Saturday, January 30, 2010

Lone Oak Vineyard Valentine's Eve Serenade

A Valentine's Eve Serenade is scheduled at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor, Grass Lake, Michigan on February 13. This Jackon-area winery is an easy drive from the Toledo area. The evening will feature wine, food and great music by Ian Stewart, singer/guitarist, in the winery's newly expanded and remodeled tasting room. All ladies will receive a gift of a flower and a chocolate treat. Wine by the glass and light fare available.

Ian Stewart will perform from 6 pm to 9:30 PM. Seating is limited, so early reservations are strongly suggested. Call (517) 522-8167 for information/reservations. We visited this winery recently (write-up coming in the near future) and enjoyed visiting with Dennise and tasting wine. If you are able to attend, be sure to try the Vin du Roi.
Photo by Steve Jurvetson

Bookmark and Share

Friday, January 29, 2010

Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Offer Days of Wine and Chocolate in February

The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario) will play matchmaker during the Days of Wine and Chocolate when a single touring pass will allow holders to visit 22 wineries and enjoy a premium VQA wine matched to a decadent chocolate selection.

Each of the 44,000 chocolates to be savoured by couples in love and friends out for a day will be handmade in Niagara-on-the-Lake by Willow Cakes & Pastries. Full details on Days of Wine and Chocolate and a complete listing of all pairings are available at: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/dowac.html.

“Valentine’s Day is always special for us, but it’s not the only day during February to share such a
decadent treat,” said Sherri Lockwood, chair of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “It’s true that many
couples visit Niagara-on-the-Lake to enjoy a romantic weekend, but the wineries have also become a
popular destination for what you might call a ‘girls weekend’ throughout the month,” she added.

The Days of Wine and Chocolate Touring Pass costs $30 (plus taxes) and will be valid during the
weekends of February 6/7, 13/14, 20/21, 27/28 from 11 am to 5 pm. They can be bought at the 22 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, online through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce or by phone at (905) 468-1950.

About the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake: The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is comprised of 22 distinctive wineries located in one unforgettable place nestled below the Niagara Escarpment amidst a landscape of vineyards and orchards. The 22 wineries are: Cattail Creek, Château des Charmes, Coyote's Run, Hillebrand, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Joseph's, Konzelmann, Lailey, Maleta, Marynissen, Niagara College, Palatine, Peller, Pillitteri, Ravine, Reif, Southbrook, Stonechurch, Stratus, Strewn, Sunnybrook Farm. More information about each of the wineries can be found at http://www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/.

More information about Willow Cakes & Pastries is available at: http://www.willowcakes.ca/
Photo by Camille King

Bookmark and Share


Thursday, January 28, 2010

Ohio Winery Visit: Harpersfield Vineyard

We paid our first visit to the Harpersfield Vineyard in December, during the Tannenbaum Trail event. The winery wasn’t officially part of the event, but we were told by others that it was worth the short trip from Ferrante.

2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0016 A note that applies to both Harpersfield Vineyard and Ferrante. The scenery in the surrounding area is beautiful. We stopped at a park near a scenic covered bridge before hitting both wineries. It’s a great opportunity for photographers, and later you can celebrate your success with some tasty wine.

Harpersfield Vineyard has an Old World feel. We stepped into the tasting room and felt immediately at home. A log was flaming in the fireplace and a cool light filtered in through the windows, illuminating comfortable sofas, chairs and tables. The room was furnished with French country decorations.

Green Dragon immediately sank into a comfortable leather sofa and started playing with the winery dog. There was no commercial vibe here! In fact, they didn’t have a printed wine list because they said their wines are so limited that the print version would quickly be obsolete.

In addition to using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, the winery has a nice breadth of grapes including Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Auxerrois  and Pinot Gris used in a late harvest wine.
My first taste was Cuvee De Deux 2008, a blend of Muscat Ottonell and Kerner. The flavors here were fruit notes of apricot and peaches. Green Dragon sampled the Chardonnay Cuvee Sans Chene, which is an unoaked Chard.2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0029

We sat down to have a pleasant conversation with some new found friends and enjoy our reds. It was obvious that the winery has a very loyal clientele.  During our short visit, almost everyone who came in was a friendly face to the server.

The Musette Red is a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and
Chambourcin. The Cab Franc adds a bit of pepper, which we enjoy. Chambourcin in my experience doesn’t have much bouquet but has a delightful flavor. I don’t think I’ve had a blend featuring this trio of wines, but it is an original and enjoyable effort.

