Thursday, January 28, 2016

Bastianich 2012 “Adriatico” Malvasia, Croatia


Looking for a white wine that is truly different? How about a Malvasia from Croatia?

International Intrigue


Most people will be baffled by the label of the Bastianich Malvasia. It shows an outline map of Adriatico and surrounding mysterious lands. It might as well be a map by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Of course, it isn’t. It is the Adriatic Sea and the lands that surround it. Croatia is on the eastern shore of the Adriatic, opposite Italy. This exotic wine comes from the Istriana Peninsula that is shared by Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.

Rock Star Roots


This wine is the brainchild of Joe Bastianich. Bastianich has opened numerous famous restaurants, including some with partner Mario Batali. With the Adriatico line, he is hoping to introduce the wines of eastern Europe to a wider audience.

Croatian wine culture dates back 2,500 years to ancient Greek settlers. Today the country has more than 300 wine regions and a strict classification system. The majority of Croatian wine is white.

A Sprightly Vino


I consider this a sprightly wine. What in blazes does that mean? Good question. When first poured, this had a slightly metallic taste. Green Dragon had a rush to judgement, but we let it open up a while and – like a playful spright – it changed.

On the palate there are delicate flavors of white flowers and tropical fruit. This is a dry wine, with a light to medium body. It strikes a mid-point between lush and crisp. The finish falls off rapidly and doesn’t linger.

I liked this due to its differening flavor profile from the typical Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It will be a good match with poultry or seafood or just sipping by itself.

This was on sale for less than $10 at the Andersons closeout sale. That’s a pretty inexpensive ticket to eastern Europe!

Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: January 27-30, 2016

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Wednesday, January 27
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Todd's California Dreamin' (with a side trip to Australia): 1. Folie a Deux 2013 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 2. Landmark 2013 Overlook Pinot Noir, 3. Predator 2014 Old Vine Zinfandel, 4. Mount Veeder 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. $9 per flight of nominal charge per sample.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.

Thursday, January 28
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. Some Great wines from the Iberian Peninsula: 1. 2011 Trevento - Amado Sur – White blend, 2. 2010 Confidencial – Reserva – Red Blend, 3. 2011 Quinta Da Garrida – Reserva – Red Blend, 4. Kopke – 10 year old Tawny Porto. Pay per sample or $7 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net
Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. Our Winter - Their Summer, Wines from Sunny Argentina: 1. Prisma Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Allamand Cuvee St Jeannet, 3. Diamandes Perlta Malbec Syrah, 4. Chaman Red, 5. Zuccardi Malbec, 6. Leo Malbec, 7. Chakana Malbec, 8. Susanna Balbo Cabernet. Nominal Fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wonderful Wine tasting: 1. Jean Marc Brocard St. Bris Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Jean Marc Brocard Ste. Claire Chablis, 3. Domaine La Pertuisane Guardian Grenache Gris, 4. Felsina Chianti Classico, 5. Gianfranco Alessandria Dolcetto d'Alba6. Mauro Veglio Barbera d'Alba.

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.
Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, January 30

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Affordable French. Join us for an amazing affordable French wine tasting. Jeff Stroud from Natural States guest hosts with our very own Mario. No accent required. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, January 31 
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Italian Red Wine Tasting.  Join us for a classic Italian feast. Chef Toby will prepare his signature “over the top” lasagna. We will have primarily Tuscan wines and some of the best from Piedmont. Reservations required in advance. $40 per person or $50 the day of event.
AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

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.

February 17 – March 2, Introductory Wine Topics Class, Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. Three classes Wednesdays at 6:30. Class will be directed by a Certified Specialist of Wine implementing the curriculum of the Society of Wine Educators. Cost $75 through January 29 and $100 after. Limited enrollment.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Von Winning 2014 “Winnings” Riesling, Pfalz


Von Winning Winery was founded in 1849. Today they produce some of the best dry wines in Germany.

A Chance Purchase


Green Dragon and I recently popped into Zinful, in their new “tasting boutique” location on Louisiana Avenue in downtown Perrysburg. We chatted with owner Joyce Franzblau and I wanted to pick up a bottle as a sign of support.

Normally I spend much time perusing labels, comparing shelves and contemplating before buying a bottle. Since we were on a tight schedule, I paid for what looked like a promising Riesling and we were on our way.

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Winning Roots in Pfalz


Pfalz, formerly known as Rheinpfalz, accounts for about 25% of Germany’s wine production and trails only Rheinhessen in production. Von Winning uses sustainable practices in the vineyard and a minimalist approach in the cellar – using natural fermentation, omitting fining agents and minimizing the handling of wine, often without filtration.

Von Winning also has the goods to create world-class wines. Vineyards in are located in Ruppertsberg, Deidesheim, and Forst, some of the prized sites in Pfalz.

They sum up their philosophy as “respect for the wine” from the flowering fo the fruit to the finished bottle. Von Winning has not created new winemaking methods, but rather resurrected traditions that serve them very well today.

