Thursday, July 31, 2014

At Your Fingertips: Our Tasting Team Reports On More Than 100 Wineries

At Toledo Wines and Vines we have a threefold approach to editorial content. We provide a weekly calendar on wine events, provide tasting notes on wines from around the world and, perhaps the most fun, we provide stories on wineries we have visited.

Photo by Claudio Matsuako

You’ll be able to get the inside scoop on wineries from our tasting team members and learn their favorite wines and tasting rooms.
We have compiled all the winery reports on one page for your convenience. There are reports on more than 100 wineries including the Finger Lakes, Ontario, California, Washington and Oregon. You will also find reports on great wineries close to home in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. There are also articles on great wineries in Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

To dive in and begin exploring this great group of wineries, visit our winery report page. You might also enjoy reading our stories about the closest wineries to Toledo, Ohio, and what makes a great winery visit.

Please let us know if you have a suggestion for a winery that we absolutely, positively must visit by using the comment button below

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: July 30 - August 2, 2014

Wednesday, July 30
The Andersons, Sylvania, No wine tasting tonight.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. July 30, 6:00 PM. An Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia and the New Dry Wines of Germany. $45 per person (advanced payment required). Limited seating. Contact Austin Beeman in store.
Thursday, July 31
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Cabs and Chards, Different Styles — All California: 1. 2012 Mer Soleil  – Silver – Unoaked Chardonnay – Santa Lucia Highlands, 2. 2013 Butter – Chardonnay – Sonoma, 3. 2011 Obsidian Ridge – Cabernet Sauvignon – Lake County, 4. 2012 Orin Swift – Palermo – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley. Nominal fee per sample or $10 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Italian Whites: 1. Mionetto Brut Prosecco, 2. Signano Vernaccia di San Gimignano, 3. Taburno Falanghina del Sanio, 4. Gameraia Villa S. Andrea Toscano Bianco, 5. Pra Soave Classico, 6. La Sinetta Toscana Vermentino, 7. Zentao Valpolicello Superiore, 8. Adesso Romagna Dolce. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Going Back to Cali: One of our greatest strengths here at Noir is our outstanding selection of domestic wine, especially bottles hailing from the Golden State. Let's end our month of tasting on the right note. If you don't know, now you know. Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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, August 1
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, August 2
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 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).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Dusted Valley 2010 Boomtown Chardonnay

There’s one problem with boomtowns. They often go bust.
That’s our reaction to the 2010 Dusted Valley Chardonnay. Even its origin in one of our favorite wine regions, Walla Walla, wasn’t enough to get us excited over this nondescript Chard.
Boomtown arrived as part of a mystery half case purchased online. I guess it is no mystery that online retailers like to clear out whites that are starting to bump against their drinking window.
Boomtown produces about 20,000 cases a year and started in 2003. They produce Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Their wines are crafted for those “unafraid to step out of their comfort zone.”
Unfortunately, I had to step out of my “tasting zone” with this one. The wine is smooth and its stainless steel fermentation means there isn’t an unpleasant oakiness. But there really isn’t much going on at all in the taste department.
There is a modicum of peach and citrus flavors, but not enough to be memorable. The cost for this wine is a mere $10 to $12 – but even so, it underperforms compared to many wines at that price.
In this instance, the myth of the Boomtown has been busted.
Rating: 1.5 of 5  Value: 2 of 5

