BG Wine & Cheese Event A Great Success

Corks were popping and glasses tinkling during the 14th Annual Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation Wine and Cheese Social, held last night. It was a smashing success. The crowd -- estimated at more than 350 -- was the largest yet for this annual event. This was the first time the event was held at the Simpson Building and it seemed to be the perfect location. The former church sanctuary was the site of the live auction, led by television newsman Jerry Anderson. Meanwhile bountiful tables of food and silent auction items were down the hall in the facility's meeting room. A nice touch is that guests were able to spill out into the beautiful garden grounds, which was awash with colorful and fragrant plants and flowers.

The wine for the event was generously donated by Norm Heineman and Bowling Green Beverage (shown in the photo with his wife Kathy behind him). Many comments were made that the selection of 12 different wines made this a truly adventureous and fun night. There were some standouts in the line-up, including the Lyeth Red Meritage and the Schild Estate Shiraz. Norm, not sparing any expense, also served up some Pelee Island Winery Vidal Icewine. This retails for about $42 a half-bottle, so it truly was like sipping liquid gold.

Assisting the foundation with this event were the Exchange Club of Bowling Green along with the local Kiwanis and Rotary groups. Their participation certainly helped with the strong turnout and smooth operation.

Super Tuscan Prima Voce Tuscany 2004

A blend of Merlot with Sangiovese, this Super Tuscan style has wine smoothness, layers of flavors, and compatibility with many dishes, especially Italian. Prima Voce is an opera term meaning “leading voice.”
It is indeed an aria of both power and beauty.

This blend balances the Merlot with Sangiovese. Bright and ruby red, the nose exudes black cherry with hints of  black pepper and spice.

This accompanied our meal at Carlucci in a wonderful way. Two thumbs up!

(If you have tried this wine, please make a comment. Click on the link below.)

Update: Wine Line-Up For BG Event Sept. 25

The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 14th  Annual Wine and Cheese Social will take place tonight (Friday, September 15) from 5 to 8 PM at the Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., in Bowling Green. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door.
Here’s the wine line-up from Norm Heineman, Bowling Green Beverage:

• Mateus Rose, Portugal. Well-balanced, fresh, light and fruity. Made from the best quality red varieties grown in Northern Portugal.
• Elena Walch Pinot Grigio, 2007, Italy. Compact and fresh, forceful and harmonious with delicate spice. Succulent but dry on the finish.
• Stoneburn Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, New Zealand. Classic grassy characters underpinned with hints of peppers. Zesty, crisp and refreshing.
• Salomon Riesling Steinterrassen, 2006, Austria. Crisp, dry Riesling, correct and down the middle with a slight kick.
• Del Rio Chardonnay, 2007, Oregon. Aromas of green apple, pear and notes of coconut and vanilla. Rich and creamy with a touch of oak.
• Leonard Kreusch Johannesburg Riesling, 2006, Germany. Classic Rheingau Riesling with crisp, green apple and pear flavors with a hint of minerals. Off-dry finish.
• Schild Estate Shiraz, 2006, Australia. Shows a nose of ripe cherries, rich spices and licorice with vanilla undertones.
• Lu Lu B Syrah, 2008, France. Rich wine with a delightful color and flavor with aromas of roasted peppers and spice.
• Veranda Pinot Noir, 2006, Chile. Red fruit aromas of cherries and strawberries backed by tea, earth and spice. Nicely balanced.
• Lyeth Red Meritage, 2006, California. From California’s Sonoma County. Luscious and full-bodied with a balanced complexity.
• V. Karlbach Dornfelder Max, 2003, Germany. Traditional fruity wine with a dark, velvety color. Aged in 100-year old casks to give a silky-smooth texture.
• Pelee Vidal Icewine, 2006, Canada. Made from the ripest grapes, this elegant rich golden wine has intense apple, peach and mango flavors that linger on your palate.

Also available some interesting beers: Spaten Munich Oktoberfest, Bluegrass Brewing Company American Pale Ale and Tommyknocker Jack Whacker unfiltered wheat beer.

Technorati Tags: Bowling Green,wine tastings,event

Photo by Steve Jurvetson

Cuvaison Chardonnay Napa 2007

I had the opportunity to try this Chardonnay while on a trip to Chicago. Our meal was at Carlucci in Rosemont near O'Hare Airport. Carlucci is a great Italian restaurant and is considered to be one of the top restaurants in Chicago (at least in the top 50). It features "handmade pastas and robust wines."

The wine list's lowest entry is $35 for a Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet from Australia and tops out with a $300 bottle of Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (2001, Tuscany). For our group I picked this Chardonnay as well as a 2004 Super Tuscan (Prima Voce) and that will be covered in another post.