As Charlie Sheen Would Say, “Winning!”


When Charlie Sheen ran off the rails a couple years ago he said he was “addicted to winning” in addition to a grab bag of crazed jargon. This wine, however, makes me think he might have been on to something.

We opened the Von Winning “Winnings” with no great expectations. A wrinkle brow of disbelief hit me with the first sip. This is really good Riesling.

For about $16, I was expecting a simple, slightly sweet German Riesling. What I got was a beautifully balanced wine that danced between crisp acidity and elegant citrus flavors. A pop of sweetness then resolves into a nice dry finish.

I was surprised to find such great quality at this price. How do I describe the feeling? Take it from Charlie: It rhymes with “winning!”

Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 5 of 5

Monday, January 25, 2016

Dolcetto and Barbera Grapes Shine In Pair Of Italian Piedmont Wines


The Piedmont region in Italy (Piemont – pay-MAHN-tay – in Italian) is at the base of the Alps in the natural boundary between Italy, Switzerland and France. Red wines are the favorites here and grapes include Dolcetto and Barbera.

“Bridesmaid” Grapes?


Our recent Italian wine pairing dinner featued two red grapes that often elude the spotlight. Dolcetto is sometimes called the “bridesmaid” of wines because Nebbiolo and Sangiovese garner the lion’s share of attention from Italian wine lovers. Barbera is a grape that is so widely planted that in some parts of the world the low quality has tarnished its image.

Green Dragon, our culinary expert, prepared a delicious Spinach and Ricotta Conchiglie entree to pair with our two wines. This is a stuffed pasta shell dish. We were featuring Azienda Agricola Brangero 2012, Dolcetto di Diano D’Alba “San Rabino Soprano” and Cantina Roagna Giuseppe di Marco 2014 Barbera d’Alba Roero.

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Purple People Pleasers


We started with the Barbera from the Alba region. Alba is a city of about 30,000 people nestled between the better known wine regions of Barola and Barberesco. The city is known not only for its red wine, but also its white truffles.

The Roagna winery owes its current focus to a tragedy. Until the early 1980s, all the wine produced was sold in bulk to other producers. The family’s herd of livestock was wiped out by mad cow disease and the family decided to turn their wine production into a commercially viable venture.

The Roagna Barbera is a juicy wine, flowing with rich flavors. This was a sumptious pairing with our pasta. The wine is soft without heavy tannins. It offers a sour cherry flavor that beckons you to have more. It’s a loveable wine.

Complex Yet Accessible


The 2012 Dolcetto is produced by the Brangero winery. Brangero is a small, family-run farm in the small commune of Diano d’Alba. Only Dolcetto is produced in Diano d’Alba.

We’ve been told that bringing a bottle of Dolcetto when invited to friend’s house in Italy signals “we are equals” and I don’t need to impress. We found the 2012 Brangero Dolcetto to be a welcome guest at our table.

The Dolcetto has more complexity than the Barbera. The tannins and structure are more evident. There is a dusty flavor of earth. It evolves nicely in the glass or better yet with some decanting. Concentrated flavors of black cherry are then the reward.

This was a dynamite pair of wines from Italy. In addition to being outstanding on their own merits, they pair beautifully with food. Both are sub-$20 wines and worth seeking on the shelves.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.

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Friday, January 22, 2016

Fourth Annual Glass City Wine Festival Scheduled March 5 At Seagate Center

Tickets are now on sale for the Glass City Wine Festival. The fourth edition of this popular event will take place March 5 at the Seagate Convention Center in Toledo.

All VIP tickets have been sold out, but regular tickets are available. Admission tickets are from 1:00 to 4:00 PM ($25) and 6 PM to 9 PM ($30). VIP tickets cost $5 more and get you in one hour earlier. All tickets sell quickly, especially the VIP tickets. The VIP tickets are well worth the extra expense and allow you to avoid long lines. You get the hint, if you are planning on going, you should buy your tickets now.

Glass City Wine Festival is an opportunity to taste regional wines, sample gourmet cheese and fare from local restaurants and shop for unique gifts from a number of local, craft businesses. Many popular Ohio wineries will be pouring at the event.

This has turned into a great annual celebration of wine. It’s fun and fashionable with plenty of great wine. There are 19 different wineries participating. You can find see them here.

For more information, and to order tickets, visit the Glass City Wine Festival website here.


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Thursday, January 21, 2016

RayLen Vineyards 2007 Eagle’s Select Red Wine, North Carolina


Looking into the expanse of the night, you can see the shadow of the eagle, but your eye never seems to catch him. He soars above the mundane and flies close to the heavens…

Wine From North Carolina?


We spend a lot of bandwidth here talking about various sub-regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Hardly a week goes by without writing an article about a delicious unexplored region in Italy or Spain.