Monday, July 28, 2014

Soléna Estate Cultivates Biodynamic Excellence With Line of Pinot Noir Offerings

Soléna Estate is an ultra-premium winery with a focus on Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. I first became acquainted with their wines at the recent Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Barbera. With the first sip I was struck with the richness and depth of their Pinot Noir.
Recently I had the chance to taste through three Soléna Pinot Noir and a Pinot Gris. I was joined by Green Dragon and tasting team members Glorious T and the Cabinator.
Due to a disconnect, Green Dragon didn’t realize we would be tasting Pinot Noir. She had assembled all the ingredients for homemade Hawaiian pizza (with pineapple and ham). I’m a lover of pizza as much as I love wine, so we decided to roll with the rather unorthodox pairing.
We sampled the 2012 Soléna Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir with pizza after decanting the wine for about 45 minutes. Hyland vineyard is one of the oldest planted vineyards in Willamette Valley, being planted in 1971. The soil is volcanic and the grapes come from biodynamically farmed blocks.
This is a magnificent wine. It is a deep garnet/rose color in the glass. On the palate there is tart cherry with luscious brambly flavor notes. The texture after decanting is divine. Only 500 cases of this wine were produced.
When our guests arrived, we poured the chilled 2013 Soléna Pinot Gris. As chance would have it, we had opened a different Oregon Pinot Gris the night before and could taste it side by side.
The Soléna has 4% Gerwurztraminer added to the blend and it adds to a floral nose. The juiciness of the wine outweighs the acidity. A few weeks of sur lees fermentation adds a nice fullness to the texture.
The other Pinot Gris was thinner tasting with an acidic finish that made it less polished by comparison with the Soléna.
The 2012 Soléna Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir comes from various vineyards in Willamette Valley. We enjoyed this with thyme-infused sausage and apple/onion appetizer.
At $25 this is a tasty Willamette Valley Pinot, although it falls short of the glory of the two Soléna single-vineyard Pinot. There is flavor of cooked cherries and tobacco and nice bright acidity.
Soléna Estate is an 80-acre biodynamically farmed vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Willamette Valley. The winery was founded by Laurent Montalieu and Danielle Andrus Montalieu. Soléna is the combination of French and Spanish words celebrating the sun and the moon. It’s also the name that Laurent and Danielle gave to their daughter.
To wrap up our tasting, we sampled the 2012 Soléna Domain Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir. The DDL vineyard is located next to Shea Vineyards and has ancient sedimentary Willakenzie soil.
We paired the DDL with mushroom Asiago bites.This Pinot is a more robust in style than the Hyland. It has deep notes of cedar and coffee. It is aged for 11 months in French oak.
The wines from Soléna Estate are exciting. The Pinots represent three different takes on the grape, each with their own enthralling personality. The Hyland and DDL retail for $50 each and represent a delicious value in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Our top choice was the Hyland, but the comparison may not be fair as we didn’t decant the DDL and suspect that on another night, that might take top honors.
Full disclosure: These wines were provided as a marketing sample.
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Friday, July 25, 2014

Sebastiani 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County


This Cab came at the end of a very long day. Let me start at the beginning.
At the conclusion of the Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Barbara County I planned a visit with my cousin Mary in Huntington Beach. That meant I had to catch an Amtrak connector bus at 5:20 AM out of Buellton.
Yikes! That’s not an ideal situation after four days of non-stop wine tasting.
After overcoming a no-show cabbie, I finally caught the bus and made it to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. This is perhaps my favorite train – rolling smoothly along right next to the sandy beaches and crashing Pacific waves.
Soon after arrival Mary, husband Cleve and I headed to the SeaCliff Country Club where we enjoyed a lunch with some beer. It was then on to the tennis court. For someone from Ohio, it’s nice to play tennis with ocean breezes and palm trees swaying.
Mary and I took on two of her friends for two rampaging sets. We came up just short in the first one and then the wheels came off in the second. However, it was rally time in the third set in which I squared off against Mary and her friend Scott and came away victorious. We then hopped into the hot tub and chillaxed with some Mojitos.
Cleve is quite a cook and he rustled up some delicious chicken tetrazzini for dinner. We started with some Starborough Sauvignon Blanc. As the long day wound into evening, we decanted this bottle of Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon.
Is it a masterpiece? It most definitely is when paired with an original painting by French artist Marc Chagall! (Thanks for the photo idea, Cleve.)
This wine is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Syrah rounding out the blend. The flavors are of blackberries, herbs and toasted oak. The tannins are medium and the smoothness was enhanced by decanting. The finish is extensive and rewarding.
Thanks to the hospitality of Mary and Cleve, plus the Sebastiani, I was soon “California Dreamin’.”

Thursday, July 24, 2014

SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail To Host Wine Days of Summer August 9 - 10

Winery Cat

Winery Cat (Photo credit: trishhartmann)

The Pioneer Wine Trail of Southeast Michigan will host the Wine Days of Summer Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10. The Wine Days of Summer Party is a self-driving tour of the wineries of the Pioneer Wine Trail featuring a wine pairing with food prepared by a local chef or restaurant.  

The wineries and pairings for this event are:

  * Burgdorf's Winery (Haslett) -Lemon Zest Cheesecake with 2013 Vidal Blanc

  * Chateau Aeronautique Winery (Jackson) - Lamb Kofta Kebob w/Mint Chutney & Cucumber Yogurt Sauce on Pita with 2013 Syrah or 2013 Naked Chardonnay

  * Cherry Creek Cellars Old Schoolhouse Winery (Brooklyn) - Smoked Chicken Leg Quarter w/Corn & Black Bean Salsa with "La Mia Familigia"

  * Flying Otter Winery (Adrian) - Loaded Baked Potato Salad with "Sexy Devil"

  * J. Trees Cellars (Tecumseh) - Applewood Smoked Ribs with House White

  * Lone Oak Vineyard Estate (Grass Lake) - Tropical Chicken Salad on Croissant with Riesling

  * Pentamere Winery (Tecumseh) - Waldorf Salad garnished w/Granny Smith Apple & Asian Pear Coulis with "Celebration White"

  * Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson) - Mixed Greens w/Curried Chicken & Fresh Summer Fruits with Traminette 

Tickets for this self-driven tour with eight delicious food and wine pairings are $30 per person. Designated drivers eat for free.

