Friday, May 31, 2013

Rooster Hill Vineyards: Finger Lakes Winery Visit

Another in our series of Finger Lakes winery reports from our visit earlier this month.
This is the story of the winery visit that almost wasn’t. During our first day tasting in the Finger Lakes we visited the Corning Museum of Glass and hit wonderful wineries on Keuka Lake.

It was my intention to shoot over to Seneca and thoroughly explore the wineries on the west shore.  We had spent the night in Penn Yan, putting us in perfect position
to execute my plan.

After a vigorous morning walk and continental breakfast, I was ready to rumble. But the passengers mutinied! We hadn’t visited the east side of Keuka – the “crooked lake” of the region.

I sped down the road wondering if the crack of dawn was too early for wine tasting. I’ve never had a chance to visit Rooster Hill and this was the perfect opportunity. I had sampled a Rooster Hill Cab Franc – Lemberger blend during a recent virtual tasting, and it was really great.

While the Green Dragon (my lovely wife!) emerged from the car very slowly on the pretense that 10 AM was too early for a wine tasting, Glorious T and the Cabinator (the rest of the tasting team) headed inside.

Rooster Hill has a glorious location perched on a hill overlooking Keuka. From their beautiful porch you get a Rooster-eye view of row upon row of vines and the sparkling waters as well.

Inside Karen Jensen was just preparing for the day. This was Friday, but the crowds had yet to arrive. Karen was friendly and knowledgeable – the perfect hostess for an early morning wine tasting. We opened up with a couple of Finger Lakes favorites: Dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

The 2011 Dry Riesling has flavor notes of yellow apple and a delightful minerality. Score! The 2011 Estate Gewürztraminer is deep yellow in color with delicious grapefruit and stone fruit flavors. This has just a dash of sweetness (1.8% residual sugar). The 12.5% alcohol level means this is a light, refreshing wine. This was a top pick.

Venturing to the red wines, we started with the 2011 Cab Fran – Lemberger blend. The Finger Lakes is really delivering impressive results with Lemberger grapes these days. This wine offers spice with soft berry flavors and a dash of earthiness.

The 2011 Heritage is their Bordeaux style wine blending Merlot, Cab Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a nice everyday drinker. More to my liking was the 2011 Cabernet Franc, which was bold, juicy and smooth. It seemed to have a touch of sweetness.

The final taste was my favorite wine, the 2009 Lemberger Reserve. This is a rich, fruity wine with cascading layers of flavor. It offers cranberry and mild spiciness and a super long finish.

You can be certain that Rooster Hill is now on the radar for future visits. Three things stand out from our visit: 1. remarkable scenery, 2. a wide spectrum of wine that touches all the bases, and 3. whatever you do, don’t bypass Rooster Hill!
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Penticton, British Columbia, Scenic Host City For Wine Blogger Conference

Next month when I touch down in Penticton, British Columbia, it will be my fourth Wine Bloggers Conference. I’ve been to Walla Walla, Virginia and Portland – all great wine regions. This year’s location will certainly be the most exotic.

I’m just an hour away from the Canadian border here in Toledo, my adventures have all take place in Ontario. There are a multitude of sensational wineries in the Niagara Peninsula region – but I’ve always been told that there are two great wine regions in Canada – Ontario and the Okanagan Valley. Time to check out the land of sunshine and mountains that has given birth to 121 licensed wineries.

Penticton is a perfect city for adventurers, offering kayaking, rock climbing, biking, hiking and birding. The city is a popular summer destination and is known for its beautiful beaches and lakes. Penticton is right in the middle of two scenic lakes: Okanagan and Skaha.

There are 50 wineries within a 20 minute drive – and for those with more endurance, there are 125 within an hours drive. The first winery in the region opened in 1931 and there are more than 8,000 acres of vineyards in the Okanagan Valley with 60 different grape varieties.

Merlot is the most widely produced grape in the region, so I'm looking forward to sampling some great reds. I understand that Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris are also top grapes here.

One thing is for sure, I’ll be working up a powerful thirst. In order to get to Penticton we need to drive to Windsor, Ontario, then fly to Calgary. From there we’ll catch a connecting flight to Kelowna (another great wine town!) and from there travel another 70 or so miles to Penticton.

TWAV will be reporting from the Wine Bloggers Conference June 6-8 via this blog and Twitter. I’ll be joined by tasting team member the Cabinator, who undoubtedly will be seeking out the most hearty reds north of the border.