Truth is, there is a lot of wine out there. We’re big supporters of local wines and no matter where you are, you can join the “loco-pour” movement too. There are wineries in all 50 states.

North Carolina has more than 160 wineries – a number that has quadrupled since 2001. Vineyards cover more than 1,800 acres in the state. Yadkin Valley is the epicenter of quality winemaking in North Carolina and has nearly 40 wineries.

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An Opportunity Lost


I’d like to say that I purchased this RayLen Eagle’s Select while paying a visit to the winery’s sun-dappled vineyard – but I didn’t. I picked it up at the Charlotte airport a few years ago. The North Carolina wine industry had opened a wine shop inside the terminal which allowed travelers to purchase wine and carry it on the plane with them since passengers didn’t have to leave the secured airport area.

I had sampled a few wines in the shop and the RayLen impressed me. It is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. When I got home I put it on the shelf, having understood that it needed to age.

That’s where I screwed up. I try to keep track of the “drinking windows” for my wine, the time when they taste best and the last year before they peak and start rolling downhill. For the Eagle’s Select, I got it terribly wrong.

The Cabinator Gets A Whiff


Over the weekend I rather belatedly invited tasting team member The Cabinator to stop by as we were sampling some Cabernet. On a whim I pulled the Eagle’s Select from the cellar.

The first whiff from the glass was wildly unpleasant, causing scrunched faces. This is a wine that might have been a treat two years ago, but it had turned the corner to oblivion.

We swirled and smelled and swirled and sipped. After the gas cloud had dissipated, the wine didn’t taste too bad. It was extremely earthy and vegetal in an Old World sort of way.

So, this is a tale of what might have been. RayLen is a very highly regarded winery and Eagle’s Select is their flagship red. It is touted as having aging potential and I think it does – just not nine years. If I opened this two years back, The Cabinator and I would have been exchanging high fives.

I look forward to sampling a more recent vintage of Eagle’s Select. Time waits for no one!

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: January 20-23, 2016

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Wednesday, January 20
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. Kim's Italian Delights: 1. Bigi Orvieto Classico 2014, 2. Libenzi Verdicchio Baccaloro 2013, 3. Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva 2012, 4. Gabbiano Toscano Solatio 2012, 5. Pietro Rinaldi Barolo 2009. $9 per flight of nominal charge per sample.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.

Thursday, January 21

Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. Great Wines with Gusto: 1. 2012 Los Vascos – Grande Reserve – Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. 2011 Bovin – Alexandar – Red Blend, 3. 2012 Argiano – Rosso Toscano – Red Blend, 4. Kopke – Lagrima White Porto. Pay per sample or $7 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. A Sense of Maturity: Big reds that have some age on them. 1. 2005 Clos du Mont-Olivet La Cuvee du Papet Chateauneuf du Pape, 2. 2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape, 3. 2009 Struttin' Red, 4. 2006 Delectus Napa Valley Merlot, 5. 2009 Vinum 'The Scrapper' Cabernet Franc, 6. 2008 Girard Artistry Red, 7. 2008 Trione Red, 8. 2009 Cosentino 'The Poet' Meritage. Nominal Fee per sample.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Thursday wine tasting.

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.
Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, January 22

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. California Dreamin’ Taste away those winter blues with great California selections from Berman Wine Company presented by Sara Blakely. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, January 23 
Calvino’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 3143 W. Central Ave., Toledo. (419) 531-5100. 3-5 PM. Wine Tasting.  $15.00 per person. Includes six wines and appetizers. Please call for reservations.
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Australian Wine. Join us for interesting wines from “Down Under.” Shiraz comes to mind, but Grenache is also a great candidate as well as Riesling for some of the very best from Australia. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

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.

Saturday, January 30. Italian Red Wine Tasting. Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Join us for a classic Italian feast. Chef Toby will prepare his signature “over the top” lasagna. We will have primarily Tuscan wines and some of the best from Piedmont. Reservations required in advance. $40 per person or $50 the day of event.
February 17 – March 2, Introductory Wine Topics Class, Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. Three classes Wednesdays at 6:30. Class will be directed by a Certified Specialist of Wine implementing the curriculum of the Society of Wine Educators. Cost $75 through January 29 and $100 after. Limited enrollment.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Sterling 2013 Vinter’s Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Planning an event or large party? This sub-$20 California Cabernet might be just the ticket.

Deep Rooted History


Sterling Vineyards has a history in Napa Valley that dates to its founding in 1964. Since then it has grown to become one of the most recognized brands in the US Market.

It has several ranges of wines. The Reserve range features the Platinum label and some of those bottles top out at $100. Sterling is also well known for its Three Palms Vineyard Merlot.

Undoubtedly, Sterling knows how to produce fine wine. The most pervasive range of Sterling wine is the Vintner’s Collection. This is the affordable entry level range.

A Wine For The People


The Vintner’s Collection offers 11 different wines, all of them $17 or less. Wines in the Vintner’s Collection have California or Central Coast appellations.