Each winery along the trail will feature a dish prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The price also includes one tasting glass. A recipe card with the featured recipe will be given out to ticket holders at each winery. Tickets are available through pioneerwinetrail.com

Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). Hours of the event are Saturday, August 9, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, August 10, from noon to 6:00 PM. There are a limited number of tickets available.

Ticket sales will end on Wednesday, August 6, at midnight (or when sold out).  Tickets will not be available the day of the event. There are no physical tickets mailed for this event. Once purchased, your name is added to a registration list that will be at each winery. Be sure to bring your ID.   

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Toledo area Wine Events & Tastings: July 23-26, 2014

Randall Grahm, head of Bonny Doon Vineyard win...
Randall Grahm, head of Bonny Doon Vineyard wine company of California, at a tasting of his products at a wine shop in New Orleans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, July 23
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM.  Rose Can You See – Beautiful Dry Rose Wines: 1. Chateau Roubine Rose, 2. Coppola Sofia Rose, 3. Celani Cabernet Rose, 4. Miraval Rose. Nominal fee per sample or $8 for flight.
Thursday, July 24
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Summer Style... 1. 2012 Le Hameau – Sauvignon Blanc – France, 2. 2013 Terra d’ Oro – Chenin Blanc/Viognier – California, 3. 2009 Deep Sea – Red Blend – California, 4. 2012 Carmim Reguengos – Portugal. Nominal fee per sample or $5 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Special guest, Ester Garrett, from the Valley Vineyards. 1. Valley Vineyards Champagne, 2. Valley Vineyards White Reflection, 3. Valley Vineyards Red Reflection, 4. Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc, 5. Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 6. Valley Vineyard Honey Mead, 7. Valley Vineyard Blackberry. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Wine Tasting. 6 – 9 PM. 1. Recuerdo Torrontes Hayes Chardonnay, 2. Santa Ema Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Recuerdo Malbec, 4.  Hayes Cabernet Sauvignon.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Fight Club: One of the best ways to learn about wine is by comparing and contrasting regions, winemaking styles, and grapes. Show up tonight for a front-row seat and watch some surprise contenders duke it out. Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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, July 25
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Toledo Museum of Art, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wien by the Glass Pavilion. Princess Peach’s Picks: Fruity & Full-Bodied. Enjoy four wines and light snacks at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Purchase during Museum hours by phone at 419-255-8000 ext. 7448.
Saturday, July 26
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Bonny Doon Vineyards: Producer Profile. Winemaker Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon vineyards is one of the most important in California. After building one of the world's largest wine companies, he sold it all to focus on terroir-based wines and extremes of organic/biodynamic farming. His wines have never been better and more interesting.
Nominal fee per sample.
Up & Coming
Stella’s Restaurant, 104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, (419) 873-8360. July 27 – reception at 5:00 PM and dinner at 6:00 PM. Grapes & Grain Dinner: Exploring the Diversity of Wine & Beer Pairings. $65 per person. Call for reservations.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. July 30, 6:00 PM. An Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia and the New Dry Wines of Germany. $45 per person (advanced payment required). Limited seating. Contact Austin Beeman in store.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Parducci 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino County


This is a wine that scores high on the flavor charts and the viticulture behind it has earned top environmental honors. Parducci earned the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership award in 2007 and 2009. The winery employs a “manager of edible ecosystems” to feed their more than 60 employees in Mendocino County.
All that wouldn’t matter if the wine didn’t taste good. Happily, it does.
The Parducci 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is a small batch wine with only 520 cases produced. The flavors are nicely integrated with notes of grapefruit and starfruit. The wine has a somewhat creamy texture balanced with acidity. The acidity does not overpower.
This is a wine that would work well with curried chicken, salad or vegetable dishes. It’s also a good pick to take the edge off a hot summer day. The cost was a cool $15 online, so the price is “no sweat” as well.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

Monday, July 21, 2014

Paso Robles Cab Collective: A Passion For Wine -- Part 2


A highlight of our Wine Bloggers Conference pre-conference excursion to Paso Robles was an evening with the Paso Robles Cab Collective hosted by Daou Vineyards and Winery. Now know as Daou Mountain, it is the site of the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch, widely considered to be the birthplace of modern winemaking in Paso Robles. It’s natural beauty is breathtaking.
Paso Robles is the largest and most diverse wine region in California. The wines display intense varietal character due in part to the large swing between warm days and cool nights. With a longer growing season, Paso Robles wine grapes have more hang time. These growing conditions allow later ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre to reach full maturity.
There are more than 40 varieties of grapes grown in Paso, but the most widely planted red is Cabernet with plantings in 39% of the vineyards. The Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective is a grass-roots group aiming to promote Paso Robles age-worthy, balanced and classic Cabernet and red Bordeaux varieties to consumers and media.
There are 28 members of the CAB Collective and 17 were pouring wine for our crew of about 40 wine bloggers. The all-star lineup included Adelaida Cellars, Ancient Peaks, Bon Niche Cellars, Calcareous Vineyard, Cass Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Margene, Daou Vineyards & Winery, HammerSky, Hunt Cellars, J. Lohr Vineyards, Jada Vineyard & Winery, Justin, Le Vigne, Parrish Family Vineyard, Red Soles Winery, Sextant Wines and Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery.
The diurnal temperature swing was in full evidence at the tasting, as a chilly wind began to blow. The tables were arrayed outside, affording a sweeping view of golden hills. To take in this view while sipping some of the world’s premier Cabernet – well, it is a majestic experience.

