Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Wine Lovers Congregate At Ahava Benefit

The 9th Annual Charmed & Cherished benefit wine event was held April 25 bringing together wine lovers for an important cause. The event benefits the Cherished Friends of Ahava and their special guests program. Through the program nearly 900 men and women undergoing cancer treatment have been provided complimentary spa and wellness services.

It certainly is a worthwhile cause – and the wine is quite an attraction as well. More than 40 wines were poured thanks to the generosity of Heidelberg Distributing. Delicious appetizers were also available to nosh on while viewing the various raffle baskets and auction items. The Toledo Club provided an elegant setting for the several hundred attendees.

A troupe of four attended from Toledo Wines and Vines, including Green Dragon, Glorious T and the Cabinator. We opted for the special reserve tickets (for an extra $10) that provided access an extra half dozen upscale wines.

My favorite was the 2009 Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick red blend from Walla Walla Washington. This is an estate blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 7% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. The wine is rich, ripe and bursting with New World goodness. It retails for about $40.

Two other wines that merit special comment are the St. Francis Zin and the Luigi Tacchino Barbera. The St. Francis 2009 Old Vines Zinfandel is from Sonoma. This wine is a beauty with concentrated black cherry flavor and a long finish.

The 2009 Luigi Tacchino Barbera is fresh and fruity. Like many Italian wines, this is a beautiful partner with a variety of foods (try chicken or pork chops). The wine is aged in stainless steel, so there are no harsh tannins.

Other tasting team favorites include:
  • Lucky Country Shiraz, Australia
  • Conn Creek Anthology red blend, Napa Valley
  • Mumm Cuvee M sparkling white, Napa Valley
  • Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington
  • Trapiche Malbec blend, Argentina
We had a chance to chat with board members Kurt Soltman and Loretta Smith and convey our personal congratulations. This is a classy event for a great cause and for the wine lover, it delivers an upscale, tasty experience.
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Monday, April 29, 2013

Holman Ranch Vineyards 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Carmel Valley


This delightful Sauvignon Blanc comes from Holman Ranch estate vines grown at an elevation of 1,100 feet in Carmel Valley. It captures the sun and playful sea breezes of the California coast.

The wine is a light gold in the glass and on the palate my first impression was of lemon zest. The body is light and the wine is tasteful with a good balance.

Not all California Sauvignon Blancs are hits with us. Green Dragon is especially enamored of Sauv Blancs from Marlborough. But the Holman Ranch pushed all the right buttons. There are nice bursts of flavor with citrus and green apple, but just the right amount of acidity helps all the flavors play together well.
 
In 2010 there were only 46 cases made. That's just not enough of this great wine, so production has been increased to 300 cases annually. This is the perfect wine for the approaching warm weather. At $20 this is California styling and a deliciously low price.

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 5 of 5

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Friday, April 26, 2013

Tin Barn Vineyards 2009 Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Gilsson Vineyard


The focal point for Tin Barn Vineyards is a “tin barn” warehouse in rural Sonoma County that serves as both cellar space and tasting room. Winemaker Michael Lancaster celebrates treasures that lie off the beaten path.
The 2009 Zinfandel is such a gem. It is sourced from Gilsson Vineyard in Windsor where the grapes are exposed to morning fog.
There are very rare occasions when we decide that we don’t’ want too much wine, and so it was when we opened this bottle – which was actually a 350 ML half-bottle we procured at a wine bloggers conference. After tasting this, though, we would like a magnum or an even larger format bottle. This is a really tasty wine.
The taste is quite expansive for such a tiny bottle. The glass brims with lush raspberry and fruit. There is a trace of vanilla. It is an easy sipping wine that winds up with a smooth and long finish.
Raise the roof on the tin barn! This wine is smashing success.
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5 (based on $29 retail price)
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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Peju 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon


Some people have all the luck. For my birthday, I get a new pair of socks. Tasting team member Cabernetor, on the other hand, got a case of assorted premium Cabernets from his loving wife.