They offer good quality wine at a price that won’t break the bank. If you have an event with 40 or 50 people, for example, you could entertain them all without taking out a loan.


The Sterling 2013 Vintner’s Collection Cabernet Sauvignon offers a bouquet of juicy blackberries. On the palate, the first impression is, “Yeah, this is definitely California Cabernet.”

The wine is medium bodied and fruit forward, with cherries in abundance. There is a hint of smoke and dark chocolate. This is a friendly wine. There are no heavy tannins, no complex earthy flavors for party guests to mentally unravel.

Sterling is a winery you can trust at a variety of price points. That takes a lot of uncertainty out of the party hosting game. It’s a refreshingly good value.

Full Disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Alsace Duo From Beck-Hartweg Delights With Crisp Flavors



Alsace is one of our favorite French regions. It produces superior white wines and uses varietal labeling on bottles.

French Wines With A German Spin


You’re not surprised are you? We delight in crisp, clean white wines and dig Riesling. So the French region of Alsace, nestled along with border with Germany, has a warm spot in our hearts.

For a period of almost 50 years, this region was ruled by Germany and the Germanic influence is widespread. While other French appelations make superb Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, it is clear that the best Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pnot Blanc and Gerwurztraminer in France are made in Alsace.

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Beck-Hartweg Winemakers


Florian and Mathidle Beck-Hartweg are organic winemakers in Dambach-La-Ville, Alsace. Damback-La-Ville is located in the middle of the Alsace region and is an old, fortified city with ramparts that date to 1323.

Beck-Hartweg has a family history of winemaking that dates back to 1590. The vineyards are certified organic and special care is given to respect the grapes, the soil and the work of their ancestors.

An Alsacian Wine Dinner


When Green Dragon learned we would be sampling a pair of Alsace wines, she immediately went to work in the kitchen and produced a smashing entree. She cooked up Paprika Shrimp with Citrus and Avocado Salsa served with Saffron-infused Quinoa. Not too shabby!

We opened two bottles of Beck-Hartweg wines, the 2011 Cuvee Prestige Pinot Gris and the 2012 Cuvee Prestige Riesling. One attribute of Alsacian wine that we enjoy is that the wines in general are drier than German wines of the same type. Green Dragon started with the Riesling and I started with the Pinot Gris.

The Pinot Gris offers complex flavors of flowers and crisp fruit. Unlike Pinot Gris from Oregon, the wine was not lush, but more focused. With grapes like Riesling and Pinot Gris, I’m not a fan of oak aging. I think that hides the true expression of the grapes. I was surprised to see that the Pinot Gris and Riesling both spend time in oak barrels. These casks are unique, though. They bring no tannins or oak taste since they are more than 100 years old.

The Cuvee Prestige Riesling was a spot on pairing with the shrimp entree. The shrimp had a bit of spice to it. There is a slight sweetness to the wine that mingles with the acidity and minerality. This played wonderfully against the spiciness of the dish. The wine is elegant with a bit of orange peel and perhaps a whiff of petrol (which is a good thing!).

Each wine retails for under $20 and is a great bargain at that price point. Our recommendation is that the Riesling be paired with dinner or appetizers. The Pinot Gris can stand alone quite well. Fish or poultry will work well, but the Riesling in particular is a good match for spicy Asian food.

Full Disclosure: We received this wine as marketing samples.

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Friday, January 15, 2016

Exchange Club Of Toledo Benefit Wine Tasting Scheduled February 27

The Exchange Club of Toledo is a community service organization with a long history of helping where it is needed most and lending a hand to area students. They’ve also made a name for themselves by hosting an immensely enjoyable benefit wine event.

On February 27, 6-8 PM, the Exchange Club of Toledo will host its Fourth Annual Wine Tasting at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St., Toledo.
The event will take place in the very cool Historic Lobby. Wine pairings with delicious appetizers will be featured along with a silent auction.

The cost for the event is $50 per person and proceeds benefit the club’s area youth scholarship program. In short, you can do good by having fun.

We’ve attended each of the previous wine tastings and have enjoyed the wide selection of wines and the chance to mingle in this very historic room. The Oliver House opened its doors as a hotel in 1859. It was designed by renowned architect Isaiah Rodgers and now has a place on the Historic Register. The Historic Lobby is a unique curved room with an elegant bar and high ceilings. In short, it is a perfect place for a wine event.

For tickets contact Gail Weller at (419) 343-2426 or gweller@nationalexchangeclub.org .

Photo Credit: Robert S. Donovan via Compfight cc

Thursday, January 14, 2016

5 S's of Wine Tasting

Whether it’s a home wine tasting for friends or a tasting at a winery in Napa Valley, there are some rules that can make it more enjoyable. As you begin to taste the wines, keep the Five S’s in mind: “See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor.”

