Friday, October 30, 2015

Grand River Valley Winegrowers Host Annual Turkey Trot November 7

What’s better than a progressive food and wine event? One that benefits local food banks and features wine from the Grand River Valley in Ohio.

 

8th Annual Turkey Trot is November 7

The leaves are in full bloom which means it's time to start thinking about the 8th Annual Grand River Valley Wine Region Turkey Trot. Join Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards on Saturday, November 7, from Noon to 5:00 PM for this drive yourself tour of wine tasting paired with food samples for your Thanksgiving meal.
All five participating wineries are within 10 minutes of each other making this a very convenient excursion for travelers. Each winery will feature a different part of the Thanksgiving meal and pair two wines that compliment it. In addition, recipes will be given out. The cost is only $5 per person at each winery and if you bring in a canned food item to each winery you will receive $1 off. These food items will be donated to the local food banks just in time for the holidays.
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Celebrate The End Of Harvest

"The Turkey Trot is really our celebration of the end of harvest and the beginning of the holiday season," says Kim Laurello, owner of Laurello Vineyards. "Locally made wines are a great way to celebrate with friends and family and makes for great conversation at the dinner table." Whether you are tasting new releases or old time favorites, the purpose of the tasting is to take the guess work out of the wine and food pairing for the Thanksgiving meal.
"We are still recovering from that last two harsh winters,' states Nick Ferrante, winemaker and owner of Ferrante Winery & Ristorante. "But the wineries in the Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley group are committed to continue to bring locally grown and produced, and internationally award winning wines to the consumer."

 

Grand River Valley One Of The Fastest Growing Wine Regions

The Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley formed a group several years ago when they began to realize how quickly their wine region was growing. The Grand River Valley Wine Region is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United States and has the quality wines to prove why. The majority of the wines produced at these member wineries come from local grapes that they have grown. Member wineries have achieved national and international recognition with award winning wines. These wineries must adhere to strict standards.
While visiting the area the group encourages travelers to take a mini-vacation and spend their weekend in wine country. There are lots of shops to visit and beautiful covered bridges to check out in the area. For those looking for other things to do in the area contact the Ashtabula County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (www.visitashtabulacounty.com) or the Lake County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (www.lakevisit.com).
The Turkey Trot is just one of a series of events The Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley host each year. Other events include the ever-popular Ice Wine Festival and the Cask Tasting.
For more information about the Turkey Trot call (440) 466-3485 or go to www.wggrv.com  

 

Turkey Trot Menu

  • Debonne Vineyards: Turkey Meatballs covered in a Cranberry Glaze made with Harmony Wine
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante: Turkey Cranberry Chili
  • Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes covered in Turkey & Gravy
  • Laurello Vineyards: Tomato & Thyme Shortbreads with Olive Gremolata
  • St. Joseph Vineyards: Bacon, Caramelized Onion & Pumpkin Tartlet
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave via Compfight cc










Thursday, October 29, 2015

Yazgan 2013 Boğazkere, Turkey


Turkey is positioned to be the next “break out” country for wine lovers. It has 800 different indigenous grape varieties and its wine growing regions are situated at the same latitude as Napa Valley.

A Taste Tour of Exotic Turkey

For most US wine drinkers, when they think of exotic wine, it might be something that isn’t from California. Or perhaps it is from Chile.
Chances are that Turkey is not top of mind when thinking about wine. Like us, you’d probably be surprised to learn that Turkey ranks 6th in the world in total grape production and Turkish wine has won more than 1,000 medals in wine competitions around the world during a recent three-year span.
We recently had our first exposure to Turkish wine and liked what we tasted.
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How About A Glass Of “Throat Burner?”

During a recent online tasting, we had the chance to pop open a bottle of Boğazkere, one of most popular native grapes in Turkey. A back-up wine was standing by – just in case. We weren’t too reassured when we learned that the nickname of Boğazkere is “throat burner.”
Out to the patio this bottle went as we lit up a fire pit for perhaps the last time this season. As I sipped the Boğazkere, my eyes started to water and I began to choke… however, that was because the smoke from the fire decided to blow directly into my face.
Not sure exactly what my excuse was, but I didn’t decant this wine as I had planned. The first few sips had a harshness, and I thought to myself, “someone gave this wine its moniker for a reason.” But as we continued to drink, the wine transformed.

We Discover A Finely Crafted Turkish Wine

Yazgan is one of the oldest and largest wine producers in Turkey. Its vineyards are located near the Aegean Sea. Boğazkere (pronounced bow-aahs-KEER-ee) is known to produce full-bodied wines with firm tannins. The Yazgan Boğazkere is inky and dense, reminding me of Tannat from Uruguay. 
Like Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a thick-skinned grape that ripens late. In its youth, Boğazkere is very robust, but it ages well and develops complex flavors.
As logs crackled and we refilled our glasses, we discovered a completely different wine than when we began. The wine had fresh fruit perhaps because of aging in stainless steel. It offers a lively acidity with a trace of exotic earthiness underneath. It was well balanced and finished with a note of candied cherries.
The tiki torches and half moon peeking through the autumn leaves provided a fitting backdrop for our tasting of this exotic wine. This isn’t the “throat burner” but the “throat quencher.”
Wine historians believe that the southeast part of Turkey was the origin of grape domestication, dating back to 9,000 BC. We’re a little late to the game, but are now fully onboard the Turkish wine bandwagon.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: October 28-31, 2015