Within the last several months leading up to the wine bloggers conference, I have had several chances to taste Paso Robles Cabs. Cabernets by Justin, Eberle and J. Lohr impressed me with the rich, full flavors and value in comparison with Napa. The CAB Collective tasting was a chance to fully explore the Paso Cab experience and it was indeed a full-on collage of masterful winemaking.

There were many impressive bottles and here are some highlights:

Villa San-Juliette 2010 Romantique – A red blend of Malbec, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant with raspberry and mocha.
Ancient Peaks 2010 Oyster Ridge – Their best wine, a blend of Cab, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Sirah. An impressive wine from what I had considered to be a value producer.
Parrish Family 2009 Silken – 66% Cabernet, 30% Petite Sirah and 4% Petit Verdot. Blackberry and creamy vanilla. Soft tannins.
HammerSky 2010 Party of Four – The “party” grapes are Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet. Deep rich with black fruit and leather.
Cass 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – I enjoyed a glass of this with the delicious short rib entrée from Daou. A knockout of a wine with 76% Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Concentrated cherry flavors with a pleasant acidity and taut tannins. A world-class Cab!
My conclusion for the evening was simple: Everyone should be drinking Paso Robles wines right now – the passion and creativity shows with each glass. Cabernet and Bordeaux blends are Paso Robles strengths and each bottle will be a delight for you to discover.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Paso Robles Wine Region: A Passion For Wine – Part 1


Paso Robles, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in California’s famed Central Coast, offers panoramic views of rolling hills kissed by sunshine and more than 32,000 acres of vineyards. The scenery and the wine is breathtaking. We were fortunate to participate in a pre-conference excursion to Paso Robles during the recent Wine Bloggers Conference held in Santa Barbara County.
After a bleary eyed ride to the Detroit airport at 4:30 AM, I jetted across the continent to San Jose and hooked up with about 40 fellow bloggers for our bus excursion, coordinated by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Although I have tasted many Paso wines, this was my first visit to the area. I was anxious to arrive at our first stop: Niner Wine Estates.
At Niner (which produces their fantastic Bootjack Vineyard Cabernet), we had a presentation on the wine and terroir of the Paso Robles. The “rock star” panel included Neils Uden of Castoro Cellars, Patrick Muran of Niner Wine Estates, Augie Hug of Hug Cellars, Stephanie Terrizzi of Giornata, Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery and Jason Diefenderfer of Hope Family Wines.
Paso Robles is unique in that Rhone, Bordeaux, Spanish and Italian grape varieties flourish here. Zinfandel is a “heritage” grape, first being planted in the 1880s. As Jason said, it is the sun, sea and soil that make Paso Robles so special. It is California’s largest and most diverse AVA.
A particular treat was hearing Gary Eberle speak. A true Paso pioneer, he started in the area when there were just three wineries and helped create the AVA in 1983. Not only does he turn out fine wine, like his Eberle 2011 Estate Cabernet, but he played football for Joe Paterno too.
Joining the Eberle Cab as favorites from this stop were the 2013 Balena White Blend, Whale Rock Estate and the Hug Cellars 2011 El Magnifico Zinfandel. The Balena is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Grenache Blanc and Falanghia with a floral touch that shows the versatility of Paso winemaking. The El Magnifico is a small lot masterpiece with tart raspberry and white pepper accents.

Our next “snapshot” of Paso Robles was focused on Rhone varieties and was hosted by Tablas Creek Vineyard. Tablas Creek has one foot in Paso Robles and the other in France. A friendship between Tablas founder Robert Haas and the Perrin Family of Chateau de Beaucastel resulted in a partnership and the importing of Rhone vines. The winery is at the forefront of the Rhone Ranger movement that is popularizing these grapes in the US.
After a tour of the grounds and an orientation by general manager Jeff Haas, we enjoyed a tasting of wines from Calcareous Vineyard, Caliza Winery, Ecluse Wines and Tablas Creek. White blends featured primarily Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. On the red side, blends highlighted Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. What a flavorful symphony of grapes!
Favorites here included the Calcareous Vineyard 2011 Tres Violet, a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, and the Ecluse 2010 Lock Vineyard Syrah, a smoky, rich gem.
As you’ll note, this is part one of our report on Paso Robles. There is so much to cover in this magical wine region, it can’t all fit in one article. Our next installment will begin with our next stop, a true “mountain top” experience with the Paso Robles Cab Collective. 