Always select the wines so that the light, weaker wines come first and the stronger ones follow. Dry wines should precede the sweet ones and typically white before red. Also you should progress according to quality. Don’t start the tasting off with a $75 bottle of Stag’s Leap Chardonnay and then finish with a run of the mill $10 wine.

See

The first step is to enjoy the wine's color. For white wines, the older the wine the more golden it gleams. It can be a pale yellow all the way to an amber color. Reds can range from a garnet red to a beautiful deep purple. Tip your glass (partially!) and view the color against a white background, such as a napkin or tablecloth, to admire the hue.

Swirl

To release the aroma, gently swirl the wine in your glass. This mixes oxygen into the wine to release the fragrance. To best swirl wine, place the glass on the table and hold the stem of the glass. With the glass remaining on the table, quickly move it in small circles.

Smell

Much of wine's pleasure is in the aroma, which comes from the grapes, and reflects the wine making process. After swirling, immediately place your nose close to the opening of the glass. Gently sniff the wine making note of your first impressions. Depending on the type of wine, you may discover hints of familiar smells such as fruit, spice, floral or even toasted (such as nuts, coffee or cocoa). Higher quality wines will express more aromas than inexpe3nsive, poorly made wines.

Sip

Take a medium-sized sip small sip, roll it around in your mouth for about three to five seconds. Breathe in a little air to once again release the aroma as you are tasting. Notice the taste and the "texture" - how it feels in your mouth, from light and refreshing to full and robust. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience a wine’s flavor.

Spit or... Swallow.

The former may sound impolite, but it's not. In fact, it's the only way to taste if you are sampling many wines, and it can be done very discreetly. At many tasting counters, you'll notice a large bucket for that purpose as well as for any leftover wine in your glass. You can reset your palate by eating a piece of bread or cracker. If you aren't driving or consuming many wines, you may prefer to swallow the small samples. Just don't overdo it.

Savor

Most wines have a lingering aftertaste or "finish" even after you have completed the actual tasting. Take some time to appreciate the unique flavor of the wine.
You may want to write tasting notes, which at first might be very simple: deep red in color, fruity. With experience, your notes will become more descriptive.

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Photo by feverblue

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: January 13-16, 2016

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Wednesday, January 13
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. No tasting this week. Tastings resume next week.
Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463. 5:30 –7:30 PM. Wine Tasting. $15 per person.

Thursday, January 14
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. More Great Wine Closeouts: 1. 2012 Benziger – Sauvignon Blanc, 2. 2014 Saladini Pilastri – Falerio – White Blend, 3. 2013 Galasso – PortaSole – Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo, 4. 2013 Diseno – Old Vine Malbec. Pay per sample or $4 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. 2016 Closeout Time: Part Two. Like last week, The Andersons Talmadge Road Wine Shop will showcase the best of the latest wine closeouts. The wines to be featured will be determined closer to the tasting event. Nominal Fee per sample. Call for more information.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Thursday wine tasting.

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.
Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, January 15

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Around the World Wines. Taste eclectic wines from around the world with Scott Alex from BG Beverage. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, January 16 
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Blended Wines Tasting. Sample an assortment of blended wines from around the world. Blending makes wine more complex and maximizes the expression of the wine. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

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.
Saturday, January 23, 3-5 PM. Wine Tasting. Calvino’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 3143 W. Central Ave., Toledo. (419) 531-5100. $15.00 per person. Includes six wines and appetizers. Please call for reservations.

Saturday, January 30. Italian Red Wine Tasting. Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Join us for a classic Italian feast. Chef Toby will prepare his signature “over the top” lasagna. We will have primarily Tuscan wines and some of the best from Piedmont. Reservations required in advance. $40 per person or $50 the day of event.
February 17 – March 2, Introductory Wine Topics Class, Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. Three classes Wednesdays at 6:30. Class will be directed by a Certified Specialist of Wine implementing the curriculum of the Society of Wine Educators. Cost $75 through January 29 and $100 after. Limited enrollment.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Poema Offers Duo Of Red And White Wines

Spanish winery Poema is well known for its sparkling Cava, but this small-production, quality-oriented producer also makes luscious, fruit-forward red and white blends.


You Learn Something New…


If you are like me, the name Poema is very familiar. They make an outstanding Cava that is an outstanding value. I pick up a bottle whenever I have the chance.

What I hadn’t seen until now are other wines from Poema. They are new in the market and I was anxious to see what they were like.

White Blend With Spanish Twist


The Poema 2014 White is a blend of Macabeo and Muscat d’Alsace. Macabeo is the most widely grown white grape in northern Spain. Muscat d’Alsace is regarded to be the best of the Muscat grape family, which has been grown around the world for centuries.

This wine has bright flavors and is low in acidity. Poema White has notes of floral and citrus and a clean taste unclouded by oak.

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Poema Red A Triple Blend


For the 2014 Poema Red, the winemaker puts together a unique combination. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Tempranillo – a blend I don’t believe I’ve had before.