The Cuvaison Chardonnay is from their Carneros estate. Cuvaison  [koo∙veh∙ZOHN] is the French term for the period when grape juice is kept in contact with the skins and seeds during both fermentation and maceration. Critical in the making of red wines, cuvaison allows color, tannins, and aroma to be transferred from the skins and seeds to the juice.

This wine has an aroma of orange and citrus. The body is rich with a hint of minerality. It is a classic. Very tasty and recommended.

Vino 100 To Open Wine Bar and Lounge

Beginning in Late October, the Toledo metropolitan area will have an exciting new food and entertainment venue, Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge, combining the best of food, drink and comfort. The co-owners, Diana Whitman and George Burk, will expand the current retail shop to create a comfortable and intimate environment designed for conversation, and sharing exiting small plates and drink offerings.

Vino 100’s Wine Bar and Lounge will offer an affordable and simple alternative to full scale dinning incorporating an intriguing atmosphere with interesting food and drinks. Vino 100 will combine menu variety, atmosphere, ambiance, special theme nights and a friendly staff to create a sense of 'place' in order to achieve their goal of overall value in the dining/entertainment experience.
“We pursued the wine bar expansion because we believe that great food and wine need not be complicated, Meet-Eat-Drink-Talk. It seems pretty easy to me,” says Burk. Vino 100 will offer a diverse selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails in a comfortable environment that is made even more enjoyable by our knowledgeable and friendly staff. From partnering with Owens Community College Culinary Arts program to purchasing from Ohio’s network of independent growers and producers. “We believe in supporting our local economy and creating a sense of community,” confirms Burk.

Interns from Owens Community College Culinary Arts Program will provide a menu of small plates featuring many local, organic and natural ingredients. “We’re delighted to be working on this project with Vino 100,” said Chef Bill Powell, Program Coordinator at the Department of Food, Nutrition, & Hospitality at Owens Community College. “This is a great opportunity for our students to learn every aspect of running their own small, independent food business.”

Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will offer a full calendar of special events, from wine dinners, to cooking classes to entertainment featuring local musical talents. They will also showcase the works of local artists; all artwork on display will be offered for sale at the end of the showing.

Customers at Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will be able to purchase their favorite wines, gifts, and many of the food items featured on the menu at the Vino 100 Wine Shop located at the front of the lounge. “It’s a real convenience to be able to purchase something you really enjoy without having to look all over for it,” says Whitman.

The Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will be opening in late October, located next door to the current retail shop. Diana and George will be offering all our existing customers an advanced opportunity to Meet-Eat-Drink-Talk at the Wine Bar before it opens to the general public. For more information, please call 419.866.8466

Batasiolo Winery Showcased

The Italian winery of Beni di Batasiolo showcased its outstanding range of wines at a tasting at Cork’s on Tuesday, September 22. Batasiolo export manager Stephano Poggi was on hand to oversee the tasting and provide the background on the wines. Fives wines were featured including the crisp and elegant 2006 Gavi, which is  made from the Cortese grape. The tasting was bookended by two whites, the Gavi and the Moscato d’Asti, which is a fruity, sweet wine with a bit of fizz. Batting second was the Barbera from Alba, a DOC red wine with an earthy, dark berry flavor. DOC is Di Origine Controllata, which is the second highest tier of wines under Italian wine law. KN termed this a musky wine, although not unappealing.

The wonderful Nebbiolo grape was highlighted in the next three selections. The Nebbiolo delle Langhe  was smoother than the Barbera but paled in comparison with the next two. The Barbaresco and Barolo (both named for their respective Italian towns) were beacons of flavor that stood out from the rest. Both are DOCG wines, the highest tier in the Italian wine system. My favorite was the Barolo, perhaps no surprise since Batasiolo is the world’s leading producer of Barolo. My wife favored the Barbaresco. The wines exhibit an elegant flavor of dark berries that is strong but elegant at the same time. Batasiolo terms the wines as “liquid elegance” and we agree! They are termed the Queen and King of Italian wines and were four times in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. They were wonderful and we left with a bottle of 1999 Barbaresco (the Queen won out).

We finished with a nice glass of Moscato d’Asti. We’ve had some uninspired Moscato in the past, so this was a pleasant surprise. Although certainly the sweetest of the night, it was nowhere near the sweetness of an ice wine. This is also a DOCG wine and this 2007 vintage had a light golden color with a note of peaches. It’s fizz was a nice cap to a great evening of tasting.