Our final glass was courtesy of our new wine friends who had purchased a bottle of Pinot Noir Clos Mes Amis. Due to the somewhat dim light on this overcast day, a lack of printed materials for a memory jogger and faltering handwriting, my tasting notes appear to read: “crunchy, chocolate and oak.” Our visit was a “crunchy” one, filled with handcrafted wine, friendly people, a rustic feel and a new “must visit” winery for our next trip to the Geneva area.
Technorati Tags: wine

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Keuka Spring Vineyard Gewurz Takes Honors

Back in October the Toledo Wines and Vines tasting team did a tour of the Finger Lakes. One of the most enjoyable wineries we visited was Keuka Spring Vineyard. You can read about our visit here.

2009 10 04 056 We were delighted to read that the 2008 Keuka Springs Vineyard Gewurztraminer was named the white wine Sweepstakes winner in the annual San Francisco Chronicle wine Competition. About 60 judges tasted wine from all over the country with 4,913 wine entries from 23 states.

Gewürztraminer is one of our favorite wines. You should check out the recent feature we did on Gewurztraminer.

We were captivated by the 2008 Keuka Springs Gewurztraminer. We said, “First out of the chute was a double-gold medal winner, the 2008 Gewurztraminer. Green Dragon always goes straight for the medals (like a moth to the flame) and her instincts were right on target in this case. “Wow” was the consensus on this one – perhaps the best Gerwurz of our trip. Floral notes with a rich body. It was also the first Gerwurz  I’ve tasted with a caramel tones.”

Congratulations to Keuka Springs!
Technorati Tags: ,

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Finger Lakes Report: Silver Thread Vineyard

FINGER LAKES REPORT -- Continuing our series of fall winery visit reports.

The Silver Thread Vineyard had piqued our interest during our visit a year ago but we never made it to this low profile winery. We say low profile in a positive way, as in quirky, organic and with a good reputation known to a small group of insiders.. We were in the middle of our final day of wine tasting in the Finger Lakes and had just run smack into busloads of tourists and several "girlfriend" outings at some of the larger wineries. We needed a change of pace and Silver Thread seemed just the thing.

The day was bright and sunny as we rumbled down the gravel road to Silver Thread. Several times during our approach we wondered if we should turn back, but just before we did we saw another sign urging us on. This is no road for low slung sportsters. We crossed a ditch with a warning sign and the winery came into view.

The winery was established in the early 1980s on a hillside that once was a huge peach orchard tended by the Iroquois. Once specializing only in the traditional European grape varieties of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery has since expanded to include Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grunerveltliner. This is an artisan winery with 10 acres of estate vineyards.

2009_1004fingerlks20049 The winery practices sustainable farming by using mulch, compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers. The winery is set into the hillside to take advantage of the natural temperature control. The winery also uses gravity to flow water from a nearby spring.

Silver Thread is off limits to tour buses -- they could never make it down the road. The tasting room is also a small affair with a couple tables and counter space for four to six friendly people.

We opened with the 2007 Good Earth White, a light, citrusy Chardonnay blend. The 2008 Chardonnay I found much more interesting. The Chard is fermented in French oak and has a complex nutty flavor that is intriguing.

2009_1004fingerlks20051 The 2007 Gewürztraminer was very spicy and had rose-floral notes. This we found to be the most interesting white. The 2007 Off-Dry Riesling we found to be nothing special. This has 1.2% residual sugar, so it is a little sweeter than we prefer. In the Finger Lakes, land of some of the best Rieslings in the country, this bottle didn't earn a top spot for us.

Among the reds, we tried the 2006 Good Earth Red. This is a dry fruity red made in the style of French Beaujolais. This also missed the mark with us, lacking complexity. More enjoyable for us was the 2006 Blackbird, which is a blend of 2/3 Cab Franc and 1/3 Cab Sauvignon. This had a strong tannic structure and delightful blackberry aroma and flavors.

We wrapped up with the 2007 Pinot Noir, the highest priced bottle on the Silver Thread price list at $22. This had a medium body with herbal notes. Black cherry was the predominate flavor.

While we enjoyed our visit, some of the wines fell short. However, our visit was enjoyable enough that we'd like to go back and taste the wines once again. The wines here are a real value. The Good Earth White and Good Earth Red are just $9 and $12 respectively. So for less than the mass marketed commercial vino, you can enjoy an organic wine that has some soul.