Poema Red is fruit-forward and an easy drinking wine. Like the Poema White, this wine is best enjoyed soon after its release.

The wine offers pleasing notes of red fruit with traces of spice. It is a light to medium-bodied wine with a tasty but short finish.

Poema, whose name means “poem” in Spanish, is a quality winemaker. Poema Red and White have a suggested retail price of just $11.99 each.
At that price point you can buy them for a song and consider making them one of your every-day drinkers.

Full disclosure: We received these wines as a marketing sample.

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Monday, January 11, 2016

Premium Wines Highlight Toledo Wines and Vines Grand Tasting

At Toledo Wines and Vines, we taste wine all the time. But there are tastings and then there are GRAND tastings…


A Wine Blow Out


In the rush of the work-a-day world, it’s difficult to get the entire Toledo Wines and Vines team together for a tasting. But when it happens we like to celebrate with a Grand Tasting.

What’s a Toledo Wines and Vines Grand Tasting like? Each team member brings a bottle or two of outstanding wine plus a dish. The hosts – this year it was Glorious T and the Cabinator – have to put up with a noisy clamor and dozens of dirty wine glasses.

A Chilly Start


After a laborious day of playing tennis and flying my drone, Green Dragon and I cooked up some tomato bacon squares and Tuscan Parmesean Shrimp. Normally, when I say “we cooked” something, that means Green Dragon did it – but this time I actually prepared and cooked the shrimp. Yeah me!

We opened up with a pair of single vineylard Finger Lake Rieslings. Sax Man and Wine Chick had brought the 2011 Ravines Argetsinger Vineyard Dry Riesling and we began with that chilled beauty. The Argetsinger Vineyard is on the east side of Seneca Lake and is one of the oldest in the region.

This is a crisp and elegant Riesling and almost bone dry. There is a nice mix of citrus and minerality.

From our cellar I brought one of my favorite Rieslings, the 2009 Hermann J. Wiemer Magdelena Vineyard Riesling. This is a beautiful white wine that is capable of aging.

In the glass the Magdelena had a deeper golden color than the Ravines. It is amazingly expressive Riesling with flavor notes of apricot and apple. This has a hint of sweetness (1.4% residual sugar) that is expertly balanced by the acidity. I would have enjoyed several more glasses of this!

The whites were expertly paired with Glorious T’s crab cheese cake and you-know-who’s delicious shrimp.


Reds Begin To Flow


The Cabinator was orchestrating the progression of wines and next up was the DeLoach 2012 OFS Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley from the host’s cellar. This Pinot is a show stopper.

The wine gushes with rapsberry and cherry flavors with a hint of more savory notes. It worked quite well with the mushrooms prepared by Sax Man.

As I snapped the photo of the Pinot Noir, Dr. J and Casey photobombed it.

The group toured downstairs to see the wine room painstakingly completed by the Cabinator. Then, after noodling with technology, the crowd was enthralled by three videos I had shot from my drone I got for Christmas. Here’s one of the videos for you to enjoy.

We next paid a visit to Napa Valley with the 2004 Peju Province Cabernet Franc. This Cab Franc
had a slight brick red hue in the glass and a unique licorice flavor to go with the red berry and leather notes. Quite a complex wine that has evolved in the bottle.

Leaving the US shores, we then ventured to France for a Bordeaux blend. I had purchased the 1999 Chateau Simard Saint-Emilion when the Zinful wine bar in Waterville had closed. (They have since opened a tasting room in downtown Perrysburg, but that’s another story.)

Chateau Simard wines typically aren’t released until they age in the bottle for 10 years. So, although grapes were havested in 1999, it was bottled in 2001 and wasn’t released until 2011. This is a Merlot driven blend with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a smooth experience with plum and earth and a silky finish.

An Epic Finish


Dr. J was batting clean-up with his two wines. The first was the 2011 Cairdean Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon. Dr. J had shrewdly scooped this up during a special sale on Invino.

I had planned on buying a bottle or two, but the Green Dragon shut me down, claiming I “already had too much wine.” After I decided she was mistaken I went back to the online site, but it was too late – the Cairdean was sold out.

Atlas Peak is the highest elevation region in Napa Valley. This is a stylish wine and lush with the flavor of blueberry and dark fruit. This is a powerful and moving wine. Paired with Wine Chick’s chocolate fudge and some truffles, this was divine.

Dr. J then worked a magic trick, producing the 2012 Sleight of Hand Illusionist Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley. Sleight of Hand should be at the top of your list of Washington State producers. The Illusionist is rich with expressive fruit. The flavors are complex yet highly drinkable.

The Illusionist is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. A heavenly mix that explode in a flavorful burst in your mouth. This was accompanied by Casey’s red velvet cake.
The tasting was winding down and Glorious T decided we need to come in for a landing. She pulled a 375 ml bottle of 2012 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, and that provided the perfect ending to the Grand Tasting.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Leer Vineyards, Heroic Red and Valiant White, California

What’s better than enjoying bottles of red and white wine? Having part of the price go to help wounded veterans.