Wednesday, October 28

The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Wines for Halloween: 1. Vampire 2012 Chardonnay (California), 2. Hob Nob 2012 Wicked Red (France), 3. McNab Ridge 2013 "Zinzilla" Zinfandel (California), 4. Monseran 2013 "Evil Eye" Red Blend (Spain), 5. Vampire 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Thursday, October 29 
Andersons, Maumee, Halloween Wines: 1. 2014 Skeleton – Gruner Veltliner – Austria, 2. 2012 Hob Nob – Wicked Red Blend – France, 3. 2014 Skeleton – Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina, 4. 2014 Casillero del Diablo – Cabernet Sauvignon – Chile. Nominal fee per sample or $4 for flight.
[Information on tastings can be sent toTWAV@ATT.NET]
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Do You Know Merlot?The Merlot we are featuring this week is the classic, well-structured, firmer wine with more tannic style. Be prepared to change your mind about Merlot!1. Mt. Tabor, 2. Field Stone, 3. Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard, 4. Whitehall Lane, 5. Medlock Ames, 6. Twomey, 7. Ridge Estate Merlot, 8. Paloma. Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Thursday Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, October 30
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 4-7 PM. 1. Chateau Ste. Michelle – Riesling, 2. Edna Valley – Chardonnay, 3. Once Upon A Vine - Pinot Noir, 4. Shadowland - Red Blend, 5. Gnarly Head - 1924 Double Black. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Grand Cru Wines tasting with guest Rachel Nasitir. 1. Domaine Horgelus Colombard/Sauvignon, 2. The Golem Riesling, 3. Pecchenino Dolcetto, 4. Mon Coeur Cotes Du Rhone. Nominal fee per sample or $5 per flight.
Toledo Museum of Art – (419) 255-8000 Ext. 7448. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine By The Glass Pavilion:  Spooktacular Hallowines. Enjoy four wines and light snacks during It’s Friday! at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers.
Saturday, October 31
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. 1. Mosseland – Riesling, 2. Ferrari Carano - Fumé Blanc, 3. Wente – Chardonnay, 4. Rue de Perle - Côtes-du-Rhône, 5. Josh Cellars - Legacy Blend, 6. Simi - Cabernet Sauvignon, 7. Layer Cake – Shiraz. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Scary wines. Keeping with the theme we will be tasting wines with a Halloween theme. The wines will be from all over the world and from several mixed varietals.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

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Up & Coming:
Mobile Meals 28th Annual Wine Gala – Saturday, November 7th – 6:00 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. Black tie optional. Wine tasting, silent auction, Reservations required by October 23. Tickets $150 per person ($100 of which is tax deductible). For information contact Carolyn Fox at cfox@mobilemeals.org .
24th Annual Wine Affair – “007 License to Thrill” – Friday, November 20th – 6:30 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. To benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio.
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines. Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar).
Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Oak Ridge Winery 2012 OZV Red Blend Rocks Out

A wine blend can be more than the sum of its parts. That’s the case with this California red from Oak Ridge Winery’s OZV label.

Much More Than Zin

Oak Ridge is the oldest winery in the epicenter of great Zinfandel, Lodi, California. Oak Ridge’s Zinfandel vines, some more than 100 years old, offer a glimpse into the region’s past.
We are Zinfanatics, if there is such a thing. Zinfandel is rich, robust and uniquely American. The Old Vines variety is particularly enjoyable.
This OZV Red Blend highlights Zin, but brings Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Merlot to the party as well. The appellation is California meaning that while the Zin is no doubt from Lodi, at least some of the other grapes are from different regions.
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Full Tilt Flavors That Rock

We enjoyed this wine a few nights after traveling to the Fillmore Theater in Detroit for a String Cheese Incident concert. My brother is in the band and the show rocked the Motor City to its foundation.
As we prepared to sip, the aroma was pervasive – a bold mash-up of berries. The Green Dragon proclaimed that the bouquet was something special and the sniffing soon gave way to enjoying the deep, dark wine.
When we were at the concert, the elegance of the venue, vibrancy of the light show and the jammin’ music of the band created an unforgettable experience. The OZV also has a great harmony, with the boldness of the Zin and Petite Sirah pairing with the mellow Merlot. The Cabernet plays keyboard!
This is a rich, jammy blend. Green Dragon described it as flavors of blueberry crumble – which sounds like a pretty tasty dessert. The tannins are soft. This is surround-sound experience of wine with full, complex flavors that crescendo to a long finish.
At $14 SRP this is much cheaper than a concert ticket (unless you know someone in the band!). But it too will provide a great performance.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Oldenburg Vineyards: A South African Winery Visit


Oldenburg Vineyards is an independent family run boutique winery located in a spectacular area of South Africa’s Stellenbosch wine region. We were impressed by the stylish winery and knockout wines.

Quest For Rainbow’s End Leads To Oldenburg

During our recent visit to South Africa, we started out searching for the Rainbow’s End, literally, and ended up at Oldenburg Vineyards. Rainbow’s End is a small winery we planned to visit down a gravel road in the Helshoogte Pass in Simonsberg. Our calls to the winery went unanswered and the winery wasn’t accepting drop-ins, so we drove our rental car through a cloud of dust to Oldenburg Vineyards.
The cellar door (tasting room) was designed by architect Simon Beerstecher and allows the stunning views of Oldenburg’s vineyards with the backdrop of the Stellenbosch Mountains to be completely visible while inside the building. The thatched roof provides a traditional Cape Dutch finish. The interior has an open and airy feel.
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Spectacular Wines To Match The View

At Oldenburg, it would be easy to merely drink in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. However, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t sample the wine!
We started with a South African signature grape, the 2012 Chenin Blanc. The wine offered a wonderful balance between freshness and wood notes. The wine is barrel fermented using 50% new French oak. There are citrus notes with some vanilla touches.
Moving to the reds, we sampled the 2011 Syrah, which is aged 20 months in American oak and offers a delightful, velvety body. The taste ripples with black currant and a hint of pepper.
Perhaps the most spectacular wine was the 2011 Merlot. This isn’t any wimpy wine. It has commendable body and structure from 16 months in French oak and nice tannins. We got smokiness and cherries that swirled in a well balanced ruby wine.
On The Watch For Leopards
As we continued our tasting, Tessa told us that at least one leopard has been seen to prowl the area. To fortify ourselves we continued tasting wine and moved to Cabernet.
We tasted two Cabs, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon. While the 2010 was a perfectly fine Cab, the 2009 shone in comparison. We believe that 2009 was a globally outstanding vintage. The Barrel Select had spice and tannins and is a dark, complex wine. The flavors of mint, herbs and blueberries coat the tongue in a deliciously long finish.