One of the highlights of his birthday gift was the 2009 Peju Cabernet. The Peju Province Winery has been making wine in Napa Valley for more than 30 years. Their Rutherford location is famous even by Napa Valley standards.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: April 24-27, 2013

From the Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino C...
From the Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino County California, an assortment of Pinot noir wines. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, April 24
* Special Event * Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Special tasting with Marine Royer of French winery Couly Dutheil. The cost is $15 and no reservation is needed.
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Join us to sample four great wines with Rich Hartenberger, the owner and winemaker of Midnight Cellars. 1.  Aurora White Blend, 2. Fullmoon Red, 3. Luna Rose, 4. Nebula Cabernet Sauvignon. $10 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, April 25
* Special Event * Cherished Friends of Ahava Benefit Wine Tasting, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, the Toledo Club, 235 14th St., Toledo. Sample more than 50 wines, appetizers, and desserts. A silent auction is part of the fun. The cost is $45 per person and $55 per person for the reserve tasting. For tickets and details call (419) 241-5877.
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. How about some great Italian Wines. 2010 EST! EST!! EST!!! white blend, 2. 2011 Sansilvestro – Roero Arneis – Parvo, 3. 2010 Cantina Zaccagnin – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 4. 2010 BUSI– Chianti Rufina. Only $5 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. New Wines: 1.
Chateau de Segries Rose, 2. Cherry Hill Pinot Noir, 3. Chateau Wiala Harmonie, 4. Sledgehammer Zinfandel, 5. Deerfield Red Rex, 6. Treasure Hunter Captain Tre, 7. Vinum 'The Scrapper.’ Nominal fee per sample.
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, April 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. Pinot Party: 1. Montevina Pinot Grigio, 2. Boeckel Pinot Blanc, 3. Jezebel Pinot Noir, 4. Albert Bichot Mercurey. $15 per flight.
Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7 - 9:30 PM. Wine by the Glass Pavilion. Enjoy four wines and light snacks during It’s Friday! at the TMA. This week: West Australian Wines. Tickets ($15 members/$25 nonmembers, plus tax), are available at the Information Desks.

Saturday, April 27
* Special Event *  Rossford Public Library Foundation Wine & Beer Tasting Night, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Rossford Public Library, 720 Dixie Highway, Rossford. Enjoy wines from different distributors, seasonal beers and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $25 and entitle you to 4 beverage sampler tickets. Additional tickets or soft drinks can be purchased. Call (419) 666-0924 for information.
* Special Event * Zinful 2nd Anniversary Party. Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant. (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. Our biggest party of the year. Candice Coleman and Chris Brown Band 8 until midnight. Call for ticket information.
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Pinot Party: 1. Montevina Pinot Grigio, 2. Boeckel Pinot Blanc, 3. Jezebel Pinot Noir, 4. Albert Bichot Mercurey. $15 per flight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Red Blends: A Global Perspective. Very few wine drinkers realize that majority of wines worldwide are red blends. We’ll taste some of the most common and some of the most exotic. If you are into red blends, be sure to check out this tasting. You’ll discover how to find the best red blends and how to know what they’ll taste like – even when the grapes aren’t listed on the label. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 – 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.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Cherished Friends of Ahava Tasting at Toledo Club on Thursday, April 25

It’s time for one of our favorite wine tasting events! The Cherished Friends of Ahava wine tasting will be held 6:00 to 8:00 PM April 25, at the Toledo Club, 235 14th St., Toledo. This fabulous event benefits the Cherished Friends of Ahava and its non-profit special guests program.
Through the program, more than 800 men and women undergoing cancer treatment have enjoyed a day of pampering and relaxation at the Ahava Spa and Wellness Center at no charge. The program caters to those who are newly diagnosed or currently in treatment for cancer.
Attendees can sample more than 50 wines, appetizers, and desserts. A silent auction is part of the fun. The cost is $45 per person and $55 per person for the reserve tasting. For tickets and details call (419) 241-5877.
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Monday, April 22, 2013

Dude, My Wine’s Gone Bad: A Tragedy in Wine Aging


There was a time, shrouded in the mists of the past, when I was primarily a white wine fan. My introduction to the world of wine was via German Riesling and my palate was a spot sweet.