The grounds are enchanting and just the thing for a romantic picnic for two. There is a small porch off the back of the tasting room that is also an ideal setting for a photo. Silver Thread is a handcrafted experience. There's no glossy, high dollar tasting room -- just real people serving up genuine wines created in harmony with the ecosystem.

If you go, and we'd suggest that you do, check the Web site and call ahead. Silver Thread is only open on weekends from Memorial Day to the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Technorati Tags:



Bookmark and Share

Monday, January 25, 2010

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Jan. 25, 2010

Huntington Wine CellarsImage of Huntington Wine Cellars via Snooth
059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Wednesday, January 27
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Gougenheim wines (Argentina). 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, January 28
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Huntington by Hahn. 1. Huntington Chardonnay, 2. Huntington Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Huntington Petite Sirah, 4. Huntington Merlot, $1 per sample or $4 per flight. 

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Gougenheim wines (Argentina). 6-8 PM, $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. I Heart Terroir. Terroir is a French term commonly used to describe the piece of earth that a particular wine comes from, and the effect that specific spot (soil, climate, etc.) has on the grapes that are grown there. Join us as we sample wines that are chock full of the stuff. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Uptown Vineyard Wine Tasting, Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Adams Street, Union Square Room. (419) 243-6675. 6:30 PM. Includes five wines and appetizers. Reservations required. RSVP to info@uptownvineyard.com. $15.

Friday, January 29
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Domaine de Piaugier, Rhone, France.. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Port and Chocolate. 1. Trentadue Chocolate Port, 2. Montevina Zinfandel Port, 3. Broadbent “Auction Reserve” Porto, 4. Penfolds “Grandfathers” Tawny. $15 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. I Heart Terroir. Terroir is a French term commonly used to describe the piece of earth that a particular wine comes from, and the effect that specific spot (soil, climate, etc.) has on the grapes that are grown there. Join us as we sample wines that are chock full of the stuff.Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 30
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Port and Chocolate. 1. Trentadue Chocolate Port, 2. Montevina Zinfandel Port, 3. Broadbent “Auction Reserve” Porto, 4. Penfolds “Grandfathers” Tawny. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Gruaud Larose Bordeaux Vertical (‘95, ‘96, ‘98, ‘04, ‘05). Premium tasting. Will be a bit more expensive than normal.

NN8NM6GTAMEU

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Technorati Tags:
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, January 23, 2010

2006 Monte Antico Super Tuscan

This bottle was picked up as an afterthought at Aficionado. I was scoring a last minute Christmas gift for my wife (a "wine chick" shirt) when I noticed the wine on the display usually reserved for specials. Owner Steve Parks let me know if was a great bargain. He termed it a "baby Tuscan." I'm grateful for the tip.

The Super Tuscans are some of the most prized wines from Italy, blending Cabernet and Merlot with the traditional grapes of Italy to produce some amazing blends. The "baby" refers only to the price, a very reasonable $12, because the taste is truly super.

This was named as one of Wine Spectator's top 100 wines of 2009 and is an outrageously good value.The wine is 75 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. It is made from old vines -- 25-year-old minimum.

The year of 2006 was superb for Sangiovese and it shines through in this wine. We decanted this bottle and it was quite a contrast to the supple McManis Merlot we enjoyed just before. The Monte Antico has plum flavor notes in addition to berries. It also has smokiness and a nice tannic backbone. It's a nice wine to experience as it has several layers that unfold as you continue to enjoy the wine.

This is a truly the "full Monte."

(I've noticed many people from around the world looking at this post. If you have tried this wine we would like to see your comment. PLEASE COMMENT by clicking on the comment link below. We would love to hear from you.)
Bookmark and Share
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Friday, January 22, 2010

"Chocolate Is For Lovers" Wine Trail Event Planned

Celebrate Valentine's Day with wineries of the Vines and Wines Trail (Northeast Ohio) during the special Chocolate is for Lovers wine trail event. This is a self driving tour. You have two weekends (Friday and  Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m.) to visit each of the participating wineries on the trail. Dates are February 5, 6 and 12 and 13.


At a designated winery, you will pick up a heart shaped candy dish and a Schott Zwiesel crystal wine glass. As you travel the trail, you will receive one or two samples of wine and an appetizer (per person), along with a chocolate candy to fill your candy dish. The cost is $45 per couple and $35 per single. For additional details, go to the Ohio Wines Web site or call (800) 227-6972.