Drinking For A Cause


Heroic Red and Valiant White are not the typical wines reviewed here. You can say they are on a mission.

The wines are produced by Leer Vineyards in East Contra Costa County, California. The winery has 37 acres under vine and owners Stefan and Tanisha Leer got their start by handpicking three tons of grapes by themselves. They also believe in supporting community causes close to their heart.

Four wines have been designated to help three charitable organizations. The Special Kids Blend is in partnership with The Special Kids Foundation here in Brentwood, California and helps children with disabilities. The CoCo Blend, named after Tanisha’s rescue dog gives a portion of the proceeds to K9 Paw Print Rescue.

We recently received samples of Heroic Red and Valiant White. A portion of the proceeds ($1.50 from each bottle) from these two wines go to the Military Warriors Support Foundation, which awards mortgage free homes to wounded men of combat through their Homes 4 Heroes program. Housing is a huge need for wounded veterans. The Military Warriors Support Foundation is to be commended for addressing this need.

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Wine Bottle Heroes


The Heroic Red is a blend of 58% Syrah, 29% Merlot and 13% Cabernet. Our reviewer Jayne has tried many different reds, but was raving about this wine. There are rich berry flavors with chocolate and a dash of pepper. This is a tasty blend for a good price of $24.

On the white side, Valiant White is a California Moscato with peach and tropical flavors. Moscato has soared in popularity, so you may want to keep a bottle on hand for guests. Valiant retails for $22.

Coffey Anderson, a country musician and a former American Idol contestant, has lent his support to the Heroic Red project. His song, “Mr. Red, White and Blue” is quite moving and has more than four million hits on Facebook.

The wines are available online and also in Walmart stores in Texas and select locations in California.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Dry Creek Vineyard 2012 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley


Just as a mariner navigates his ship, so too must a winemaker navigate his way through a vintage.

Finally, A Perfect Harvest


The Mariner from Dry Creek Vineyards is one of our favorite red blends. When our friends hosted a New Year’s Day gathering with football, food and drinks, we grabbed The Mariner and away we went.

Each year the blend for The Mariner varies, depending on the growing conditions and the intuition of the winemaker. In Sonoma, the 2010 and 2011 vintages were challenging. Patience was rewarded with the 2012 vintage, considered one of the finest in recent history.

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Waves Of Refreshment


On the television, the crowd-favorite Ohio State Buckeyes football team finally began dominating Notre Dame. Meanwhile, The Mariner was dominating in the wine glass!

The Mariner is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Malbec,  8% Petit Verdot and a splash of 3% Cabernet Franc. The percentage of Merlot is the lowest in four years, but despite that, the Merlot shone through to provide a lush softness.

Upon opening, the wine is a little tight – but swirling and chatting with friends allowed it to open to a pleasant fullness. Cranberry and dark cherry flavors abound. There are also threads of herb. The wine is well-balanced with a smooth and supple body.

This is a wine easy to like. It is polished and complex with an approachable price of $45 SRP. The tannins are present to enable aging for another five or so years. Or, you could push away from shore and begin “navigating” right away.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Toledo Area Wine Events & Tastings: January 6-9, 2016


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Wednesday, January 6

The Andersons, Sylvania, 6-8 PM. New Wines For The New Year: 1. Cameron Hughes 2013 Lot 475 Chardonnay (California), 2. Hess Select 2010 Treo Red Blend (California), 3. Campos de Luz 2009 Garnacha Reserva (Spain), 4. BV Napa Valley 2012 Red Blend (California), 5. La Madrid 2013 Reserva Cabernet Franc (Argentina). Nominal fee per sample or $8 per flight.
Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer, 1516 Adams Ave, 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, January 7
Andersons, Maumee, 5-7 PM. Big Bold Red Selections - Some Great Wines from the Iberian Peninsula: 1. 2011 Trivento – Amado Sur – White Blend, 2. 2010 Confidencial – Reserva – Red Blend, 3. 2011 Quinta Da Garrida – Reserva – Red Blend, 4. Kopke – 10-year-old Tawny Porto. Pay per sample or $7 for flight.

Let us promote your wine tasting for free! Send info to twav@att.net

Andersons, Talmadge Road, Wine Tasting. 6 – 8 PM. 2016 Closeout Time: Part One. For the next two weeks our tastings we will showcase the best of The Andersons Talmadge Road Wine Shop closeouts. The wines to be featured will be determined closer to the tasting event. Nominal Fee per sample. Call for more information.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Thursday wine tasting.

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.
Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 5-7 PM. Weekly wine tasting. Call for information.

