaux blend that has richness and depth, some of which is provided by fermentation in French Oak. Some lime and toast are evident.
The 2010 Syrah Dry Rose shone like a pink sapphire and radiated strawberry flavors. This is a perfect drink for a summer afternoon (and it wasn’t too bad in the middle of winter either!).
A highlight of the tasting was the flagship red blend Trevin (“tres vins” or three wines). The 2007 vintage is a superb red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The dark wine resonates with blackberry, spice and vanilla bean. It spends 36 months in barrel bulking up and another nine months in the bottle. The mouthfeel is oh so smooth with a finish of black cherry and herb. Only 273 cases were made. It goes for $36 retail.
We closed with a delicious taste of P.O.S.H., a delightful Port-style wine made with Syrah grapes that are aged for 35 months and top out at 20% alcohol. This is a smooth sipper with rich, velvety, berry goodness. The acronym is Port Out, Starboard Back and it certainly is smooth sailing with this wine, which pairs well with almonds, chocolate or dried fruit. 
Buttonwood Farms has produced a bumper crop of great wines. The value is outstanding as well. Dig in!
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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Pueblo del Sol 2010 Tannat, Juanico Region, Uruguay

This guest review is by Larry, an IT professional in Bowling Green.

Today my wine crew received the pleasure of testing the 2010 Pueblo del Sol Tannat.
This wine is of product of Uruguay. I had not heard of the Tannat grape.

Research shows It  originated in South West France, and is now the favored grape of Uruguay. Once opened there was the aroma of oak, and black cherry. The color was a deep ruby red. It was a dark, but beautiful wine.

First sips were tart and a little chewy. You could taste the oak, and a hint of coco. While being a tasty wine, we agreed that this was a wine that would would be even better with food. We started with some Brie and crackers. This made the Tannat taste even better. This evening, our main meal was Jambalaya. The Tannat complemented the tomato sauce, peppers, and sausage.

We really enjoyed it with the food. We agreed that this would be excellent wine to have with steak and mashed potatoes. The main complaint from my crew was that we ran out of wine. We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it as a very reasonably priced wine to have with meals.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
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