Wrapping Up With The Flagship

The flagship wine of Oldenburg is Rhodium. We sampled the 2012 vintage. Rhodium is a very rare metal and South Africa produces most of the world’s supply. Like the metal, the wine is of South African origin, very low production and a premium product.
The blend is 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec. This is an excellent blend and offers a nice taste of raspberries, black fruit and some herbs. While a nice sipper currently, this should improve with the catalyst of a couple of years of aging.
Oldenburg Vineyards was one of our most enjoyable tasting experiences in South Africa. Expertly crafted wines together with panoramic views and tasteful décor – what more could you ask? Oldenburg should be high on your list for your next wine safari.
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Friday, October 23, 2015

California 2015 Harvest: Light, Early And Exceptional Quality

“This year is only the third time since 1982 that harvest has finished in September, so to say that this is an early season understates the point a bit,” -- Cameron Parry, winemaker for Groth Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley.

Fourth Straight Year Of Drought

The 2015 year delivered California vintners and growers across the state another stellar vintage.  Despite a lighter crop—compared to last year—from one of the earliest seasons on record, wildfires during harvest in some regions and a fourth year of drought, quality is high across the board.  A mild winter causing early bud break, followed by protracted bloom and unseasonably cool weather in spring, contributed to smaller grape clusters and variable crop size.  An intense, compacted harvest began in July for sparkling wines and some still white wines, and was finished for most wineries by the end of September.  The crop is estimated to be nearly 3.8 million tons, according to industry experts.
“The quality of the 2015 vintage for California statewide is excellent,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “After three record harvests, a lighter vintage will not impact our supply of California wines for wine lovers nationwide and throughout the world.”
“Harvest started 10 days or so early in our north and central coast vineyards because of the warm weather and reduced crop size,” said Keith Horn, VP Grape Management for Constellation Brands. “Happily, we harvested superior quality grapes, just a little lighter crop.”
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2015 Should Be Another Epic Vintage

“This year is only the third time since 1982 that harvest has finished in September, so to say that this is an early season understates the point a bit,” said Cameron Parry, winemaker for Groth Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley.  “This year lines up fairly well with 1997, one of the other three September finishes. Yields have been down across the board, but this is not surprising, as we are coming off of an unprecedented run of three large harvests (’12, ’13, and ’14). Though there isn’t a lot of it, the quality of the crop this year is exceptional.  All the Cabernet ferments are showing big, rich, ripe fruit in great balance with the tannins, and the color metrics are off the chart this season.  2015 should prove to be another in an epic string of superior quality vintages.”
“This year was the earliest harvest in my 46 years as a winegrower,” said Richard Sanford, owner of Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards in Santa Barbara County, primarily producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “We began on August 10 and were finished by September 8. Others in our area have experienced similar early ripening. The tonnage of grapes is lower than the last two vintage. The quality is superb and will make excellent wine. I would say 2015 is an excellent vintage for wines from the Santa Rita Hills.” 
Tracey Hawkins, co-founder of Hawk and Horse Vineyards in Lake County, is also excited about the harvest, in spite of the Valley Fire that swept through parts of the region in September. “Lake County has seen an early and slightly light 2015 harvest, with some wineries recording their earliest harvest to date,” said Hawkins.  “It was a hot, dry summer, which made the fruit from this vintage very flavorful—and may account for the lightness and earliness of the vintage. Most report tonnage approximately 10 percent lighter than usual, however, others report slightly larger than normal tonnages. Fruit quality across the board is stellar. Harvest was delayed for some when the Valley Fire struck, but harvest resumed in most areas within four days.”

 

Smaller Berries And Concentrated Flavors

“The drought clearly had an effect in this 2015 vintage,” stated Montse Reece, winemaker for Pedroncelli Winery in Sonoma County. “This has been an early and light harvest, with smaller berries and concentrated fruit flavors. The high temperatures in August and early September accelerated maturity and picking times. Yields were 20 percent lower on average. I’m seeing mild acids, moderate to low alcohols and intense aromatics in all our varieties. This is a vintage of exceptional quality.”
There was more praise for fruit quality from Aaron Lange, who is in charge of viticulture operations at Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards. “The 2015 vintage in the Lodi appellation was early, light, and intense,” said Lange. “The season began almost three full weeks ahead of normal and was complete by the end of September.  Red varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon, had light yields across the board, mostly due to loose clusters and small berry size. Throughout the season, we worked hard to keep up with the fast-paced harvest to deliver winegrapes to wineries at the optimal time with winemakers loving the concentrated colors and flavors of the fruit."
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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Alta Vista 2013 Premium Torrontes, Salta


Most of the focus in Argentina is on red wine, specifically Malbec. Torrontes is a white wine that is under the radar, but worthy of attention.

Bridging The Wine Gap

The hot months of summer are ideal for chilled white wines and the frosty days of winter call out for robust reds or perhaps a glass of Port.
What about the months in between? We suggest that this is the perfect time to try something different. In our case, it was a bottle of Torrontes.
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Torrontes Is Expressive And Flavorful

I uncorked this bottle not knowing quite what to expect. Expecting a run of the mill white with timid flavors, I was surprised when I whiffed the bouquet of (nearly) explosive aroma. It was like walking down the aisle of the floral department.
I poured a glass for Green Dragon who was distracted with some household activity. She took a sip of it and declared, “It tastes like flowers.”
The Alta Vista Torrontes does indeed have a smell and taste of roses and reminded us of Gewürztraminer. The taste was vibrant and refreshing. For Green Dragon, it was a bit too much, and so she grabbed some cheese and crackers to moderate the zesty flavor.