As I traveled the nation for business, I would frequently receive an amenity of a bottle of wine. These bottles returned home and the reds would gather dust while the Green Dragon and I would enjoy our perfectly chilled whites.

My tastes evolved into a love of almost all styles of wine (and certainly reds!) but this bottle of 2001 Gallo Family Reserve Cabernet, Sonoma County, sat patiently. Once I started my small cellar of wines, I decided not to open this since it was my oldest bottle
.
A nice feature of Cellar Tracker is the drinkability report, which gives you a drinking window for your different wines. According to Cellar Tracker, if there ever was a good time to drink this not-so-exclusive bottle (which cost about $10), it was around 2004. Having missed the prime drinking window by about a decade, I decided it was time to uncork it and see what was what.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Wines From Argentina Focus of Maumee Wines Tasting on April 23

Wines from Argentina will be the focus of a wine tasting at Maumee Wines and Bistro, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. The event is scheduled Tuesday April 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Seven wines will be served with an emphasis on Malbec. The cost for the event, which includes appetizers and wines, is $25. Please call for additional information.
Photo by Dennis Jarvis
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Friday, April 19, 2013

Briali Vineyards: Indiana Winery Visit


Since we got word that Briali Vineyard, 102 W. State Rd 120 in Fremont opened its doors, we’ve been wanting to pay a visit to this new Indiana winery. We finally got our chance when we spent a day hiking (and working up a thirst) at Pokagon State Park.

This was a spur of the moment visit and I didn’t have the address for Briali. After spending frustrating minutes in which my smart phone was dumb, we decided we’d pay a visit to a different nearby winery instead.

As we headed in that general direction, we saw a sign proclaiming Briali Vineyards and I swung the car into a left turn.

Briali is the creation of husband and wife team Brian and Alicia Moeller. One of the unique features is that it is co-located with a golf course. During our visit we found two golfers recapping their day while sipping Briali Golden Tram – a deliciously refreshing blend of Traminette and Golden Muscat.

The tasting room is appealingly decorated with a central double-sided bar. You get a good view of the barrel room and the Briali reds, which Brian likes to age for 12 to 18 months. The Traminette, Golden Muscat and Noiret are estate grown. As with most new wineries, the bulk of grapes have to come from somewhere else while the vineyard grows – in this case, Clarksburg, California.

Brian attended college in Santa Rosa, California, and lived in the Russian River Valley, a famous wine producing region. He passed the vineyards of Korbel and admired their beauty. Now back in Indiana he is recreating his own memories of California at Briali Vineyards with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable wines.

Among Briali’s current offerings are Cab Franc, Noiret, Petit Verdot, Golden Tram, and Tempranillo. The reds are tasty and dry and the Golden Tram is just what the doctor ordered for a hot summer day. My favorite red was the Petit Verdot and I purchased a bottle.

We also had the chance to sample a couple unreleased wines. The Malbec is continuing to age, but we enjoyed a nice barrel sample. Our taste buds perked up with a sampling of Geisenheim. This is a rare off-the-wall white which I sampled only once before (in Pennsylvania) and that wine came from the same vineyard as this. It is refreshing with a slight crispness – but distinct from Riesling or Chardonnay. We were able to buy a bottle, but the official labels had not yet arrived.

Exciting times are ahead as Brian will be planting Riesling and Albarino vines this spring in a move he concedes is a “crap shoot.” He has a micropocket in his vineyard where the temperature is a couple of degrees warmer and he hopes that will help the grapes survive the chills of winter. If so, producing an estate-grown Albarino in Indiana will be a remarkable achievement.