Friday, January 8

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine tasting – 4:00 – 7:00 PM. New Year, New Wine. Special guest: Angela Bollin from Vanguard Wines. A littel something for everyone. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, December 19 
Kroger Maumee – Wine Tasting, 3-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Post Holiday Blues Tasting. Join us for a “red tag,” sale on wines of interest. Close-outs, post-offs or discontinued wines that will be soft on your wallet, or just another excuse to drink wine.. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • Veritas Cork and Craft, 505 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo – (419) 214- 9463.
  • Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
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Up & Coming:

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, January 12. The Meeker Wine Experience, Zinful, (419) 931-9946, 218 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 4-7 PM. Meet winemaker Molly Meeker and taste her wines. $15 per person.
Saturday, January 30. Italian Red Wine Tasting. Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 2-6 PM. Join us for a classic Italian feast. Chef Toby will prepare his signature “over the top” lasagna. We will have primarily Tuscan wines and some of the best from Piedmont. Reservations required in advance. $40 per person or $50 the day of event.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley


Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape that shines in the Loire Valley and South Africa. This Washington winemaker shows it can excel at home too.

In Search Of A Fondue Wine


On Christmas Eve we traditionally eat light and enjoy a fondue meal. We fire up our fondue pot and get the concoction of Emmentaler and Gruyere cheeses melting. It also calls for a dash of kirsch, which is a cherry brandy.

Perhaps the most important ingredient, ahem, is the wine. All the poking and dipping requires a nice white wine. In the past we’ve had Pinot Gris or Riesling. A Pinot Blanc would also work well – but on this night, it was Chenin Blanc.

A Grape Of Many Faces


Chenin Blanc is a white grape that earned its fame in the Loire Valley of France. Even before Green Dragon and I were “into” wine, we appreciated Vouvray. The wines of Vouvray are made with Chenin Blanc and typically range from semi-dry to sweet.
Our favorite has a semi-dry finish with just a bit of frizzante.
Another country that is linked with Chenin Blanc is South Africa. Although many top shelf Chenin Blancs are produced there, it was overplanted for years and there was a flood of cheap, low-quality Chenin produced.

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Washington State Produces Magic Again


As our readers probably know, we have a warm spot in our heart for Washington State. The wines are rich and succulent, the winemakers innovative, and the value is second to none.

L’Ecole No. 41 is a family-owned artisan winery located in a school building. They are the third oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley. Since opening in 1983, they have established a growing reputation for distinctive and expressive wines.

The wine label designates this as an Old Vines Chenin Blanc. The grapes come from four Yakima Valley vineyards with the oldest being planted 37 years ago. Old vines typically mean more concentrated flavor. As the vines age, they produce fewer grapes, but each is more flavorful.

A lovely minerality highlights this wine. Flavors of orange and tropical fruits splash playfully in the glass. The finish is refreshing. The wine is an off-dry with 0.5% residual sugar – just right for our cheesy meal.

We’re always on the lookout for special white wines. At only $16 per bottle, it is also one that you could purchase in quantity in case of emergencies. This schoolhouse wine passes with flying colors.

Rating: 3.5 of 5  Value: 5 of 5

Monday, January 4, 2016

Dry Creek Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley

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Hung up on Napa Valley Cabs? Try crossing the border for Cabernet from Sonoma.


Dry Creek Valley – Home of Zinfandel – And Cabernet!


Dry Creek Valley in California’s Sonoma Valley wine region is best known for delectable Zinfandel from vines centuries old. The region is versatile and also produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and even Sauvignon Blanc. There’s plenty of vibrant sunshine and cool, foggy evenings.

Selecting a Sonoma Cab also gives us one of our favorite feelings – that of extra coin in our pocket. As Napa Valley prices continue to climb, Sonoma wines can be gotten at a sweet savings.

Dry Creek Valley Microclimate Friendly To Cab


20151226_202704If you are like me, you’ll be surprised to learn Dry Creek Valley has almost as much Cabernet Sauvignon planted as Zinfandel. Dry Creek Valley is often overlooked, but produces inspiring wines.

Two tasting team members, the Cabinator and Glorious T, recently visited Sonoma and came back raving about the quality of the wine and the friendliness of the people. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to visit Dry Creek Vineyard, one of our favorite producers in the area.

2012 A Standout Vintage


The 2012 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Merlot with a 2% dash of Cab Franc. The alcohol is at 14.5%, which is a bit “hot” for us.

20151226_202640We’re told that the 2012 vintage with near perfect growing conditions that resulting is Bordeaux varieties flourishing. It is good to know that a vintage is excellent, but for us the proof is in the bottle. Sometimes a winemaker’s skill can coax superb wine from a harvest that was labelled as challenging.

The proof was indeed pleasing. This is a rich, rounded glass that oozes black cherry flavors. It is a full-bodied wine with solid tannins.

The 2012 DCV Cab has a silky finish and a charm that leaves you disappointed when the bottle is empty. Luckily, there is an easy solution for that! With an SRP of $20, this is a solid California Cab that you can always afford to have on hand.

Full disclosure: We received this bottle as a marketing sample.