Tickets are limited and going fast, so hurry. The last event (Tannenbaum Trail) was a sell out. So to be sure you aren't left out, get your tickets as soon as possible.

Participating wineries include: Biscotti's Family Winery, Conneaut, (440) 599-5555; Buccia Vineyards, Conneaut, (440) 593-5976; Debonne Vineyards, Madison, (440) 466-3485; Emerine Estates, Jefferson, 4(440) 293-8199; Ferrante Winery, Geneva, (440) 466-8466; Grand River Cellars, Madison, (440) 298-9838; Laurello Vineyards, Geneva, (440) 415-0661; Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison, (440) 298-3290;
Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake, (440) 466-9300; The Barrel Room Winery, Wickliffe, (440) 943-2660; The Winery at Spring Hill, Geneva, (440) 466-7480; Virant Family Winery, Geneva, (440) 466-6279.

Photo by Steve Ryan
Bookmark and Share


Thursday, January 21, 2010

2006 Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon


During a recent tasting we capped off the evening with the rich and elegant 2006 Moon Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a favorite of Spiderman (the "nom du vin" of a tasting team member) and it's easy to see why.

This Sonoma wine has an expansive taste of black cherry with a dash of chocolate and spice. The tannins provide a nice foundation, but do not intrude into the smooth and velvety mouthfeel. This has a rewarding, lingering finish.

The Moon Mountain Vineyard, a small scenic winery, is located high on the Sonoma Valley side of Mount Veeder, at nearly the 2,000-foot elevation. The steep, southern-facing slopes consist of soils derived from rock, volcanic ash and lava. These soils, combined with the mountainside location, push the vines to work harder, resulting in small, intensely flavored fruit.

All of its environmental conditions from sun exposure, soils and slope to wind and rainfall are considered to be nearly optimal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varietals that have been grown here since the late 1800s. The grapes are organically grown.

This classy Cabernet would pair well with a nice grilled steak. It's a great buy (at about $13) and a sure crowd pleaser.


Bookmark and Share

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries Schedule Ice Wine and Jazz Weekends

Vineyard in Ontario, CanadaImage via Wikipedia
 A hot line up of events to celebrate the Canadian icon that is icewine and world famous Canadian jazz musicians are planned during the rest of
January at the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and in the town’s Heritage District shops, boutiques and restaurants.

While the array of daily icewine and jazz themed events at the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake are
impressive it is the weekends that are bringing special heat and excitement.

Upcoming highlights include:

January 23-24 – During the Icewine & Cuisine weekend ice sculptures will fill the main street and restaurants will feature icewine samples combined with Icewine inspired dishes. There will be icewine tasting seminars available during the day and in the evening the street will come alive with jazz and an icewine cocktail competition featuring local bartenders and sommeliers.

January 30/31-- Visitors can stroll throughout the town’s heritage district, visiting the many unique shops and enjoying jazz along the way. Attending an icewine tasting seminar at the courthouse is also a fantastic way to learn about and enjoy the many varieties of Icewines available.

Full details about these special weekends and a complete listing of all wineries and restaurants events and prices are available at: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/icejazzjanuary.html.

The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a group comprised of 22 distinctive wineries located in one unforgettable place nestled below the Niagara Escarpment amidst a landscape of vineyards and orchards.
The 22 wineries are: Cattail Creek, Château des Charmes, Coyote's Run, Hillebrand, Inniskillin, Jackson-
Triggs, Joseph's, Konzelmann, Lailey, Maleta, Marynissen, Niagara College, Palatine, Peller, Pillitteri,
Ravine, Reif, Southbrook, Stonechurch, Stratus, Strewn, Sunnybrook Farm. More information about each of the wineries can be found at http://www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/.

Bookmark and Share


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Vintner's Dinners Scheduled at Maize Valley Winery

Wine Dinner SettingImage by ulterior epicure via Flickr
New wines, new food, new friends

Maize Valley Winery in Hartsville is introducing a new event for 2010, the Vintner's Dinner series. These monthly dinners on the third Thursday of every month will feature delicious, locally grown foods prepared in the kitchens of Maize Valley.