Technorati Tags: Batasiolo,Barolo

Save the Date: Mobile Meals Wine Gala Nov. 7

The Mobile Meals Wine Gala will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Stranahan Great Hall in Toledo. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with wine tasting and appetizers followed by a sit-down dinner. After dinner, the live auction begins which features groupings of wine -- some from private cellars. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Wrapping up the evening, there will be dancing to the tunes of the band Touched. Invitations will be mailed in September. If you wish to attend, please call Carolyn at (419) 255-7806 or e-mail at cfox@mobilemeals.org and an invitation will be sent right away.

Wine Gala A Sumptuous Success

Vines & Vices October 1

Radio station Star 105.5 and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio will present a special wine tasting event Thursday, October 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Tickets are $50.
Attendees are invited to indulge in their vices and help share the power of a wish!  Dance the night away and participate in the "Indulge in Your Vices" raffle.  Enjoy hors d' oeuvres and delectable desserts provided by Levis Commons restaurants!  Learn more about the art of wine from the wine connoisseurs or find your new favorite among the extensive selection of fine wines!
Outdoor rain or shine event - cocktail casual attire.
Tickets are available online at www.shopleviscommons.com or  contact Melissa at Make-A-Wish for more information or to purchase tickets.  419-244-WISH or mailto:mkimball@northwestohio.wish.org

Technorati Tags: wine tasting,Perrysburg

7th Annual Island Wine Festival October 3

The 7th Annual Island Wine Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, at Put-In-Bay. Representatives from wineries across the US will be on hand for festival goers to sample more than 250 of their wines. Also featured will be grape juice, great food, a display on the history of island wineries, winery and grape related merchandise. Entry is $5. You will receive a souvenir wine sampling glass with admission. Sampling tickets are $1 each with samples ranging from $1 to $10, most samples range from $1 to $4. Wines cost from $10 to $130. There will be retail bottle sales. Find a wine you like and purchase a bottle to take home. Full bottles purchased cannot be consumed at festival. This is a great time to find a wine for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. A silent auction will be held with items including a vacation package, large bottles of wine, etc. The event is scheduled 11 am to 6 pm under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park.

Photo by cheshirecat98

Upcoming Tastings - Week of September 20, 2009

This is shaping up to be a great week for wine lovers, including a tasting at Cork's with a winery representative on Tuesday and a wine and cheese social in Bowling Green on Friday.

Tuesday, September 22
Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Corks welcomes Stefano Poggi from the Batasiolo winery for a tasting of his premier Italian lineup. The tasting starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm. Samples will range from their sweet and fruity Moscato d' Asti, all the way up to the dark and brooding Barolo. There will be a $1-2 fee for each sample.

Thursday, September 24
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. New World vs. Old World The battle to end all battles! We'll pit the juiced-up, fruit-forward wines of the New World (California, Australia, South America), against the earthy, terroir-driven, classical wines of the Old World (France, Spain, Italy, Germany). Find out what happens when worlds collide? 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Friday, September 25
** Special Event ** The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 14th Annual Wine & Cheese Social will take place 5 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., in Bowling Green. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door. This year’s program has a “Wine Around the World” theme. Wine has been generously donated by Bowling Green Beverage. Wine expert (and BG Beverage president) Norm Heineman will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Not only will there be outstanding wine aplenty, but there will also be an assortment of microbrew and craft beers. Of course delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The event features a silent and live auction with some great auction items. The live auction will be conducted by television newscaster Jerry Anderson of WTOL, Channel 11. It is certain to be a fun-filled, exciting evening.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) California Cabernet Sauvignon: 1. Burch Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Ledgewood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. New World vs. Old World The battle to end all battles! We'll pit the juiced-up, fruit-forward wines of the New World (California, Australia, South America), against the earthy, terroir-driven, classical wines of the Old World (France, Spain, Italy, Germany). Find out what happens when worlds collide? 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Saturday, September 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) California Cabernet Sauvignon: 1. Burch Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Ledgewood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Wine tasting. No reservations are necessary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Average cost for the entire flight -- $7-$12. If the weather permits, enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Noon to 5 PM.

Send Wine: TWAV Sampling and Review Policy

If you are interested in sending wine, books, or products for review, please contact us at twav@att.net for a shipping address. We accept samples and press/media kits from wineries, distributors, marketing and public relations firms and retail shops. If you send products, please note the following:

1. No guarantee is made that your product will be reviewed. 
2. We typically review products we are enthusiastic about, but a decision to review your product does not guarantee a positive review.
3. All products, including wine, that are received as a press sample will be clearly indicated as such on the blog. This is in line with the recently issued FTC regulation.
4. You will receive an e-mail with a link when the review is posted.
5. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to sample and blog about your wine.