Photo Credit: bulliver via Compfight cc
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: May 29–June 1, 2013

English: Picpoul de Pinet Ormarine Carte Noire...
Picpoul de Pinet Ormarine Carte Noire, a wine from Languedoc (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, May 29
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Franco Serra Gavi, 2. Tenuta Curezza Prine Salento, 3. Franco Serra Barbaresco, 4. Villa Donna Sweet Red. $7 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorial Day – Wines You See Each Time You Come In To The Store – with Wine Consultant Joe Mosier. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, May 30
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Wines from Couly-Dutheil from the
Chinon region in the Loire Valley of France. 1.
2011 Les Chanteaux – Chenin Blanc, 2. 2012 Rene’ Couly – Cabernet Franc Rose’, 3. 2010 La Coulee Automnale – Cabernet Franc, 4. 2010 Clos De L’Echo – Cabernet Franc. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. New Easy Drinking Wines: 1. Daldin Prosecco, 2. Apothic Rose, 3. Villa Simone Frascate, 4. Seaglass Pinot Noir, 5. Lab Tinto, 6. Solo E Barbera, 7. Location I, 8. Tessora Limonchello (made in Ohio). 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, May 31
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Poolside Whites: 1. Picpoul de Pinet, 2. Albert Bichot Macon Villages, 3. Farnese Trebbiano, 4. Tussock Jumper Riesling. $10 per flight.
* Special Event * The Wood County Humane Society Wine and Dine benefit, 6:00 – 10:30 PM, Olscamp Hall on the campus of Bowling Green State University. $55 per person or $100 per couple. Ticket information available here. Delicious dinner plus three glasses of wine (to start). Entertainment and auction items.

Saturday, June 1
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Poolside Whites: 1. Picpoul de Pinet, 2. Albert Bichot Macon Villages, 3. Farnese Trebbiano, 4. Tussock Jumper Riesling. $10 per flight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Special Tasting Event - Winemaker Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars. Boutique Single-Vineyard Pinot Noirs made without compromise in very small batches. Spend an afternoon with McDonald and a selection of his limited production wines.$25 per person.
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, May 28, 2013

Plan Now For Indiana Uncork the Uplands Wine Trail Event, July 27 in Bloomington

English: Kirkwood Ave. in Bloomington, IN. htt...

Kirkwood Ave. in Bloomington, IN. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The nine wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail are peppered throughout south-central Indiana, but for one night each year, they’re all in one place: Uncork the Uplands.

Save the date for the third annual Uncork the Uplands: Saturday, July 27, in Bloomington, IN, a chance to sample award-winning wines from the nine wineries on the trail paired with food from area restaurants and farms. Uncork features two signature events: a Vineyard Tour at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard and the Uncork the Uplands Evening Reception.

There is much to cheer to at this year’s Uncork. In February the Indiana Uplands became a federally recognized grape-growing region (an American Viticultural Area, or AVA). The 4,800-square-mile swath in south-central Indiana is home to 17 wineries, including the nine wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail. This is the first AVA entirely within Indiana, and the designation allows our wineries to grow and thrive together.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail has unveiled a new “vintage” — an updated logo, branding and website, just in time for the trail’s 10th anniversary. Take a peek at IndianaUplands.com.

Uncork the Uplands is the signature event for the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail. Here’s a look at this year’s celebration:

VINEYARD TOUR AT OLIVER WINERY’S CREEKBEND VINEYARD
Explore the Indiana Uplands wine region with a tour of Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard. Walk the rows, meet the winemakers and taste signature varietals such as Traminette, Chambourcin and Vignoles.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2013; Noon–3pm
Where: Creekbend Vineyard, 7508 N. Woodall Road, Ellettsville, IN 47429
To purchase tickets: UncorkTheUplands.com

UNCORK THE UPLANDS EVENING RECEPTION
Taste wines from all nine wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail, alongside food from Indiana farmers, restaurants, bakeries and artisans. The focus is on farm-to-table dishes. Also: Live music, chefs’ food and wine challenge, a silent auction and conversations with local food and wine experts.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2013; 6–9pm
Where: Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47403
To purchase tickets: UncorkTheUplands.com

The wine trail’s nine member wineries will pour samples at Uncork the Uplands Evening Reception: Best Vineyards Winery of Elizabeth; Brown County Winery of Nashville; Butler Winery of Bloomington; Carousel Winery of Mitchell; French Lick Winery of West Baden Springs; Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards of Starlight; Oliver Winery of Bloomington; Turtle Run Winery of Corydon; Winzerwald Winery of Bristow.