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Walt Churchill’s Market Schedules Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia

Vineyards at the bend of river Rhine, west of ...
Vineyards at the bend of river Rhine, west of Rüdesheim in Rheingau, Germany. Vineyard sites Berg Schlossberg at lower left, and Berg Roseneck at top right, with the white letters "Rüdesheimer Roseneck". The castle Ehrenfels ruin, just beyond the bend, is also visible. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Has scheduled “An Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia and the New Dry Wines of Germany” at 6:00 PM Wednesday July 30. The cost is $45 per person.

Matt Citriglia is one of only 211 Master Sommeliers in the world and helped create the new 'Certified Sommelier Exam. It is a great honor to welcome someone with his knowledge and expertise.
German wine today is undergoing an incredible transformation into a dry wine culture with bone-dry Rieslings, beautiful Pinot Noirs, Blancs, Gris, and stunning sparkling wine.
Matt Citriglia will guide participants through the leading-edge of German wine culture in this exciting seminar and wine tasting.  Six wines will be featured, many of which have never appeared in Northwest Ohio.
    • Schafer-Frohlich Blanc de Noir
    • Wirsching OV Iphofer Sylvaner
    • Rebholz GG Im Sonnenschein Pinot Blanc
    • Pfeffingen GG Weilberg
    • Rebholz GG Im Sonnenschein Riesling
    • Becker Pinot Noir "B" Estate
Contact Austin Beeman in store or at 419.794.4000 or Austin.beeman@waltchurchillsmarket.com
The event is limited to 20 people. Reservations must be prepaid.




Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: July 16-19, 2014

Assortment of wine from Domaine Chandon in Yar...
Assortment of wine from Domaine Chandon in Yarra Australia showing their sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot noir wine as well as a still pinot noir. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, July 16
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM.  Rose Can You See – Beautiful Dry Rose Wines: 1. Chateau Roubine Rose, 2. Coppola Sofia Rose, 3. Celani Cabernet Rose, 4. Miraval Rose. Nominal fee per sample or $8 for flight.
Thursday, July 17
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Summer Style... 1. 2012 Le Hameau – Sauvignon Blanc – France, 2. 2013 Terra d’ Oro – Chenin Blanc/Viognier – California, 3. 2009 Deep Sea – Red Blend – California, 4. 2012 Carmim Reguengos – Portugal. Nominal fee per sample or $5 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. New Zealand and Australia: 1. Tora Bay Sauvignon Blanc – Martinsborough, NZ, 2. Starborough Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, NZ, 3. Yalumba Viognier – South Australia, 4. Kilda Chardonnay – South Eastern Australia, 5. Kim Crawford Pinot Noir – South Island, NZ, 6. Over The Edge Pinot Noir – Martinborough, NZ, 7. Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz – Clare Valley, Australia, 8. Pepperjack Red – Barossa, Australia. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Wine Tasting. 6 – 9 PM.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Return to Oz: Australian wine has been on quite the rollercoaster ride ever since it's heyday in the early 2000’s. Exports from the country have dropped as of late, though imports of their "high-quality" wine (over $7.50 per liter) have increased. Well, where does this leave us? With an awesome Aussie lineup of the good stuff! And worry not...Fairuza Balk is not invited. Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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, July 18
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, July 19
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Superstars in the Shadows: To pick a great wine from a famous wine region is easy. Just the chase the ones with the highest prices. It is more exciting – and easier on the wallet - to seek out the wines that don't hog the spotlight. There are spectacular wines hiding in unknown regions, made from unhip grapes, and crafted by unassuming winemakers. This week we are featuring wines that are some of the world's absolute greatest, but are still relative unknowns. Nominal fee per sample.
Up & Coming

Stella’s Restaurant, 104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, (419) 873-8360. July 27 – reception at 5:00 PM and dinner at 6:00 PM. Grapes & Grain Dinner: Exploring the Diversity of Wine & Beer Pairings. $65 per person. Call for reservations.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. July 30, 6:00 PM. An Evening with Master Sommelier Matt Citriglia and the New Dry Wines of Germany. $45 per person (advanced payment required). Limited seating. Contact Austin Beeman in store.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Claiborne & Churchill 2012 Pinot Blanc, Central Coast