Each course will be accompanied by a wine flight pairing (2-3 ounces) of a Maize Valley Wine that has been carefully selected to compliment and enhance the food with which it is paired. Maize Valley Winery located in Hartville invites you to join them on Thursday, January 21,  for their first monthly Vintner's Dinner. The complete menu for this 5 course meal is available at http://www.maizevalleywinery.com/vintnersdinnermenu.htm. Winemaker Todd Vaughan will be on hand to explain a little more about the winemaking process, as well as why and how he chose the wines to go with the evenings meal.


The cost for this first dinner will be $35 per person including tax and gratuity. Advance payment is required with your reservation and can be made by calling 330-877-8344. This event will be limited to 40 guests.

This is your opportunity to learn a little more about the winemaking process, to taste and explore new wines and learn how they complement and enhance the foods they are paired with, and a chance to make new friends.



Bookmark and Share

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Monday, January 18, 2010

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Jan. 18, 2010

059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Wednesday, January 20
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Italian wines. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, January 21
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Pay per flight or pay by the sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Italian wines. 6-8 PM, $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Call in the Reserves. Ever wonder what it means when ’Reserve’ is scribbled on a wine label? Does it mean anything at all? Stop  in and find out. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Friday, January 22
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Montaribodi, Piedmont, Italy. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines. 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco, 2. Allegrini Valpolicella, 3. La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo, 4. Bricco Riella Moscato d’Asti. $10 tasting.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Call in the Reserves. Ever wonder what it means when ’Reserve’ is scribbled on a wine label? Does it mean anything at all? Stop  in and find out. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 23
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines. 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco, 2. Allegrini Valpolicella, 3. La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo, 4. Bricco Riella Moscato d’Asti. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Re-examining Australian Wines. Pay by the flight or the sample.

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Technorati Tags:

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Wine Auction Offers Help For Haiti.

The earthquake in Haiti is a tragedy of staggering proportions. The disaster is eliciting help from all quarters -- including wine lovers. The online wine magazine PalatePress.com is partnering with Brother, can you spare a bottle? to create a wine auction from wines that you donate from your cellar, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross.


This is a great opportunity to take a special bottle and make a positive impact for the most needy country in the Western hemisphere. Palate Press had originally planned to cover the costs of shipping and handling to the auction winners but was soon swamped by responses. Instead, Palate Press will now contribute to the American Red Cross an amount equal to the shipping cost if the donor handles the shipping.Check out the details at http://palatepress.com/2010/01/haiti/.

Some superb bottles have been contributed and the bidding will take place on the Palate Press site. Please spread the word on this effort.
Photo courtesy United Nations DevelopmentProgramme


Bookmark and Share


Saturday, January 16, 2010

Gewurztraminer: Add Some Spice To Your Wine Drinking

Spicy. Unexpected. Great partner for an Asian meal.

Gewürztraminer is all that and more.

A classic German and Alsatian wine,  Gewürztraminer (pronounced ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner) is a full bodied wine that can be polarizing. There are those who are unfamiliar with it or prefer a more docile style of white wine. Others prefer its racy characteristics and great ability to pair with food. The wine is also produced in Washington, California and New York. It tends to do better in cool weather growing areas that allow the flavors to concentrate.

My white wine journey took an atypical path – starting with German Riesling and not Chardonnay. As a result I experimented with German wines and regularly enjoyed Gewürztraminer before acquiring the taste for Chardonnay.  If you are looking for a new white to expand your wine horizons, go with Gewurz!

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2004 from Labels at Wine LibraryGewurz means “spicy” in German and that is the main characteristic of this wine. Traminer identifies the wine as "coming from Tramin", a small city in south Austria where the grape originated. Gewurztraminer is the name of a grape but also the name of the wine made from the grape. In the Alsace region of France, the limestone and clay soil contribute to a full bodied and aromatic Gewürztraminer. About 29 million bottles are produced annually. Trimbach is a very good Alsatian wine.

The wine is delicious, fruity and with strong aromas, a very perfumed and flowery bouquet. Gerwurz can be sweet or dry, so you should be careful to check the label to properly match your palate. Alsatian Gewurztraminer is sweet and their Riesling is dry.

In general, Gerwurztraminer should be drunk young, although finer examples can age up to 10 years. The wine is thick and rich. It pairs exceptionally well with Munster cheese, curry seasoned dishes, Chinese and Mexican cooking and other spiced dishes. Give it a try with barbeque or chicken wings. Sweet  Gewurztraminer can even be served as a dessert wine. It should be served chilled to about 50 degrees. 