High Elevation Grapes

Grapes for the Premium Torrontes come from the high elevation Cafayate vineyards in Argentina’s Salta region. The vineyards, which are at 5,400 feet, are among the best in Salta, which is known for the best Torrontes.
The wine is aged in steel tanks and maintains a clean and crisp flavor. We think this would go well with fish and seafood dishes, or perhaps spicy Thai.
At $18.99 SRP, this is an affordable excursion into cool. Argentina is known for some of the best wine values and apparently that it true of the white wines as well as the red.
Embrace the “flower power” with this premium Torrontes from Alta Vista.
Full Disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: October 21-24, 2015

Wednesday, October 21
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Five Tasty Zins Under $20. 1. Beran 2012 Zinfandel, 2. Plungerhead Dry Creek 2011 Zinfandel,   3.
Seghesio 2013 Sonoma Zinfandel, 4. Wild Hog 2010 Nova Zinfandel, 5. Klinker Brick 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel. Nominal fee per sample or $10 per flight.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Thursday, October 22
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. FRANCE VS. USA WINES – ROUND 2  1. 2012 Joseph Drouhin LaForet – Chardonnay – Bourgogne, France,  2. Francois Villard L'Appel des Sereines Syrah, 3. 2012 California Square – Red Blend – Paso Robles, California, USA, 4. 2012 Bogle – Phantom – California, USA. $6.50 per Flight. flight or nominal fee per sample.
[Information on tastings can be sent toTWAV@ATT.NET]
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Wines from Wahington State: 1. L’Ecole Chardonnay, 2. L’Ecole Merlot,  3. Chateau Smith Cabernet, 4. Ex Umbris Syrah, 5. Brian Carter Cellars Tuttorosso, 6. Powers Cabernet, 7. Quilceda Creek Cabernet, 8. Owen Roe Syrah . Nominal fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Thursday Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.
Noir Fine Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, October 23
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 4-7 PM. 1. Oliver - Bubblecraft Soft White, 2. Dynamite – Chardonnay, 3. Cupcake - Red Velvet, 4. Myles & Moore - Cabernet Sauvignon, 5. The Specialyst - Red Blend, 6. Barefoot Bubbly - Berry Fusion. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Wines from Vintner Select. Nominal fee per sample.
Toledo Museum of Art – (419) 255-8000 Ext. 7448. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine By The Glass Pavilion:  Fall's Bounty: Big Bold and Fruity. Enjoy four wines and light snacks during It’s Friday! at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers.
Saturday, October 24
Calvino’s Restaurant, 3143 W Central Ave, Toledo, (419) 531-5100. 3-5 PM. Wine Tasting. Six wines and appetizers. $15 per person. Call for reservations.
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. 1. Open Kimono - Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Oyster Bay – Chardonnay, 3. Ghost Pines – Chardonnay, 4. Blue Nun - Authentic White, 5. Cupcake - Black Forest, 6. Bogle - Essential Red, 7. Freakshow - Cabernet Sauvignon, 8. Evodia – Garnacha. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Rieslings from Around the World.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg. 1:00 PM. Classic Wines of Germany and Burgundy.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Up & Coming:
Mobile Meals 28th Annual Wine Gala – Saturday, November 7th – 6:00 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. Black tie optional. Wine tasting, silent auction, Reservations required by October 23. Tickets $150 per person ($100 of which is tax deductible). For information contact Carolyn Fox at cfox@mobilemeals.org .
24th Annual Wine Affair – “007 License to Thrill” – Friday, November 20th – 6:30 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. To benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio.
Tuesdays – Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines. Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar).
Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Louis Jadot 2013 Beaujolais-Villages


In an average year 12 million cases of Beaujolais wine is produced in the Burgundy region of France. All those wine drinkers can’t be wrong!

Gamay Has Game

All Beaujolais wine is made from 100% Gamay grapes. Gamay reigns supreme in the region and accounts for 98% of all grapes grown there.
Wines from Beaujolais are affordable, fruit driven and easy to drink. That’s a recipe that winemakers attempt to duplicate the world over.
Don’t be confused by the hype surrounding Beaujolais Nouveau. That wine is picked, fermented, bottled and at your wine store in a matter of weeks. There is considerable hoopla around this first release of wine – but to our taste it is a pale shadow of “real” Beaujolais.
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Beaujolais-Villages Is A Step Up

There are three tiers of wine in Beaujolais. On the bottom rung is basic Beaujolais, which accounts for the majority of wine produced in the region. The next step up is Beaujolais-Villages, which is blend of wines made from 35 villages that consistently produce better grapes. There is a bit of a bump in price, but you are still comfortably below $20 in most cases.
On the top tier are Cru Beaujolais wines which are named for the village that produces this highest quality vine. Prices can be double or more than Beaujolais-Villages.

Louis Jadot A Consistent Producer

Louis Jadot is a name to trust for Beaujolais wines. We popped the cork on the 2013 Louis Jadot B-V to enjoy with a dinner of curry carrot ginger soup and quiche.
This deep ruby wine delivers flavor in spades. It is fermented in stainless steel so there are no aggressive tannins. The flavor flows with berry fruit without overdoing it. It’s easy drinking and a nice pairing with the the savory spiced dishes we had.
With a  SRP of $13.99, this is a wine you could purchase by the case for entertaining or a special event. This will make you a Beaujolais believer and have you thirsting to try some of the more expensive wines from the region.
Gamay has game!
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Sonoma Wines Score Big With Pinot And Cabernet Power

Our Tasting Team members had planned an anniversary trip to Napa Valley, but ended up with a delightful detour to Sonoma.