The Briali wines are tasty and affordable, running from $10 to $22 a bottle. The people are cool too! You’ve got to love a winemaker with an appreciation for the String Cheese Incident. The winery is also featuring special music events, which would be the perfect time to pay a visit to one of the newest additions to the regional wine scene.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Loire Valley Winemaker Featured at Churchill’s Wine Tasting April 24

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, has scheduled a special wine tasting event 6:00 to 8:00 PM on April 24.
The event will feature Marine Royer of French winery Couly Dutheil. The cost is $15 and no reservation is needed.

Couly Dutheil is a fourth generation family-owned winery in France’s Loire Valley and was founded in 1921. It produces Chinon (Red, White, and Rosé) using the Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grapes.
The wines of Couly Dutheil are featured on many of the finest restaurant wine lists in France – including many 3-star Michelin Restaurants.
Whether you are familiar with the Loire Valley, or have never tasted a Cab Franc, this tasting will be a great opportunity. Loire wines are delicious and accessible. This will be a structured tasting of elite, rare, and quite wonderful wines.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: April 17-20, 2013

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Wednesday, April 17
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. M. Chapoutier "Bila Haut" Cotes du Roussillon Blanc, 2. M. Chapoutier "Bila Haut" Cotes du Roussillon Rouge, 3. Chateau Bel Air Bergerac Bordeaux, 4. Quady Elysium Black Muscat. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, April 18

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. After Tax-time: How about some great South African Wines? 1. 2011 Groot Constantia – Sauvignon Blanc, 2. 2012 Robertson Winery – Chenin Blanc, 3. 2010 Barista – Pinotage, 4. 2010 Dreyer Family – Lion’s Lair. Only $5 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Iconic California Winery Series. Napa Wineries: Buehler, Franciscan & Honig. 1. Honig Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Franciscan Chardonnay, 3. Buehler Chardonnay, 4. Buehler Zinfandel, 5. Franciscan Merlot, 6. Buehler Cabernet, 7. Franciscan Cabernet, 8. Honig Cabernet. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. $15.

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, April 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Sauvignon Blancs: California vs. New Zealand. 1.  Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Honig Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Tussock Jumper Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. $10 per flight.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. $15.

Saturday, April 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. Sauvignon Blancs: California vs. New Zealand. 1. Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Honig Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Tussock Jumper Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. $10 per flight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. The Pacific Northwest – The Superstars. The states of Oregon and Washington aren't nearly as well known at the big C-state to their south, but in many ways their wines are much more interesting. And the prices are superb. We'll some of the finest wines of the Pacific Northwest in many different styles and flavors. We'll taste incredible Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling, and more. Premium Tasting.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 – 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.
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Holman Ranch Vineyards 2011 Heather’s Hill Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley


This wine comes from Holman Ranch, which is an amazing part of history. The ranch was originally part of lands belonging to the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo in the Spanish era.
The ranch passed through a number of hands and in 1928 a modest Spanish-style hacienda was constructed of impressive Carmel stone walls and adorned with handmade Mexican terracotta roofing and hard-carved oak-beamed ceilings. Nicknamed Casa Escondida, the estate served as an exclusive hideaway for many Hollywood celebrities including Charlie Chaplin.
Holman Ranch Vineyard is located in the heart of Carmel Valley and the estate-grown wines are grown on 19 acres of undulating terrain. The warmth of the valley and the cooling marine layer has made it an ideal climate for the production of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
The 2011 Heather’s Hill Pinot is loaded with terroir. The deep ruby wine has an earthy aroma. On the palate this wine has tobacco notes and light cherry. This wine is smooth and distinctive with a light to medium body.
Holman Ranch Pinots benefit from southern exposure, thin rocky soil and hillsides that allow them to produce four different Pinot Noirs (Heather’s Hill, Hunter’s Cuvee, Estate and a Rosé of Pinot Noir).
Heather’s Hill is unique with an earthy quality that would make it a great pick for discerning Pinot fans. This is also from a low profile California AVA that produces some very unique wines. The wine retails for $37.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Monday, April 15, 2013

Michigan Wine Celebration Slated April 20-21 On SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail

Grapes and leaves of the grape variety Caberne...