This is a wine that delights the nose. It has floral aromas (including rose) and that of grapefruit, apricot, mineral and pear.

Gewurztraminer will never be recognized as a subtle wine, which is one reason that it pairs especially well with spicy foods that overwhelm more restrained offerings. It pairs well with rich, fatty dishes like pork and goose, as well as with ripe cherries. It also works well with otherwise hard-to-pair spicy cuisines like Indian and Chinese food, thanks to its strongly aromatic flavor.

Hugel Gewurztraminer  from Labels at Wine LibraryDuring a recent tasting at Corks, fellow tasters were purchasing a bottle of 2001 Hugel late harvest Gerwurztraminer. We hope to get a report, since this was a prize bottle. The late harvest bottlings offer great balance between sweetness and acidity.

A nice starting point is a Gerwurz from Chateau Ste. Michelle or Columbia Crest in Washington. In the Finger Lakes, Prejean makes a great Gerwurz. The previously mentioned Trimbach is also a can't miss bottle.

Photo by Adam Baker

Technorati Tags:

Bookmark and Share

Friday, January 15, 2010

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2008 Pinot Gris

wvv_vineyard_image_vertical An arctic blast had stranded me in Austin, Texas, for an extra night. It was cold in Texas and even colder when I arrived back in Ohio. Returning to the office, I was swamped by a backload of work. But there was light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a special tasting of wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Willamette Valley Vineyards is known for producing classic, juicy Oregon Pinot Noir. They have been named “one of America’s great Pinot Noir producers” by Wine Enthusiast.

Their commitment to sustainability is also impressive. The winery recycles cork, has committed to be carbon neutral by 2010 and employees are also offered 50 gallons of biodiesel fuel free each month.

Our tasting line-up included: 1. Quarry Hill 2007 Vidal Blanc (Lake Erie), 2. Willamette Valley Vineyards 2008 Pinot Gris, 3. Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir, 4. Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard, and 5. Moon Mountain 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma). Joining me on the tasting team were Pat and Stephanie Wise, Spiderman and Green Dragon.

The Pinot Gris is a clear, light wheat color with light body. It is crisp on the tongue with a steely, mineral acidity. This is a refreshing Alsatian-style wine. I especially enjoyed the creaminess. The flavor notes are citrus and pear with a clean, long finish.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel with a small portion finished in French Oak barrels.
We enjoyed some light appetizers with the Pinot Gris, including some coconut shrimp and Gruyere cheese. Pat remarked that this would be a perfect addition to a light picnic lunch to take to an outdoor concert to enjoy with some fruit and cheese. The wine would be a nice pick for a mixed group of wine drinkers.

After our two whites, we were ready for the Pinot Noir for which WVV is so well known.
wvv_brand_bottle_shot The 2007 Pinot Noir has a garnet color with a not so prominent nose. The tannins are not strong. Green Dragon found a nose of tart black cherries. This is a dry wine that is not extreme. It is an easy drinking wine that is a good red for those not comfortable with red wines.

Stephanie noted that it starts slowly, then a delicate cherry flavor comes forward and dissipates into a clean dry finish. Pat thought this would be a great match with one of his favorite dishes, whitefish with mushrooms and cherries. In fact it would probably go with any dish that has a cherry sauce or cherry component.

The tasting team had quite an interest in the Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir. Only 410 cases were bottled from the vineyard, which is considered one of Oregon’s top vineyards. We decanted it for an hour and a half to allow it to open up.

The Eton Vineyard has a contrasting style to the 2007 Pinot. It has an earthy quality that Spiderman felt appeals more to the connoisseur.

The wine has a plum color and a nice bouquet that had scents of wood smoke and black fruit. The wine is fermented in 50% new French Oak and this translates into a stronger backbone and greater complexity.
This is a smoky, elegant wine that is smooth across the palate with a soft velvety feeling. It has a clean but muted, lingering finish.

This is a fuller bodied wine with a woodsy nuance. The flavors match the earthy aromas. Green Dragon found a touch of licorice. Pat noted that this fuller bodied wine had a pleasant sheeting effect, providing a nice lingering mouthfeel.

This was a delightful trio of wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards. This is a winery worth seeking out for a taste of Willamette Valley’s best.