Sonoma County A Land Of Wine Diversity

When people think of California wine, chances are the first thing that pops into mind is Napa Valley. Tasting Team members Glorious T and the Cabinator had planned to go to Napa to celebrate their anniversary. Visits with friends in Sonoma and the opportunity to get an inside look at wineries there changed their plans.
Sonoma Valley is actually more than twice the size of neighboring Napa. The land is diverse in climate and topography and as a result, more than 50 different grapes are grown there.
Glorious T and the Cabinator returned with luggage bursting with treasure wine and shipped wine following close behind. We were treated to dinner that featured Sonoma wine and tales of their visit.
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DeLoach Premium Pinot Is An Eye-opener

Our first wine was the delectable 2012 DeLoach OFS Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. As related to us, the winemaker tasted this line of Pinot Noir and declared it “out f****ing standing” which led to the OFS designation. The DeLoach website has a slightly different story, saying that OFS stands for “Our Finest Selection.”
Whichever story you prefer to adopt, there is no doubt this is one amazing Pinot Noir. We were able to enjoy it in special Pinot Noir glasses, large bowl-shaped affairs that allow you to sniff and savor the heavenly aroma.
When a Pinot strikes out with us, it is either that the flavor is a one-note affair or that it tries to be something it is not, with an overly ripe, almost candied flavor. This DeLoach has layers of complexity with delicate red berry flavors led by raspberry along with a slight earthiness. It’s a beautiful RRV Pinot that gives Willamette Valley a run for its money.

Optima Cabernet Sauvignon Makes A Smashing First Impression

The enjoyment of the DeLoach OFS Pinot bridged the appetizers right into our salad course. While we unwound and heard stories of tastings at top Sonoma wineries (which we expect to feature soon), the next wine was being poured.
Cabinator had been decanting the Optima 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for about an hour. Alexander Valley is one of our favorite Sonoma sub-regions.
Cabernet is best accompanied by a nice juicy steak. Glorious T, who is a very accomplished cook, outdid herself with this meal.
The scrumptious steak was cooked perfectly (which in my mind is medium rare) and topped with a gorgonzola sauce and caramelized onions. This was accompanied by roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Bravo! This would have been a fabulous meal served under any circumstances – but paired with the Optima 2011 Cabernet, it became heavenly.
Optima Wine Cellars began operation in 1984 producing 400 cases of wine annually. The focus remains on producing limited production premium wines.
We had never heard of Optima wines before nor had we tasted any. This was a treat. The wine was rich and bold with blueberry and dark cherry nuances. The tannins were very well integrated, avoiding any harshness yet retaining a beautiful structure.
The finish was long lasting, enabling me to get a refill before the rich flavors disappeared. Another nice feature of the wine is that it costs about $40. The quality is sterling but it is a much better value than a similar quality Napa Valley Cab.

Dark Chocolate And Cabernet – That Would Be A Resounding “Yes!”

Glorious T succeeded in raising the culinary bar even higher by bringing out a dark chocolate chess pie. I can’t tell you why it is called a chess pie, but it was oozing with smooth dark chocolate goodness.
The Cabinator and I surveyed his cellar and brought forth a 2008 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. Although not from Sonoma, this proved to be a nice “wind down” Cabernet.
This isn’t in the same league as the Optima, but is a nice fruit-driven Cab that overdelivers on value. Montes is a top-tier winery and should be one of your go-to choices in Chilean wine.
At this point we had to depart or else ask about guest room availability! The Cabinator (who is considering changing his moniker to Wine Sponge) and Glorious T will be sharing their tasty  Sonoma adventures soon.
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Friday, October 16, 2015

Dry Creek Vineyard 2014 Wilson Ranch Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg


The traditional home of Chenin Blanc is the Loire Valley of France. Outstanding versions can also be found in South Africa and California.

Loire Valley Inspiration

Dry Creek Vineyard produces white wines that draw inspiration from the Loire Valley. Their Sauvignon Blanc recalls the carefree, fresh flavors of France. While other winemakers have abandoned Chenin Blanc, DCV continues to produce this versatile and food friendly wine.
Check Out Our Winery Reports Page To Plan Your Next Visit!

A Summer Sipper Or Oyster Wine

The wine is 100% Chenin Blanc from the Wilson Ranch Vineyard in Clarksburg. The vines average 13 years of age and this wine has 13% alcohol.
While summer left town some time ago here in Northwest Ohio, the 2014 Chenin Blanc helps recapture those golden rays. The wine has nice tropical notes and a freshness that is courtesy of the finish in stainless steel tanks.
This was an after dinner wine for us. Although we enjoyed the peach and floral aromas and its mineral notes, the finish had a slight bitterness. So on reflection, we suggest pairing it with oysters, seafood or maybe a pasta in white sauce.
It is a tasty value at about $12, especially if you want to break out of the Chardonnay rut.
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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Mobile Meals Wine Gala Set November 7 At Parkway Plaza

It’s considered the premier wine event in the Toledo area. Don’t miss the Mobile Meals Wine Gala. The reservation deadline is coming up soon.
The 28th Annual Wine Gala to benefit Mobile Meals of Toledo is scheduled 6:00 PM Saturday, November 7, at Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. The event will feature wine tasting and appetizers, a sit-down dinner and an auction of fine wines. The black-tie optional event will also feature a silent auction, raffle and entertainment.
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This is the premiere wine event in the Toledo area! Not only is the event outstanding, but it benefits a very worthy cause. In 2014, the Gala netted more than $83,000 to support the Mobile Meals’ Home-delivered Meal Program and Weekender Program. Last year, Mobile Meals delivered 460,685 meals to clients in their homes, and 1,600 children received bags of food each weekend during the school year. The agency also provided more than $177,500 in assistance to clients who could not afford the fee for their meals, which allows them to stay in their own homes.
Tickets are $150 ($100 tax deductible). For information call (419) 255-7806 or email cfox@mobile-meals.org. Your RSVP by October 23 is requested.
Here is the schedule for the evening.