Grapes and leaves of the grape variety Cabernet Franc. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pioneer Wine Trail in Southeast Michigan invites you to a special "Michigan Wine Celebration" on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The ticket price also includes one tasting glass. A recipe card with the featured recipe will be given out to ticket holders at each winery.

Tickets for this self-driven tour with nine food and wine pairings are $30. Planned food and wine pairings include:

Burgdorf's Winery, Chicken rumaki with Thai chili sauce, Morton's Fine Catering - 2011 Chancellor

Chateau Aeronautique Winery, Mediterranean Lamb Lettuce Wrap, Vegetarian option available, Catering by Meredith - 2010 Cabernet Franc

Cherry Creek - Old Schoolhouse Winery, Mushrooms stuffed with crab meat, Jerry's Pub - Pinot Grigio

Flying Otter Winery, Gorgonzola Honey Bruschetta with a choice of prosciutto or granny smith garnish and balsamic Starboard drizzle, Hooligans Restaurant - 2011 Frontenac

J. Trees Cellars, Strawberry & rhubarb pastry with Meyer lemon curd, Frizzle

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, Asparagus Wraps with Prosciutto & Marinated Mozzarella, Bone Island Grille – Chardonnay

Pentamere Winery, White wine Asian stir-fry, Chef Lisa, LG Meals - 2012 White Swan (Traminette)

Sandhill Crane Vineyards, Michigan salad (& Zingerman's roll), SCV Café - 2012 Blushing Crane

Sleeping Bear Winery, Corned beef & cabbage, Sleeping Bear Winery - 5 O'clock Somewhere

There are a limited number of tickets available, ticket sales will end on Wednesday, April 17 at midnight (or when sold out), and tickets will not be available the day of the event.

Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). The Wine Trail encourages ticket holders to bring a designated driver. Hours of the event are Saturday, April 20, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, April 21, from noon to 6:00 PM.

For more information call (517) 592-4663 or (517) 531-3080. Please note: Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). Purchase your tickets at :  www.pioneerwinetrail.com

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Friday, April 12, 2013

Riverview Cellars 2008 Bianco, Niagara River VQA


This tasty Ontario white was received during our TasteCamp North trip a couple years ago. The wineries of the Niagara Peninsula and Niagara-on-the-Lake area are spectacular and gushing with quality wines.
Riverview Cellars is a family winery just a stone’s throw from the Niagara River and on the scenic route between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. So this wine is from the Niagara River VQA (VQA being the Canadian label for appellations).
I fooled the Green Dragon with this one. Although an early fan of Gewürztraminer, she lately has claimed some nonsense about it being “too floral” for her taste.
The Riverview Bianco is a thirst-quenching blend of Riesling and Gewürztraminer in just the right proportions. This is a self-proclaimed semi-dry wine, but the sweetness of the Riesling is brought under rein by the Gerwurz.  Likewise the floral tendencies of the Gerwurz, to my way of thinking, was likewise curtailed by the Riesling.
Did it work on the Dragon? Her response was, “What is this? It tastes a little bit floral.” Hmmm… I was unable to slip it past her. However, we both agreed that this is a tasty wine. I had suspected that this might be a sweeter wine. After all the semi-dry label gives a winemaker license to explore a large range on the sweetness scale.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this just a notch or two above “off dry” and with a good balance between sweetness and acidity. There are indeed floral aromas (which is good in my book!), some nice apple and pear flavor notes with a slight spice from our friend Gerwurz.
As the weather heats up, this is a nice bottle to enjoy while relaxing on the patio (or maybe overlooking a scenic river). The cost is $13.95 Canadian – a great bargain indeed.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3.5

 



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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Wine N Bloom Weekends Scheduled May 3-4, 10-11 in Northeast Ohio

Flower

Flower (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

Nice weather makes us want to travel. The trees will soon be bloom, the flowers popping and it is finally time for good friends and beautiful wineries tucked into the "Napa Valley of Northeast Ohio."