Full Disclosure: We received this wine as a free sample.
Technorati Tags:

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wine Flights, Bucket List Offered by Vino 100

California Merlot from ProvenceImage via Wikipedia
Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee, (419) 866-8466, is adding new menu items and some tasty wine options.

The first of their new wine flights will be offered Thursday through Saturday and includes Darby and Joan Chardonnay, Masion Nicolas Pinot Noir, Monte Oton Grenache, and Errarzuriz Reserve Merlot for $15.  Vino 100 will also offer special "bucket list" wines. These are usually either very expensive or very rare wines tol taste by the glass.  The first of these special wines is Plumpjack Merlot for $17 per glass. This will be offered Thursday through Saturday (Jan. 14-16).

Bookmark and Share

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Perrysburg Historic Museum Wine Fundraiser Set Jan. 16

The Perrysburg Area Historic Museum will hold a wine and cheese party and silent auction at the Carranor Hunt and Polo club on Saturday, January 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Carranor Hunt and Polo club is located at 502 E. 2nd Street in Perrysburg.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Stella's (104 Louisiana Ave.) or Biaggi's in Levis Commons. The event will raise funds for the renovation of the Spafford House on West River Road near Fort Meigs Road, which will be the site of the organization's long-sought history museum.


Former Perrysburg High School music teacher Pam Williams will play oldies while guests sip wine and peruse the silent auction items. Items include a one-year membership to the Perrysburg Tennis Center, a weekend night stay with breakfast for to at the Hilton Garden inn, and a pet care ;ackage at South Suburban Animal Hospital. Many other items have been donated by local businesses.

The event will also feature Michael Gregg, wine manager at Corks Wine and Liquor, discussing what makes a good wine as well as which ones to avoid.
Photo by Aaron Domini
Bookmark and Share



Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Toledo Museum of Art Announces Wine By The Glass Pavilion Schedule

The Toledo Museum of Art has announced its schedule for the popular Wine by the Glass Pavilion series. The events are held Fridays from 7 to 9:30 in the Glass Pavilion. During these drop-in wine tastings you can enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of glassmakers working in the  Hot Shop. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Winemakers Series
  • January 15: Bonny Doon, Central Coast California
  • January 22: Montaribodi, Piedmont, Italy
  • January 29: Domaine de Piaugier, Rhone
  • February 5: Adelaida, Paso Robles, California
  • February 12: Second Annual Bubbles Tasting
  • February 19: Raptor Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon

The museum is located at 2445 Monroe St.
Photo by Ellen Meiselman. Artwork by Harvey Littleton displayed at TMOA.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Jan. 11, 2010

059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
Wednesday, January 13
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, January 14
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Closeouts Galore: 1. The Originals- 2006 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley; 2. 2005 Emilio Moro- Ribera del Deuro; 3.  2003 Martin and Weyrich- Etrusco, Super Tuscan-like blend; 4. 2006 Yangarra Park – Grenache. $5.50 per flight or pay by the sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. California wines will be featured. 6-8 PM, $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sacrebleau! Ahhh, vive la France! Drop in and find out why this is the greatest winemaking country in the world. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. -"Vino 100 Live" Calen Savidge 7:30-10:30 PM. Acoustic Guitar.

Friday, January 15
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bonny Doon, Central Coast California. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Fireside Merlot. 1. Santa Ema, 2. Four sisters, 3. Rancho Sisquoc, 4. Markham. $10 tasting.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sacrebleau! Ahhh, vive la France! Drop in and find out why this is the greatest winemaking country in the world. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 16
* Special Event * Vineyard Adventure: Polar Opposites, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway, Arctic Encounters Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and socializing. Cost $35 per person for members, $40 for non-members. Tickets are limited. Must be 21 or over. Reservations can be made by calling (419) 385-5721.

* Special Event * Wine and Cheese Party Benefit for Perrysburg Area Historic Museum, Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, 502 E. 2nd St., Perrysburg, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Stella's (104 Louisiana Ave.) or Biaggi's in Levis Commons. Help fund renovation of the Spafford House, which will be site of the organization's museum. Michael Gregg, wine manager at Corks Wine and Liquor, will discuss what makes a good wine as well as which ones to avoid.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Fireside Merlot. 1. Santa Ema, 2. Four sisters, 3. Rancho Sisquoc, 4. Markham. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Joseph Voillot 2002. Volnays and Pommards. Premium tasting. Will be a bit more expensive than normal. Pay by the flight or the sample.