The evening includes conversations with these Indiana food-and-drink experts:

  • Winemaker Jim Butler, owner of Bloomington’s Butler Winery. Butler spearheaded establishing the Indiana Uplands as an American Viticultural Area.
  • Cheesemaker Judy Schad, co-owner of Capriole Farms in southern Indiana, which produces artisan farmstead goat cheese.
  • Bartender Colin Boilini, proprietor of The Rail in Bloomington, a craft-cocktail bar in a restored turn-of-the-century railroad station.

The entertainment continues with the Chef’s Food and Wine Challenge, where chefs from the Indiana Uplands create their favorite food and wine pairing. Guests vote, and the winning chef receives a donation for a favorite charity. Current chefs are from New Albanian Bank Street Brewhouse in New Albany, Malibu Grill in Bloomington, and a third restaurant TBA.

TICKETS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Two ticket levels are available, and early bird pricing is offered through July 1.

$45 — Ticket for Uncork the Uplands Evening Reception only ($55 after July 1)

$65 — Ticket for Uncork the Uplands Evening Reception and Vineyard Tour at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard ($75 after July 1)

About the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail: The trail was established in 2003 to promote the excellent wineries, vineyards, winemakers and varietals found in south-central Indiana. Nine wineries are members of Indiana Uplands Wine Trail, which is the state’s first wine trail. The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail is located within the Indiana Uplands American Viticultural Area, a federally recognized grape-growing region established in 2013. For more information on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail, visit IndianaUplands.com.

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Monday, May 27, 2013

Domaine Gramenon Vin de France Tout'en Bulle


This sparkling white wine comes from a tiny French village called Montbrison sur Lez in the southern Drȏme province. The winemaker is a bit quirky and when the wines are available, they go quickly.
A number of months ago I stopped into Walt Churchill’s Market Maumee location and wine manager Austin Beeman clued me in to Domaine Gramenon. The vineyards are meticulously organic and are sprayed with bio-organic preparations. No new oak barrels are ever used and natural (wild) fermentation is the rule.
The Tout’en Bulle (All Bubbles) de Gramenon is a pale yellow wine and the bottle is sealed with a curious crown-style closure. The nose is a bit closed, which is not unusual for sparkling wines.
It is a mix of Clairette and Viognier grapes made using “traditional and ancestral” winemaking methods. The Gramenon dances on the tongue and displays some light tropical fruit. It is a superb mineral experience with a mouthwatering finish.
Our group of tasters loved the bubbly texture of the wine. Perhaps because of the methods used, the bubbles didn’t seem to last long – but our delight with the wine certainly did.
Grab it when you can. The handcrafted, uber-natural winemaking and small output means Domain Gramenon will always be in demand. This is a unique and tasty wine for about $30.
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Friday, May 24, 2013

Hunt Country Vineyards: Finger Lakes Winery Visit

Hunt Country Vineyards will always have a warm place in our hearts. It was the first Finger Lakes winery we ever visited.

We had stopped in Canandaigua to visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center and then drove south. This was pre-GPS time and we were navigating by gut instinct and luck along the back roads of rural New York. To add to our disorientation, we got hit with a thunderstorm. We finally found Italy Hill Road and pulled into Hunt Country Vineyards – an oasis of awesomeness and great wine!

Earlier this month we were hosted by HCV marketing guru Andy Hunt and Assistant Winemaker Brian Barry. It was a special visit indeed. According to Andy, Hunt Country is all about family and community.

One of the coolest aspects of Hunt Country is that it is a family farm and the land has been farmed continuously since about 1850. The oldest grapes are 110 years old, but HCV is right up to date and at the forefront of sustainability practices.

An impressive geothermal system has replaced the conventional heating and air conditioning in the tasting room, winery and warehouses. The winery also has a wind turbine and is exploring the use of biodiesel to power tractors. Winery founders and owners Art and Joyce Hunt have also been outspoken opponents of hydrofracking, which could endanger the Finger Lakes environment.

Andy and Brian led us through an impressive tour of the production and storage areas and we arrived in our favorite location – the tasting room. The view is of long, sweeping farmland. There Andy introduced us to his big beautiful dog, Pax.