You have a great opportunity to get rid of 'cabin fever' May 3-4 and 10-11 and explore 16 wineries on the Wines and Vines Trail in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties for the special 'Wine N Bloom' weekend event.

This is a self driving tour of the wineries in northeast Ohio. You have two weekends (4 days: Fridays & Saturdays, Noon to 6:00 PM each day) to visit all the wineries participating on the trail. Sample great wines, enjoy delicious appetizers, and you will pick up a gift item to help celebrate the glories of spring at each stop .At a designated winery you will receive and basket to collect your goodies in and a wine glass.

Tickets for this event are $50 for a couple and $40 for a single. You Must have advance reservations. Call 800-227-6972 or click here to make reservations.

Participating wineries are:

Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry
Biscotti Winery, Conneaut
Buccia Vineyards, Conneaut
Debonne Vineyards, Madison
Deer's Leap Winery, Geneva
Emerine Estates, Jefferson
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Geneva
Grand River Cellars, Madison
Laleure Vineyards, Parkman
Maple Ridge Vineyard, Madison
Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake
Old Mill Winery, Geneva
St Joseph Vineyard, Madison
Tarsitano Winery, Conneaut
The Winery at Spring Hill, Geneva
Virant Family Winery, Geneva

The are also special lodging deals in the area being offered for this special event.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: April 10-13, 2013

Riesling
Riesling (Photo credit: J. Star)
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Wednesday, April 10
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1, White Paintbrush, 2. Cherry Hill Winery Dijon Cuvee Pinot Noir, 3. Domaine Sainte Rose "La Garrigue," 4. Domaine Sainte Rose "Le Soleil du Sud." $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. The best wines you never heard of !! $25 per person (incl. cheese & crackers). Presented by: Tricia Rasar C.S.W. - Bowling Green Beverage. 1. Barafakas Ampelou IDEA White 2011, Greece, 2. W. Lingenfelder Shoy Kabinett 2009, Germany, 3. Rocco Del Dragone Alianico 2009, Italy, 4. Barbarians Wealth Mavrud 2008, Bulgaria , 5. Callabriga Alentejo Reserve 2010, Portugal, 6. Muenzenreider Samling 2004, Austria.
Thursday, April 11
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Near Tax-time, How about some great Cabernet Sauvignons? 1. 2008 Montes Alpha – Chile, 2. 2009 Nugan – Australia, 3. 2010 Ferrari Carano – Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 4. 2009 Hess Allomi – Napa Valley, California. Only $8.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. The Glories of German Rieslings
Forget what you think a German Riesling is! When sipping a German Riesling, concentrate, in this
order, on: the structure, especially the acidity and minerality, then the flavors of the fruit then the
finish and if you must as an afterthought, the sweetness. This is the moment to discover the glories of perhaps the greatest grape on the planet! 1. Leitz Rudesheimer Trocken, 2. Rheingau Soil to Soul, 3. Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Kabinett, 4. Reuscher-Haart Uber Schwang, 5. Kerpen Graacher Domprobst Spatlese, 6. Weingart Spatlese, 7. Jon. Jos. Christoffel Erben Urziger Wurzgarten Auslese, 8. Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Auslese. Nominal fee per sample.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. $15.

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, April 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. Red Zins: 1. Vicious Zinfandel, 2. St. George Russian River Zinfandel, 3. Alexander Valley Sin Zin, 4. Joel Gott Zinfandel. $10 tasting.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Easter Friendly Wines. $15.