6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Wine tasting and appetizers
6:00 - 10:00 P.M. Silent Auctions - Tables will be closed for bidding at various times throughout the evening. Bid early and often for your favorite items!
7:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Gourmet dinner with accompanying wines

8:30 - 10:00 P.M.
Live auction of fine wines

10:00 – 11:00Music and Dancing Photo
Credit: fauxto_digit via Compfight cc






Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: October 14-17, 2015


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Wednesday, October 14
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. New Wines & Good Deals: 1. Dandelion 2012 "Wonderland of the Eden Valley" Riesling (Australia), 2. Prisma 2013 Pinot Noir (Argentina), 3. Chateau Argadens 2011 Bordeaux Superieur (France), 4. Castello Monaci 2012 Primitivo (Italy), 5. Confidencial 2010 Reserva Tinto (Portugal). Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Thursday, October 15
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Great Mid-Fall Wines: 1. 2013 Gouguenheim – Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina, 2. 2013 Trivento Amado Sur – Malbec Blend – Mendoza, Argentina, 3. 2012 Monkey Business – Zinfandel – North Coast, California, 4. 2014 Kung Fu Girl – Riesling – Columbia Valley, Washington. $5 flight or nominal fee per sample.

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


Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Rioja & Ribero del Duero: Rioja and Ribero del Duero both grow one of Spain's signature grapes: tempranillo. 1. Valdelana Rioja, 2. Vargas Rioja, 3. Sierra Cantabria Crianza Rioja, 4. Coronado de Haza Ribero del Duero, 5. Marques de Murrieta Reserva Rioja, 6. Alonso del Yerro Ribero del Duero, 7. Muga Reserva Rioja, 8. Lan Edicion Limitada Rioja. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Thursday Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Trish Rassar from Vintner Select will be exploring wines from the Southern Hemisphere.

Noir Fine . Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, October 16
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  Nominal fee per sample.
Toledo Museum of Art – (419) 255-8000 Ext. 7448. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine By The Glass Pavilion: Celebrating Degas and the Dance: French Wines. Enjoy four wines and light snacks during It’s Friday! at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers.

Saturday, October 17
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 2-8 PM. 1. NV Chandon - Blanc de Noirs, 2. 2014 Oyster Bay - Sauvignon Blanc, 3. 2013 Barton & Guestier – Vouvray, 4. 2013 Bogle – Chardonnay, 5. 2013 Firesteed - Pinot Noir, 6. 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon, 7. 2013 Chronic Cellars - Red Blend, 8. NV Oliver - Bubblecraft Soft Red. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Celani Family Vineyards: Ken Abraham, National Sales Director, will be on hand to guide us through the magnificent wines from this outstanding Napa Winery. $40 in advance, $50 day of the tasting.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Up & Coming:

Mobile Meals 28th Annual Wine Gala – Saturday, November 7th – 6:00 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. Black tie optional. Wine tasting, silent auction, Reservations required by October 23. Tickets $150 per person ($100 of which is tax deductible). For information contact Carolyn Fox at cfox@mobilemeals.org .
24th Annual Wine Affair – “007 License to Thrill” – Friday, November 20th – 6:30 PM, Parkway Place, 2500 Parkway Plaza, Maumee. To benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio.
Tuesdays Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar).
Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Anthony Road 2014 Pinot Gris, Finger Lakes


Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio is there a difference? We say that there is.

Same Grape But Different Outcomes

Our interest in Pinot Grigio flared up more than a decade ago, and then went cold. At first, it was a light interesting wine – but we tired after tasting too many bad examples of weak, fruity wine.
Yes, indeed. Pinot Gris grapes are the same as Pinot Grigio – but to us, the name signals a much more intriguing wine.
Pinot Gris from Alsace can be opulent. California and Oregon also deliver fantastic Pinot Gris. Our favorite is probably the artistically produced Pinot Gris from Oregon. Occasionally we get a nice surprise, like this Pinot Gris from Anthony Road in the Finger Lakes.
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An Innovative Leader In Finger Lakes White Wine

We had a chance to spend quality time at Anthony Road Wine Company on Seneca Lake during a pre-conference excursion during the recent Wine Bloggers Conference. Anthony Road is a regular stop for us during visits to the Finger Lakes. One of our favorite wines is the Tierce Riesling, which is a collaboration between winemakers at Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt.
During our most recent visit, we had the chance to taste their skin-fermented Riesling and Chardonnay. These are sometimes referred to as “orange” wines. This is some creative stuff!
The Finger Lakes region’s fame is tied to outstanding Riesling and, to a lesser degree, Gewurztraminer. We haven’t tried much Pinot Gris from the area, so were delighted to taste this one.

Value And Taste Delivered

In the glass, the Anthony Road Pinot Gris is a playful lemon yellow. On the nose there are wafts of honey and tropical fruit.
This wine at 0.5% residual sugar actual has a lower RS than Anthony Road’s Dry Riesling. The sensation of sweetness, we’ve found, is actually an interplay between sugar and the acidity level.
In this case the wine has a full flavors of tropical fruit and an off-dry sweetness.The body is very silky and it finishes with a dash of minerality. Serve it slightly chilled for the best enjoyment.
At an SRP of $16.99, this is an affordable luxury and one we heartily recommend.
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Monday, October 12, 2015

Lake Erie North Shore, Canada’s Southernmost Wine Region, Offers Standout Wineries And Great Wine


Great Ontario wineries are just a few miles (or kilometers) away from Ohio and Michigan in Lake Erie North Shore. Here’s a quartet of great LENS wineries.

This Winery Will Change Your Viewpointe

During our recent visit to the Windsor-Essex County-Pelee Island area of southern Ontario, we made a return visit to Viewpoint Estate Winery. This winery grabbed our attention with its incredibly beautiful tasting room and panoramic views of Lake Erie.
The building was inspired by a piece of the past: the "Mettawas", a luxury hotel and casino built by Hiram Walker (Canadian Club founder) in 1890. Today, though, the focus is certainly on wine. The winery has three estate vineyards and produces a wide range of grapes.
Our favorite whites were the off-dry 2011 Riesling and the 2013 Big Bluff White, which has a big “V” on the label. Big Bluff is a blend (say that three times fast!) of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Auxerrois. This is a slice of the orchard with a splash of tart apple.
There is an expansive choice of red wines. Our favorites were the smooth but peppery 2008 High Pointe Syrah and the toasty plum and cherry 2005 Balance Pointe Cabernet Merlot.
The winery features a culinary center and has outdoor seating for its restaurant. When we visited there was entertainment as well. Viewpointe is a major wine attraction in the region, and deservedly so.
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The Small But Mighty CREW Experience