Hunt Country has some impressive wines, in fact three of them were featured at the Green Inaugural Ball celebrating President Obama’s re-election. We started our tasting with the dry whites.

The 2011 Dry Riesling is crisp and dry with a clean finish. It represented the Finger Lakes well. My favorite of the whites was the 2010 Pinot Gris. The grapes come from vineyards in the Penn Yan area and it is finished in stainless steel to accent the mineral and floral flavors. It rocks and is only $15.99.

The final of our trio of dry whites was Pearl, a new wine that is a unique blend of unoaked Chardonnay, Cayuga and Pinot Gris. After a day of driving this was the perfect refresher to blast away the road dust.

Color shifting to red, we sampled the 2011 Cab Franc and the 2011 Meritage. The Cab Franc includes 8% Merlot and is aged for nine months in French oak. The Meritage is a blend of Cab Franc (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Merlot (30%). The Meritage was my winner on the red side and I bought a bottle. It lists for $17.99 and is a great partner for rich meats. Only 421 cases were produced.

We next tried a couple of fun wines. The Hunter’s Red might be their best seller (along with Alchemy, which we weren’t able to sample). Hunter’s Red is a offbeat blend of Corot Noir, DeChaunac and Seyval Blanc. This has 2.7% residual sugar.

On the white side we tried the rare 2010 Valvin Muscat. Valvin Muscat is a complex French American hybrid developed by Cornell in the 1960s. All the grapes come from the Hunt Country vineyard. This has sumptuous flavors of white peach and orange blossom.

If you want true beauty in Finger Lakes wine country, try a glass of the Hunt Country 2007 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine paired with a white chocolate truffle. Lush and heavenly, it bursts with flavors – and 26% residual sugar.

Andy Marshall is a man on a mission, to spread the word about great Finger Lakes wine. All we can say is “mission accomplished!”

Hunt Country Vineyards is a farm with a bumper crop of great wines and super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Don’t miss it!

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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Ogio 2011 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT


A pop of tartness and a dash of minerality highlight this refreshing Pinot Grigio from Ogio. Ogio is an Italian brand that began with limited distribution in the US in 2006 and last year expanded to all major markets.
The delle Venezie appellation covers three northeast regions of the country, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige. This is an area known for exceptional white wines.
The Ogio Pinot Grigio is light straw in color and light in body. The wine is tart on the tongue with notes of citrus zest. There is a bone dry minerality. The flavor notes are subtle and this should be a great wine for a variety of foods, including seafood, salads and even spicy cuisine.
Ogio is a third-generation family winery but this Pinot Grigio also embraces the flair of modern Italy. This wine has more punch than a lackluster or fruity Pinot Grigio. The price is a very reasonable $12.99.
Full Disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Toledo Wine Events & Tastings: May 22-25, 2013

English: Part of the Justin Winery vineyard in...
Part of the Justin Winery vineyard in Paso Robles, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, May 22
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc, 2. Cherry Hill Winery Dijon Cuvee Pinot Noir, 3. Kokomo Green Pastures Syrah, 4. Modern Wine Project Malbec. $7 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorial Day – Great Wines for Grilled Food – with Wine Consultant Joe Mosier. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, May 23
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Some New Wines for Mid-Spring. 1. 2011 Villa dei Preti – Frascati – Italy, 2. 2011 ZENI – Pinot Grigio Ramato – Italy, 3. 2006 ICARDI – Barbera D’ Alba – Italy, 4. 2006 Vina Robles – Syree – Red Blend – Paso Robles, California. $9.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual Last Great Cabernet Tasting Before Summer: 1. Perez Cruz, 2. Susana Balbo, 3. Obsidian Ridge, 4. White Oak, 5. Raymond Reserve, 6. Joseph Family, 7. Mollydooker Gigglepot, 8. Heitz Cellars. 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, May 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. Memorial Day Grillin' Wines: 1. Chinon "Rene Couly Rose," 2. Cannonau di Sardegna, 3. The Stump Jump GSM, 4. Midnight Cellars "Crescent" Zinfandel. $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: Perfect Picnic Pairings. Tickets ($15 members/$25 nonmembers, plus tax), are available at the Information Desks.