Pinot Blanc, they call you a mutant. However, like the X-Men, you are a force for good in the world – and a source of exceptionally tasty summer wine.
Pinot Blanc seems to be a mutation of Pinot Gris, which itself is a mutation of Pinot Noir. Sadly, in many wine shops, you may draw a blank if you go in and ask for Pinot Blanc.
That’s too bad, because this Alsatian-style wine is wonderful. We enjoyed it with a shrimp barbecue on the patio during a sunny Fourth of July.
Claiborne & Churchill has carved out a niche as a producer of fine dry Alsatian-style white wines. It’s a small family-owned winery in San Luis Obispo that produces about 10,000 cases a year.
The C&C Pinot Blanc has refreshing acidity, with subdued flavors of pear and citrus. The body is light to medium. The wine is barrel fermented and so it takes on some additional depth from the mellow tannins.
This wine was so enjoyable that our friend John took the empty bottle to ensure that he was able to buy the same satisfying stuff. It’s recommended for ABC people, those who prefer Anything But Chardonnay. We bought it online for $25 and got what I consider to be a rewarding value.
Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

Monday, July 14, 2014

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival Celebrates 20th Year August 1-2

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Photo credit: weissa415

The first of its kind Ohio wine and food event will celebrate its 20th anniversary this August 1-2 in beautiful Lake County. Colorful tents, rolling hills, picnic tables, and groves of tall oaks provide a tranquil setting for the festivities. Vintage Ohio is the most acclaimed summer wine and food festival between the Appalachians and Rockies and is the model for dozens of similar events in Ohio and in a several other states.  

This year, 16 wineries will be on hand to 'take the mystery out of wine appreciation - and celebrate the unprecedented growth of the grape and wine industry in the Buckeye State.

Sophisticated, world-class wines like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc or Riesling will interest connoisseurs. Fun-to-drink fruit wines made from fresh strawberries, blackberries, peaches and raspberries will appeal to those new to the wine experience. Whether one enjoys red, white, blush, dry, sweet or something in-between, there will be an opportunity to find a favorite 'Vintage Experience.' Attendees may also learn more about wine at the wine education demonstrations presented by the American Wine Society. Those 21+ may purchase wine to go at the "Wine Store" to take home the Vintage Ohio experience.

Some of the area's best musicians will be performing continuously on three stages. So whether one enjoys the smoothness of jazz, delights in the nostalgia of oldies, or prefers more upbeat rhythms, they will find something that suits their fancy at Vintage Ohio.

Pairings Ohio's Wine & Culinary Experience tent will host cooking demonstrations by some of the area's top chefs. At Vintage Ohio, Cleveland's hottest food trucks, restaurants and caterers will showcase delicious food. Select from scrumptious Crab Cakes, Shrimp Skewers, BBQ Ribs, Mahi Mahi, Oysters, Piquant Chicken, Veggie Platters, Bison Roast, Smoked Turkey Legs, Corned Beef, Creole Jambalaya, Gourmet Cheeses, and dozens of other dishes.

Crafters and artists will be on site with their wares for people to do a little shopping. Clothing, hats, jewelry, vases, glass works, wine glass holders are just of few of the many options available to consumers. Garden and vineyard tours are available at the Plant Science Center on the festival grounds.  See the spectacular fireworks Friday night.

Vintage Ohio is held in conjunction with Lake Metroparks. No food or beverages may be brought on to the grounds. No pets are permitted on the field or in cars.

Vintage Ohio is held at Lake Metroparks Farmpark at 8800 Euclid-Chardon Road in Kirtland, Ohio 44094.

Adult Sampler Ticket: $35 at the Gate, $30 in advance. This includes entry to the festival, a souvenir wine glass, American Wine Association sessions, cooking demonstrations, three stages of entertainment, shopping from local artisans, Friday fireworks and more. Wine also available to be purchased by the glass and bottle. Two-day Sampler Tickets are discounted at : $45 per person. Designated Driver/Foodie Ticket: $12 (Includes entry to the festival, up to 5 soft drinks from the designated driver booths, American Wine Association sessions, cooking demonstrations, three stages of entertainment, shopping from local artisans, Friday fireworks and more. You are not permitted to sample wine, but may purchase wine to take home). Children's Ticket: $3 Includes entry to the festival only for children 4-17. Children three and under are free. Tickets are good for either day. All tickets sales are final and nonrefundable. Food and some activities are not included in the admission price.

The Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is produced by Ohio Wine Producers Association.  For additional information: www.OhioWines.org or at www.VisitVintage.com Ohio or call 800-227-6972.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Grande Maison 2007 Cuvee des Anges, Monbazillac


If you haven’t heard of Monbazillac, it’s understandable. Located east of Bordeaux, this area is much less renowned than its neighbor to the northeast, Sauternes. Both regions produce outstanding sweet white wines.
We brought out this selection to go with our dessert on the Fourth of July. Our friend Maria made a Red, White and Blue Truffle with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries along with shortcake and delicious cream. Good thing too, because the Grande Maison is so sweet that you need something on par with it so rein in the sugar.
This is a half-bottle of dessert wine and a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. You may be surprised to know that it gets its flavor from mold. Botrytis, or noble rot, is a fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel, concentrating both the sugar and the flavor.
The flavors are similar to ice wine, honey-sweet with candied lemon. The texture is viscous, but not quite syrupy. The flavors are fresh and in small sips, quite enjoyable.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5 (based on price of $13)

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Dry Creek Vineyard 2013 Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County


Sunscreen, check. Charcoal, check. Hawaiian shirt, check. There’s one more item that should be on your checklist for summer fun: Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc.
Fumé Blanc is the term coined by Robert Mondavi for Sauvignon Blanc decades ago. Some believe that his shrewd marketing led to establishing Sauvignon Blanc as the second most popular white wine in California behind Chardonnay.
Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg has mastered Sauvignon Blanc. They were the first to plant the variety in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley and offer several varieties including the Fumé Blanc and two single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.
Of the bunch, the Fumé Blanc says fun. This wine introduced me to Sauvignon Blanc. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and 100% accessible to wine lovers of any experience level.
The wine is light straw in color. The nose can detect the classic aromas of citrus and cut grass. On the palate there is lively acidity, tasty minerality and flavors of grapefruit, lemon and lime. The body is light and crisp.
DCV Fumé Blanc is stainless steel fermented to keep its fresh flavors.  It’s an enjoyable wine from the time it is opened until the last golden drop, and ideal for a warm summer’s day. At $14 you’ll have plenty of folding money left to purchase your picnic supplies.
Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 4 of 5
Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: July 9-12, 2014

Cocktail by candle light 1: "With some of...
Champagne by candlelight. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, July 9
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM.  1. Casadonoso Evolucion Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Rodney Strong 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Turley 2012 Zinfandel Juvenile, 4. Bartenura Sparkling Moscato Rose. Nominal fee per sample or $6 for flight.
Thursday, July 10
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. German Style… 1. 2012 Dr. Konstantin Frank – Semi-Dry Riesling – Finger Lakes, New York, 2. NV Dr. L – Sparkling  Riesling – Germany, 3. 2011 Messmer – Pinot Noir – Germany, 4. 2012 Darting – Pinot Meunier – Germany. Nominal fee per sample or $7 for flight.
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. The Spice of Summer: 1.
Damilano Arneis — Piedmont, Italy, 2. Midnight Full Moon Red – Paso Robles, 3. Brazin Zinfandel – Lodi, California, 4. Boom Boom Syrah – Washington, 5. Novelty Hill Syrah  Washington, 6. Novy Syrah – Napa, 7. Turley Juvenile Zinfandel – California, 8. Saldo Zinfandel – California. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Wine Tasting. 6 – 9 PM.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. Eye of the Tiber. Italians have been making wine for thousands of years...THOUSANDS! They also make more of the stuff than anyone else, anywhere on the planet. I think it's safe to assume that they know what they're doing. Drop in for a lineup of Italian jewels such as Chianti, Barolo, Brunello, Amarone, and more. Nominal fee per sample or priced per flight.
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, July 11
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting. 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Saturday, July 12
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Willi Brundlmayer and Hermann Donnhoff. Brundlmayer is making dry wines in Austria & Donnhoff is make mostly sweet wines in Germany. What do they have in common? Each makes exquisite wines are that are considered by many the tops of their respective countries. Mixing power, grace, complexity, & a true respect for terroir. Nominal fee per sample.
Up & Coming
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. July 14, 6:00 PM. 9th Annual Bastille Day Celebration. Five course gourmet meal and wine pairings with guest chef Bill Kolhoff. $75 per person. Limit of 20 people. Pre-paid reservations required. Call for info and reservations.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Mulderbosch 2011 Chenin Blanc, Western Cape

Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty. So goes a classic summer song by the Lovin’ Spoonful. The weather has recently turned hot here in the Toledo area, but we found a way to cool it way down.
On a hot evening we dropped in to Dégagé Jazz Café in the historic Commercial Building on River Road in Maumee. They feature cool wines and cool jazz. (Red wines too!).
There’s plenty of dining space at Dégagé, but we wanted to hear the music, so we paid the $6 cover and entered the intimate bar area for the show. 
The wine list features some solid by the glass offerings and a more interesting reserve list. Since we are planning a trip to South Africa, my scan of the wine list gravitated to this 2011 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc.
The food offering are much better than I remembered. I ordered a risotto with some nice vegetables topped with thin, crisped prosciutto. Mixed together, the dish harmonized perfectly.
While Skip Turner and his band were laying down a nice groove on stage, we popped open the Chenin Blanc. When the wine came out of the ice bucket, it was a bit too cold. As it warmed up, there were some nice notes of grapefruit and pear. We recently had a Chenin Blanc from Oregon, and this one was a lot less juicy and more restrained.
The wine is aged 20% in oak barrels for five months, but any effect of that was lost on me. The acidity also could have been ratcheted up. We do like a little zing in our whites.
Chenin Blanc, or Steen as its called locally, is a signature grape of South Africa. We found this to be food friendly with a dry and smooth profile – solid, but not remarkable. The flavors did not erupt like a clanging drum, but were more light jazz riff on the piano.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 2 of 5