The Lake Erie North Shore wine region has some large and impressive winery buildings.The Colchester Ridge Estate Winery is not one of them.
CREW is focused on making outstanding wines and sharing them with visitors in their pocket-sized tasting room situated on their 12-acre vineyard.
We weren’t sure what to expect when we entered the building, but the wines and friendliness of the staff soon won us over. We began by cooling off from the heat of the day with the 2013 Red Sky at Night Merlot rosé. This was a crisp, citrus refresher. Our favorite white was the 2013 POSH Cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Gewürztraminer. This is complex, soft and elegant with tropical fruit notes. Goes well with lake perch, coconut shrimp or Thai food. It pairs best, we’re told, with friends. SRP is $14 Canadian.
The 2011 Cabernet Franc was the winner of the reds. It has blueberry, caramel and peppery notes. We’re told it goes well with rabbit, but we’re sure you can find other suitable dishes.

Wine Takes Flight At Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards

We’ve been to Cooper’s Hawk twice – but this was actually our third visit. The last time we rumbled down a dirt road only to discover that the winery was closed to the public due to a special event. Thankfully we had no such problem this time.
On our first visit, we had our dog with us. So the Green Dragon stayed outside with Amber while I enjoyed the experience in the tasting room. (I did occasionally purchase a glass of wine for her to enjoy outside.)
This time, Green Dragon was “all in” and we zipped to the bar for a tasting of their top wines. The winery sits on 67-acres of prime land and it offers some of the best wine in the LENS region. We opened with the 2013 Talon White blend. It features Auxerrois and a deliciously refreshing.  We also tried the 2014 vintage of their well-known Touché, which is a Riesling-Gewürztraminer blend.
The reds were a delight with the musky and delectable 2013 Cabernet Merlot Reserve. It is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The depth of the wine was incredible. Two superlative wines were the 2012 Merlot Reserve and the 2012 Cabernet Franc Reserve, which delivered pepper and smoke abundantly.
We like the vibe of Cooper’s Hawk. They have a great outdoor area in a grove of trees and a hip and intimate tasting room. Some of the wineries right on the lake can be overrun by buses, but Cooper’s Hawk seems like a much more personal experience.

Colio Estate Wines Leaves Us Wanting More

After visiting four other wineries and going for a swim and picnic at Holiday Beach, I was ready to head back to the US of A. But Green Dragon wasn’t ready. What’s the next winery, she asked.
We finally pulled into Colio after missing a few turns and driving around downtown Harrow several times.
Colio was founded by three Italian bricklayers who persevered after their partners all pulled out. They were granted the first winery license in southwestern Ontario. Today the winery boasts 200 acres of estate vineyards and a bushel of international awards.
The winery grounds themselves aren’t very scenic, but inside the tasting room is a spacious bar and an expansive retail area. Unfortunately, the tasting room wines don’t include the top two tiers, about which I had heard many praises.
On the white side we tried the Moonlight White, a 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Riesling blend as well as the Bricklayer’s Predicament 2014 Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend. The Bricklayer’s Predicament was the better of the two.
The 2014 Cabernet Merlot is a 60% Cab Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot blend. We also tried the River Rock Red, which is a good value for a tasty red blend of Cab Franc with a dash of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our visit was a bit rushed and we dashed off leaving my business card holder behind. Colio called me, but we were at the Swiss Chalet in Windsor by that time, finishing off dinner and preparing to head across the Ambassador Bridge to the US. I hope to return soon and will pick up a bottle or two of their top wines, from the Bricklayer’s Cache and Bricklayer’s Reward lines.
If you are looking for a nice excursion to experience the fall scenery and great wine, point your vehicle north to Canada and the LENS region.
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Friday, October 9, 2015

Muscedere Vineyards: Lake Erie North Shore Winery Visit


Great Ontario wineries are just a few miles (or kilometers) away from Ohio and Michigan in Lake Erie North Shore. We discovered a new favorite at Muscedere Vineyards.

We Head North For A Day Of Water And Wine

Last month the weather in Toledo was hot and humid, so my wife (the Green Dragon) and I headed north to one of our favorite wine getaways: the Windsor-Essex Country-Pelee Island area of Ontario. In just two hours we can be across the border into Canada and at a winery of the Lake Erie North Shore (LENS) VQA region.
LENS is Canada’s southernmost wine region and it offers 11 outstanding wineries and great opportunities for bird watching, swimming and watersports. Of course you’ll need a passport, but you can use credit cards for most of your expenses, so you won’t need to worry about converting currency. You can take back two bottles of wine per person – but as a note, they’ll just waive you through with up to a case.
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Muscedere Vineyards: A Surprising Stronghold For Reds

Our first stop was our initial visit to Muscedere Vineyards in Harrow. The winery is well know for its reds, but with the heat and humidity we went directly for the chilled 2013 Rosé. This delightful wine is made with Cab Franc and Auxerrois. The orange color is awesome and it has just the refreshing qualities we were looking for. (We bought a bottle and later had it with a cookout.)
We sampled the 2013 Riesling and 2011 Vidal Blanc, but for us, the real action was with the reds. Rob Muscedere was in the tasting room and explained that winemaking is part of his Italian heritage. His grandfather farmed 50 acres and saw the opportunity to expand to wine. As Rob says, “Our thing is reds.”
Of the 11 LENS wineries, Muscedere is the furthest from the lake – close enough to benefit from the moderate weather, but with enough rolling terrain to make it the best in the region for reds. We began our tour of reds with the 2012 Pinot Noir. Only 79 cases of this wine were produced. The winemaker has a light touch with this Pinot. It has the tartness of cranberry.
The 2013 Cabernet Franc was lighter than most Ontario Cab Francs. At $18 Canadian, it pleases with an array of cherry and red fruit notes. The 2012 Merlot offers great, smooth flavors and it is still developing.