Saturday, May 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. Memorial Day Grillin' Wines: 1. Chinon "Rene Couly Rose," 2. Cannonau di Sardegna, 3. The Stump Jump GSM, 4. Midnight Cellars "Crescent" Zinfandel. $15 per flight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Memorial Day – Austin’s Favorite USA Wines with Wine Manager Austin Beeman. 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, May 21, 2013

African-American Winemaker McDonald of Vision Cellars To Be Featured At Churchill’s June 1


Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield, Maumee, (419) 794-4000, will feature a visit from a very special winemaker 12:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday, June 1. Mac McDonald is two things that are extremely rare. He is an African-American winemaker and one of the finest producers of Pinot Noir in the entire world.

McDonald, the son of Texas Moonshiner, fell in love with Pinot Noir at the age of 12 when he tasted fine French Burgundy. Since 1997, McDonald has been producing wine under the Vision Cellars label. These are Boutique Single-Vineyard Pinot Noirs made without compromise in very small batches.

Walt Churchill’s Market will host an afternoon with McDonald and a selection of his limited production wines. The cost per person is $25.
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Monday, May 20, 2013

Aromatic Whites From Finger Lakes Offer Smell of Success


As the thermometer spikes upward in the month of May, the thoughts of this wine lover turn to crisp, chilled whites that can dispel the heat and humidity with the pop of a cork. We recently convened a group of friends to sample five tasty whites from the Finger Lakes wine region.

The wine (two Grüner Veltliner, two Gewürztraminer and a Pinot Gris) were provided by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance and the tasting took place through #winechat, a facilitated Twitter discussion hooking up wine media from around the country.

Joining us for the tasting were tasting team members Sax Man and Wine Chick as well as our two neighbors Tom and Debbie. Green Dragon displayed her culinary chops by whipping up some really great appetizers to pair with the wines including zucchini parmesan crisps, bratwurst, shrimp with sizzling sauce and a peanut butter mousse cheesecake pie.

We really enjoyed the format for the tasting. It kicked off at 9:00 PM Eastern, so we started at 7:00 with a tasting meal. This enabled us to chat, enjoy the wine and take some notes. I saved a bit from

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Grillin’ and Chillin’ Wine Tasting at Maumee Wines May 21

Typical shape and design of a white wine tasti...

New Zealand wine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wine lovers will have a chance to “grill and chill” at a tasting at Maumee Wines and Bistro, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. The event is scheduled Tuesday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

The grilling season will begin with Chef Bill Kolhoff grilling on the
patio in front of the shop. Four crisp white wines and four reds will be featured, or there is an  assortment of craft beers available for non-wine drinkers. There will be plenty of grilled vegetables and various delectables.

The cost is $25 per person and reservations are appreciated.

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Deep Root Vineyard: Finger Lakes Winery Visit


Another in our series of reports from our recent Finger Lakes trip.
One of the pleasures of a wine trip to the Finger Lakes is going “off the grid,” checking out new wineries that are not on any official wine trail or map. That was the case when we visited Deep Root Vineyard.
We were racing from a winery at the south end of Keuka Lake to one on the northwest fork. As we rumbled along, we spotted a round purple sign announcing Deep Root Vineyard.
That got our attention. After a couple of quick turnarounds in driveways, we got our signals straight and rolled up to Deep Root.
This is real grassroots winemaking. Deep Root is a micro-production farm winery with a focus on sustainability and quality. The vineyard is owned by Ben and Michelle Hartman and opened on Memorial Day in 2011. This year they will produce 300 cases of wine.
“I decided to get into wine six years ago,” said Ben who was pouring us samples in front of his rustic barn that serves as part of the open air tasting room. “Then I fell in love with Keuka.” The vineyard has been in this location for more than a century and had been planted with what could now be considered Old Vine Concord.
We sampled two different Traminette, a grape that is related to Gewürztraminer. The first was a 2011 Dry Traminette and then the 2012 Moonflower, a semi-dry wine. Moonflower was a favorite of Glorious T, who bought a bottle. The labels are designed by Michelle and are as delicious as the wine.
We also sampled the dry rosé, which is made with Concord, Vignoles and two other grapes. Their popular Country Red has a taste of sweetness at 1.9% residual sugar.
Chambourcin  is one of our favorite grapes and Deep Root offers it two ways, one the “Nouveau” Chambourcin and the other a Port-style dessert wine.
A visit to Deep Root is a connection with the true spirit of Finger Lakes winemaking. This is a work in progress, but there is no doubt the roots run deep and the passion is strong. We look forward to a return visit in the future.
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Wine and Dine Event on May 31 to Benefit Wood County Humane Society