Monday, July 7, 2014

Wine Lovers Rejoice As Pairings: Ohio’s Wine & Culinary Center Opens In Geneva


Most people are surprised to learn that at one time Ohio was the leading wine producer in the nation. As early as the 1800s, early settlers to the region were exploring winemaking. Today Ohio is the seventh largest wine producer in the nation and more than 2.7 million people visit the state’s wineries each year.
To celebrate and promote the state’s love affair with the grape, and take advantage of growing trends in wine and culinary tourism, the vision for Pairings, Ohio’s Wine & Culinary Center was born. The first phase for the project, Windows on Pairings, a dedicated, multi-use facility that serves as a launch pad for wine tourism is now open at 50 Park St., Geneva. It’s designed to offer educational , agricultural, wine and culinary pursuits.
We were pleased to tour the facility during their recent grand opening event and take part in the historic festivities. It’s a major step for the promotion and strengthening of Ohio’s wine industry.
Windows on Pairings is a beautifully renovated 100-year-old post and beam barn. The structure contains a tasting and sales room to showcase Ohio wines, an educational area, a hands-on kitchen for culinary classes and a concierge service to connect visitors with wineries and lodgings in Ohio. This first phase of the project will help build foot traffic and awareness paving the way for future development which could include incubator space for new wineries and expanded banquet space.
Pairings has an experienced executive director in Catherine Sterle, who was sales director of Hale Village and Farm, a Western Reserve Historical Society property, prior to joining Windows. The list of classes and events is already impressive, including classes on Ohio wine appreciation, how to open a bed and breakfast and creating the perfect brunch.
One of the best aspects of Pairings (as you might guess knowing our perspective) is the tasting room. Here you have an opportunity to taste wines from a variety of Ohio wineries. You also have the chance to purchase a nice selection of Ohio wines in a central location.
We’ve visited the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua during a Finger Lakes trip and were very impressed. We took a food and wine pairings class there and thought that it was awesome.
We intend to be frequent visitors to Pairings and hope you are too. There is no charge to tour the facility, but we expect you’ll want to get a bite to eat and enjoy some wine. For us, the most exciting aspect of Pairings is not that it promotes the current Ohio wine industry, but that it can help elevate it. The center is designed to educate winemakers and wineries as well as the consumer.
Raise a toast to Pairings, a very welcome addition to the Ohio wine scene!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Arcadian 2007 Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands


Arcadian is a winery based in Santa Barbara County with a tasting room in the famous Lompoc Wine Ghetto. While the name of the locale might give you second thoughts, some of the coolest California wineries are based there.
Rather than sinking their money into impressive grounds and winery buildings, they follow the “garagiste” method – selecting grapes from the best vineyards and vinting them in industrial-style buildings. Wineries of the Ghetto do have nice tasting rooms and beautiful wines.
That’s where we picked this bottle up a couple years ago. Virtuoso winemaker Joe Davis poured the wine and downloaded the knowledge during our visit.
When I was informed of a special online wine tasting of Santa Barbara County wines, I hastened to the cellar in search of SBC wines. Although I had bought near a case during my visit, the only one that remained was the Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot. It was in the wine rack reserved for my “treasure” wines.
I popped it open. In one week I’ll be back in Santa Barbara County and can restock then.
Although Arcadian is Santa Barbara based, grapes are selected from prized vineyards around the state. Arcadian farms 10 acres of Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia bench in Monterey County. The grapes were handpicked, subjected to malolactic fermentation (for softness) and foot treaded three to five times a day. The wine was then aged for 27 months in French oak and then bottle aged for 10 months more.
Wow! That’s a lot of bottled love.
I decanted the wine for an hour. The aroma is full of ripened raspberries.
While the online chat was taking place, tweets were blasting back and forth in a hurried way, but sipping the Arcadian slowed things for me. I recalled Joe Davis, when I asked him about using an aerator saying he preferred not to “microwave” his wine. So, thinking of the relaxed time at the tasting room, I swirled and sipped.
On the tongue the Sleepy Hollow starts a bit hot, but then smoothens out nicely. The predominate flavor is sour cherry with undertones of earth and floral highlights. The tannins are very well mannered contributing to a balanced wine.
Arcadian is an elegant wine to be savored without cellphones or ticking clocks. It’s a handcrafted wine with complexity that deserves unhurried enjoyment.
Rating: 5 of 5  Value: 5 of 5 (based on $35 price at tasting room)