Two Red Wines Deserve Special Attention

Muscedere has a wonderful outdoor patio that was buzzing with activity during our visit. We had already planned a picnic lunch, otherwise their wood-fired pizzas looked very tempting.
We opted to stay cool in the indoor tasting room and kept sipping the reds. There were two that really grabbed my attention. I’ll first mention the 2011 Syrah. This is their priciest wine at $40 CA per bottle. This is a very limited production wine with only 85 cases produced. It is earthy and chewy and would do well with roast lamb or game.
My favorite wine of the visit was the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. This full bodied beauty has an aroma that had me enjoying the wine well before the first sip. Cab is the flagship of this winery and I discovered why. The dark cherry and blackberry flavor notes wove nicely with oak and herbal flavors. The wine is aged in French oak with 30% to 40% new barrels to help impart character and structure.
A few closing thoughts. First, Harrow is mostly rural farmland, so it is best if you use a GPS or a good map to locate LENS wineries, including Muscedere. We also suggest that you schedule your visit to Muscedere around lunchtime so that you can enjoy a pizza outdoors while sampling wines.
Muscedere is a new “must visit” winery for our future visits to the Lake Erie North Shore. It has a full portfolio of handcrafted VQA wines. The whites will entice, but don’t fail to try the reds!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Les Dauphins, 2013 Côtes du Rhône Reserve Red


Côtes du Rhône wines are great values, delicious to sip and are ready to drink soon after bottling.

A Light Rhône Red For Dinner

When Green Dragon told me we were having a dinner guest, I grabbed this 2013 Les Dauphines Côtes du Rhône. CDR wines in general are crowd pleasers – easy drinking and appreciated by aficionados and newbies alike.
Our dinner was tortellini in tomato sauce with a nice spinach and strawberry salad. Normally I would head directly for an Italian wine, perhaps a Sangiovese. Instead, I decided to remain Continental, but venture to France instead. The pairing worked very well.
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A Grenache Driven Blend

Syrah is the primary grape in France’s Rhône region. The majority of the region’s wines come from the south. There the wines are typically made of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. They are inexpensive and accessible.
Les Dauphin 2013 comes from the southern part of the Rhône region. The blend is 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. Syrah is hearty and bold while Grenache is silky smooth and light. The combination works well in this CDR.
In the glass it has a beautiful crimson color. On the palate it is light to medium bodied with some springy agility. There are flavors of currant, blackberries and earth. On the tail end, there is a hint of spice.
Rhône wine imports have increased in volume by 20% in the last five years and there’s a reason why: quality and value. With a SRP of $12.99, Les Dauphin works well for a casual lunch or as an accent to an evening at home. It’s also a great wine to pair with dinner. You can go as light as pasta or go with a heartier beef dish.
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: October 7-10, 2015


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Wednesday, October 7
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Four New Wines & One Old Favorite: 1. Louis Latour 2013 Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, 2. NEW: Le Grand Bouqueteau 2013 Chinon, 3. NEW: Gentleman's Collection 2014 Red Blend, 4. NEW: Gentleman's Collection 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 5. NEW: The Cleaver 2011 Red Blend. Nominal fee per sample or $9 per flight.
Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Toledo –  (419) 243-6675. 6:30 PM. Uptown Wine Tasting.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.
Thursday, October 8
Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. France VS. USA: 1. 2014 Domaine du Pegau – Pink Pegau Rosé – France, 2. 2013 Toad Hollow – Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir –  California, USA, 3. 2010 Petit Paveil – Red Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France, 4. 2012 H Columbia Crest – Horse Heaven Hills – Merlot – Washington, USA. $5 flight or nominal fee per sample.

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


Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Bordeaux Tasting Night.
Bordeaux, France is the largest and perhaps finest grape growing and wine making region in the world. 1. Rayne Vigneau Bordeaux Blanc, 2. Chateau Maison Blanc 2009, 3. Chateau Billeron Bouquey Saint-Emilion 2009, 4. Chateau Limbourg Pessac-Leognan 2010, 5. Chateau Taillefer Pomerol 2009, 6. Les Hauts de Lynch Moussas Haut-Medoc 2010, 7. Chateau Moulin de Tricot Margaux 2011, 8. La Fleur D'Or Sauternes 2011. Nominal fee per sample.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Thursday Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM.

Noir Fine . Wine and Beer, 1616 East Wooster, Bowling Green, 6-9 PM. 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, October 9.
Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  Join us with guest host Jeff Stroud from Natural States Distributing for a little taste of the old world. 1. Fracois Montand Blanc de Blanc Brut, 2. Little James Basket Press White, 3. Franco Serrra Barbera
St. Cosme Cotes-du-Rhones, 4. Marina Cvetic Riserva Trebbiano. Nominal fee per sample or $5 per flight.
Toledo Museum of Art – (419) 255-8000 Ext. 7448. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wine By The Glass Pavilion: Fall’s Finest – Autumn Evening Sips. Enjoy four wines and light snacks during It’s Friday! at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers.

Saturday, October 10
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Burgundy Tasting: Some of the greatest wines in the world come from Burgundy, but are also very expensive. We will find wines from Chablis, Macon, and the Cote d’ Or that will fit any pocket book. If the weather is nice, the Patio is open. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 
  • Zinful Wine Bar, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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Up & Coming:

24th Annual Wine Affair – “007 License to Thrill” – Friday, November 20th – 6:30 PM, Parkway Place, Maumee. To benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio.
Tuesdays Weekly wine tasting at Forrester's on the River, 26 Main St. Toledo – (419) 691-2626. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Five to six unique tastings of wine, that are not found on the menu, along with an assortment of tapas style appetizers to complement the wines.  Tastings are between $10-$15 per person and are held in their wine bar (Paige's Wine Bar).
Last Thursday of Each Month, 6-8 PM – Monthly wine tasting. Maumee Wines, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee – (419) 893-2525. Wine and appetizers. $40 per person.