The Wood County Humane Society Wine and Dine event is scheduled  6:00 – 10:30 PM May 31 at Olscamp Hall on the campus of Bowling Green State University. This is your chance to help the animals while enjoying an evening of delicious edibles, engaging wines, music, and fabulous auction items. Jerry Anderson returns as auctioneer for the live auction, and music will be performed by Estar Cohen and Company.
Proceeds from the Wine and Dine support homeless and abused animals in Wood County, providing care for hundreds of animals each year - from dogs and cats to horses, goats and pocket pets.
Auction items include Vera Bradley bags and accessories, salon services, massages, sports memorabilia, fine art, crafts and jewelry by area artists, K100 DJ for a day with Shores and Steele, BGSU theatre tickets, golf, and more.
The menu includes a choice of Chicken Parmesan from the Olde Country or Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, Classic Caesar Salad with Garlicky Croustade, Rosemary Roasted Redskin Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, and for dessert, a choice of Buckeye Cheesecake -or-Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake with Housemade Orange Marmalade.
Guests can start the night with three glasses of wine of their choice, from bold Cabernets to sweet Rieslings - something for every taste (and beer, softdrinks, coffee, or water if you prefer). A cash bar will also be available.
If you are unable to attend or would like to additionally sponsor the event, please click here for more information.
Early bird tickets will be on sale until May 20. Early bird price is $45 for a single or $80 for a couple. After May 20, prices are $55 for a single or $100 for a couple. Download the ticket form here.
Photo by Prayitno
*Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, except for the cost of the $25 per utilized ticket.*
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: May 15-18, 2013



Wednesday, May 15
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Treana White Blend, 2. Treana Red Blend, 3. Orin Swift "Fittings," 4. Moscato Bella. $11 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. $15
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000, 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Stuff Joe Wants to Try – Part 2 – with Wine Consultant Joe Mosier. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Thursday, May 16
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Some NEW and some OLD favorites for mid-Spring. 1. 2011 Mer Soleil – SILVER – Unoaked Chardonnay – OLD, 2. 2011 Davis Bynum – Chardonnay – NEW, 3. 2011 Davis Bynum – Pinot Noir – NEW, 4. 2010 Albert Bichot – Mercurey – Pinot Noir – OLD. $8.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Iconic California Wineries Series: Clos Pegase & Grgich Hills. Clos Pegase: 1. Chardonnay, 2. Merlot, 3. Cabernet. Grgich Hills: 1. Fume Blanc, 2. Chardonnay, 3. Merlot, 4. 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.
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, May 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. Aussie Reds: 1. Four Sisters Merlot, 2. Layer Cake Shiraz, 3. Ross "Lights Out" Shiraz, 4. Shotfire Quartage. $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: Wineries of New South Wales. Tickets ($15 members/$25 nonmembers, plus tax), are available at the Information Desks.

Saturday, May 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. Aussie Reds: 1. Four Sisters Merlot, 2. Layer Cake Shiraz, 3. Ross "Lights Out" Shiraz, 4. Shotfire Quartage. $15 per flight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. The Rhone Valley of France Part 2 – The Southern Rhone with Wine Manager Austin Beeman. 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, May 14, 2013

Dry Creek Vineyard 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma


In California, a mile or two can make all the difference in the cost and prestige of a wine. While the prices of Napa continue to rocket heavenward, some incredibly rich Cabs are being produced in Sonoma for a fraction of the cost.

The 2009 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet from Dry Creek Vineyard is such an example. At $25 this is a wine that rivals a Napa Cab costing three times as much.

This wine was “batting cleanup” during a recent tasting at the home of tasting team members Sax Man and Wine Chick. Sadly they have moved to another part of town, so we can’t pass glasses of wine over the backyard fence like we used to. Their new home, however, provides plenty of elbow room for a nice evening of wine tasting.

The 2009 vintage was one of the best in the last decade, and this bottle shows it with elegance and structure. There is ripe cherry and raspberry front and center in the glass edged with some dust and herbal notes.

It’s a very smooth wine with tannins that provide firmness, but never bite. The finish is long and relaxing.

This is 86% Cab, 4% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. The DCV Cab is aged for 20 months in French, American and Hungarian oak. The alcohol level is 13.5%.

This baby has beauty and depth at a price that’s hard to beat.

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 4.5 of 5

Full Disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Monday, May 13, 2013

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars: Finger Lakes Winery Visit

Another in our series of Finger Lakes winery reports from our recent trip.