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Technorati Tags:

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Create Your Own Blend at Wine Club Event


The Cleveland Wine Club is giving you the opportunity to craft your own wine blend at a special event at the Cleveland Wine School scheduled on Thursday, January 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
This may not be the year you fulfill all your New Year's resolutions, but this could be the year you create a wine of your very own. A wine that is uniquely you.

At this event, sponsored by the Cleveland Wine Club, you and a few friends (perhaps new friends!) will be given three bottles of wine - a Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot. After being given some instruction and tips on how to best blend the wine, you will get to work on coming up with a blend that is full not only of your personality but one that is also wonderfully drinkable and has a good nose, legs, and finish. You will also come up with a name for your wine and you will create a label as well.

Once you are finished crafting your masterpiece, the Cleveland Wine School's Marianne Frantz will do a walk-through and do a blind-tasting of the wines. She will select the wine with the best characteristics and the person who created it will win a cash prize.

The Wine School does not provide food, so please bring something for the food table (cheese, bread, dips, chocolate, anything goes. Plates and silverware will be provided.

The cost for this event is $30 per person (cash only please). Just pay at the door.

To attend this event, RSVP by visiting the Cleveland Wine Club website.  You can join their wine club by simply providing your email address and creating a password and then RSVP for the event. Simple! You will also then be made aware of other great wine events. The Cleveland Wine School is located at 3355 Richmond Road Ste. 191, Beachwood. Phone (216) 831-9919 for more information.
Photo by Jenny Downing


Bookmark and Share

Friday, January 8, 2010

2007 Ironstone Obsession Symphony


There are a handful of wines that I keep on hand as enjoyable everyday wine. These are wines that pluck the right flavor harmonies and can be uncorked (or unscrewed) without the need for ceremony or special occasion. Ironstone Obsession, made with the Symphony grape, is such a bottle I like to keep within easy grasp.
My wife is not a big Chardonnay fan. She is turned off by the heavy oaking that predominates many of the buttery Chards. As a result, we have tried a lot of different white varieties.

 I discovered this about five or six years ago and was captivated by its drinkability. It has floral aromas and crisp and clean fruit flavors. This is a bit sweeter than our normal fare, with residual sugar of 1.7%. The uniqueness of the grape variety is also a great conversation starter.

When first sampling this wine, I had to do a bit of detective work. I wasn’t sure if Symphony was the name of a proprietary blend, a vineyard or what exactly. I learned that Symphony is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. It was created at the University of California at Davis in 1948 (by Dr. Harold Olmo). It thrives in the mineral rich soils of the Lodi and Sierra Foothills wine growing districts.

The Kautz family founded Ironstone after spending decades as grape growers beginning in the 1940s. Ironstone has the most significant plantings, of this unique grape variety.

With over 5,000 acres of vineyards in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills AVAs, the Kautz Family is one of the top 10 winegrape growers and top 10 family-owned and operated wineries in the United States. In addition to the Ironstone Winery and Entertainment Complex, located in the Sierra Foothills historic Gold Rush town of Murphys, the Kautz Family owns and operates the Bear Creek winery facility located in Lodi, California. The family currently produces and globally markets six wine brands including Ironstone, Ironstone Reserves, Christine Andrew, Sonoma Creek, Dog Tail Vineyards and Leaping Horse Vineyards.

The QPR (Quality Price Ratio) is superb for this wine. It costs about $8 – if you can find it. Although not expensive, it’s outside the domain of many stores that carry only mainstream grape varieties.

Obsession Symphony pairs well with many types of cuisine, especially ones that are on the spicy side. Obsession is great with Pad Thai or other Thai dishes. The hot curry found in Indian cuisine is cooled by Obsession’s fresh fruit flavors.

Bookmark and Share


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Polar Opposite Wine Event Slated At Toledo Zoo

Tempranillo varietal wine bottle and glass, sh...Image via Wikipedia
The Toledo Zoo has scheduled its latest Vineyard Adventure wine event. Titled Polar Opposites, the event will take place January 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Arctic Encounter pavillion.

Each Vineyard Adventure is based on a unique theme and is spent at a different location at the Zoo. At each event you will enjoy a delectable mix of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and socializing.

The price for Toledo Zoo members is $35. The cost for non-members is $40. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. You must be 21 years or older to attend a Vineyard Adventure and a valid ID will be required. Reservations can be made by calling 419-385-5721, ext 3092.

Bookmark and Share


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]