Saturday, April 6
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Red Zins: 1. Vicious Zinfandel, 2. St. George Russian River Zinfandel, 3. Alexander Valley Sin Zin, 4. Joel Gott Zinfandel. $10 tasting.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Joe Mosier Presents New World Wines. Our new full-time Wine Consultant Joe Mosier will host an exciting wine tasting, featuring wines that hail from the ‘New World’ – North & South America, Australia, and New Zealand while Wine Manager Austin Beeman is on vacation. Joe has over a decade of experience in the wine business and will be an awesome addition to the Walt Churchill's Market Wine Team. Please come and make him feel welcome. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 – 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.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Domaine Jean Descombes (Georges Dubœuf) 2009 Morgon

This French red is from the Morgon region of Beaujolais. Wines in Beaujolais are made from the Gamay grape and typically consumed in the first three years after bottling.
Georges Duboeuf is a top négociant and this wine is a great value at about $15. You can’t go wrong with a nice Beaujolais at that price.
Gamay wines are light bodied in general and we would term this a middle-weight. Don’t worry if you’ve had a bad experience with Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a wine phenomenon more driven by marketing than flavor. This Beaujolais is a great all-round wine for dinner or your next party.
The nose is a bit closed, but the taste is a nice bright cranberry. It is rich and smooth on the palate and the finish has a a dollop of caramel.
It’s a vibrant, active wine, ripe with fruit. We recommend it during your next wine Tour de France.
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Monday, April 8, 2013

April Is Michigan Wine Month; Special Events Planned

Cranberry Dessert wine at Round Barn Winery, D...
Cranberry Dessert wine at Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery in Baroda, Michigan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
LANSING -- Governor Rick Snyder has declared April as "Michigan Wine Month" to honor Michigan's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's significant contribution to the economy. Sales of Michigan wine in the state rose more than 6 percent in 2012, while total wine sales increased just 1 percent.

Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales over the past 10 years, doubling Michigan wineries' market share to 6.5 percent.  The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council has added 11 new wineries to its roster over the last year -- for a total of 101 wineries that support Michigan agriculture by using primarily Michigan grapes and other fruit for their wines.

Michigan's wineries welcome more than 1 million visitors to their tasting rooms each year, and Michigan's wine and grape industries contribute more than $800 million to the state's economy annually.  "I am proud to acknowledge the outstanding recent growth of the Michigan wine industry," noted Gordon Wenk, Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, and Chair of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. "The industry is a shining example of value-added agriculture, contributing to the agricultural and tourism economies of our beautiful state. The quality of our wines, unique local foods and the scenic beauty of 'Pure Michigan' make Michigan an unparalleled winery touring region in the U.S."

Michigan wines consistently win high awards at competitions around the country, and Michigan increasingly is recognized nationally for the quality of the wines produced. Increased interest and demand for these high-quality wines has sparked an increase in wine grape vineyards. Michigan's wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade from 1,300 acres to 2,650 acres, according to a report released last summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. The USDA report is based on the 2011 Michigan Fruit Survey, which collected data from grape growers throughout the state. The complete results of the survey are available online and can be accessed from www.michiganwines.com/fast-facts.

April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Travelers can benefit from off-season rates and overnight packages at hotels and B&Bs near wine country. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and tasting room staff are delighted to provide visitors with extra attention. Michigan wineries will begin to release new white wines from the 2012 vintage in April, as part of their Michigan Wine Month promotion. Most of the red wines from 2012 won't be released for a year or two, but some reds from the outstanding 2011 vintage will be released this spring.  Many events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including: 
For a copy of 2013 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan, featuring maps and touring information go online at www.michiganwines.com or pick up a free copy at any Michigan winery or Travel Michigan Welcome Center.
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Friday, April 5, 2013

KWV African Passion 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Western Cape, South Africa

African Passion is a new line by South African winemaker KWV. The wines blend good taste with social justice.

When purchasing a bottle of African Passion Wine, 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit TransAfrica Forum, the oldest and largest African-American human rights and social justice advocacy organization. Actor/activist Danny Glover is board chair and helped launch the new brand.  This wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot. Has potential to age for a year or two, but is ready to drink now. The 2011 harvest was warm and dry in the Western Cape and so the crop was smaller, but with luscious ripe and soft flavors.  African Passion Cab-Merlot delivers a lot of fruit with black cherry and blackberry. It is soft and smooth. It’s an accessible drinker, but could use some firmer tannins. This is a nice everyday wine or a nice bottle for the barbeque.
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