If there is a Mecca for Finger Lakes wines, it is Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars in Hammondsport, NY. Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States.

Today the Finger Lakes produces world-class wines and there is no better place to experience it than “Dr. Frank’s” on Keuka Lake. We were able to catch a quick lunch at Bully Hill and then rumbled up and up until we reached the winery’s perch overlooking Keuka Lake.

Upon arriving we learned that winery manager George DiTomasso would be doing a special tasting for us. There are tastings and then there are tastings, we would learn.

Our tasting took place in the new tasting room, which has windows looking out onto the deck to a vineyard and the sun-dappled waters of Keuka beyond. Early Thursday afternoon was an ideal time for a tasting as the winery was uncrowded.

We could not find a more congenial and knowledgeable host! The production of sparkling wines has come a long way in New York State, but the finest certainly is the Chateau Frank  sparkling wine. It was there we began.

While Konstantin Frank pioneered the growing of “noble grapes” in America, it was his son Willy who spearheaded New York’s sparkling wine revolution using the traditional method and grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). Today Dr. Frank’s employs five winemakers, one of whom is dedicated to sparkling wines.

We were able to sample three vintage sparkling wines, the 2006 Brut, the 2007 Blanc de Blancs and the 2007 Blanc de Noirs.The Brut is a beautiful wine with all the characteristics of French Champagne. It has a touch of sweetness that the Green Dragon enjoyed. The Blanc de Blancs is made with 100% Chardonnay and the Blanc de Noirs is 100% Pinot Noir. The latter sparklers both had more of a crisp and dry finish. These are wines worthy of any fine meal or occasion.

After the bubbly opening, we moved to the still white wines and began with a pair of Grüner Veltliner. The 2011 Grüner has a touch of floral and herb flavor notes and is a top pick for the summer. This contrasted with the 2010 Grüner Veltliner Reserve. The reserve is aged in oak barrels which imparts a unique toastiness and new dimensions to this grape.

The demonstration of white wine mastery continued as we sampled the 2011 Pinot Gris and 2010 Rkatsiteli. The Dr. Frank Pinot Gris vineyards are the oldest in the US while the Rkatsiteli is the oldest vinifera grape known to man, being identified in ancient wine press sites dating back to 3,000 BC.

George is not only a wealth of wine knowledge but quite a culinary advisor as well, sharing ideas for pairings and recipes. The Rkatsiteli has acidity, citrus flavors and a wonderful olive smell. This matches very well with stuffed grape leaves.

We next tried two Dr. Frank signature wines, the 2012 Gewürztraminer and the 2012 Dry Riesling.  The Gerwurz has orange and honey notes balanced by great acidity. The RS is only 1.1%, so this is not overly sweet. A great pick for Asian fare and one of my top wines of the tasting. The Dry Riesling is iconic, a wine that is really a masterpiece that expresses the terroir of the Finger Lakes. It has a rocking minerality with a long flavor tail of lemon. The acidity is dialed in to provide a nice pop without overdoing it.

We sampled through the 2012 Pinot Noir Dry Rosé (very refreshing!), the 2010 Pinot Noir (good match with tuna) and the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (from the oldest Cabernet grapes east of the Rockies). We then hit upon on of the most unique wines on our trip: 2010 Cuvée d’Amour.

The Cuvée d’Amour is made with vitus amurensis, grapes native to southern Siberia and northern China. Through cross-breeding a winter-hardy grape has been developed and this is thought to be the first commercial bottling of vitus amurensis in the US.

The wine is dense in body with wild raspberry flavor notes. The wine is aged in oak and compares to fine Bordeaux or Barolo. The wine retails for $34.99 and we had to have a bottle!
Pricing is worth mentioning. To the benefit of wine lovers, Dr. Frank has made an effort to hold the line on pricing. Their flagship Dry Riesling is just $14.99 while wines of comparable quality easily sell for twice that much. Their estate wines range from $12.99 to $19.99 with reserves a bit higher. The sparkling wine, done in the labor-intensive methode Champenois, are still all under $30.

Happily, Dr. Frank has wider availability than most Finger Lakes wineries, which has also helped raise the profile of Finger Lakes wines. The experience at the winery, though, should not be missed. With a range of 34 wines available, a picturesque setting and friendly and knowledgeable staff, this is one destination you don’t want to miss.

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