University Viticulture Programs Get Boost From Bottle Manufacturer

O-I (NYSE:OI), the world’s largest glass packaging manufacturer, has given a boost to the education of future vintners by supplying more than 458 cases of glass wine bottles to the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology.

“O-I’s generosity and investment in our students has made a critical difference, providing us with the materials necessary to continue making our teaching and research programs truly outstanding,” said Chik Brenneman, Winery and Vineyard Manager of UC Davis’ Department of Viticulture. “These wine bottles made many of our large-scale projects possible and served to educate students on the benefits of glass packaging for wine.”

O-I supplied glass wine bottles in three separate shipments, totaling more than 5,500 wine bottles, over the last year. These glass wine bottles supported a variety of student endeavors, ranging from large programs to individual projects.

Students used one shipment of O-I’s glass bottles to hold wine for a department program entitled Wine Flavor 101A: Reducing Flavor Negatives. The program, targeting students and industry partners, served as an educational session about wine taints and faults, and how to recognize and mitigate each. In addition, bottles were used for bottling wines used in a sensory analysis class as well as a master's thesis on the effects of filtration on the sensory attributes of wine.

“These students are on their way to becoming tomorrow’s vintners, and O-I’s partnership with the university is just one element of a larger program dedicated to further their education,” said Kelley Yoder, Wine Marketing Manager for O-I North America . “Nothing beats first-hand experience and we are excited to provide students with the opportunity to learn everything they can about glass packaging and its benefits for wine.”

The company’s Best in Glass outreach program educates viticulture and enology students about the use of glass bottles in the winemaking process. Through this program, universities can receive O-I wine bottles year-round in a variety of colors and sizes. In addition to glass donations, O-I also offers classroom presentations, glass manufacturing plant tours and networking opportunities for students.

Photo show O-I's new lightweight wine bottles, the lightest in North America.

Oregon’s Anne Amie Wines Display Finesse and Flair

Thomas Houseman may have moved on to a new vocation, but the former professional dancer’s skills are used almost every day as winemaker for Oregon’s  Anne Amie Vineyards.

“I’m still dancing, but now I’m making wine,” explained Thomas during a recent Wine By the Glass Pavilion tasting at the Toledo Museum of Art. He was a modern dance artist and although his career turned into something different, the sensibilities of a dancer are evident in his wine.

“As a performer, you never know what is going to be thrown at you,” he said. “It is the same with harvest.”
A solid foundation and good balance are needed to be a successful dancer. Houseman’s wines at Anne Amie display the same traits.

The firm foundation is rooted in the vineyard’s favorable geography, located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA within the renowned Willamette Valley growing region. The district encompasses not only volcanic soil, but sedimentary soil as well as the crescent shaped growing area nestles against the Chehalem Mountains.
The Anne Amie lineup shows a great balance. Although known for sensational Pinot Noirs, the whites are unique and entertaining. We began with a 2009 Muller Thurgau. Most people haven’t heard of the grape, but in the 1970s, it was very much in vogue and was the number one grape in New Zealand. It is flowery and acidic and bears a resemblance to Riesling.

The Cuvee A 2009 Muller Thurgau comes from vines planted in 1979. It was refreshing, dry with delicate traces of lemon and apple.  This was a great surprise.

We were ready to dive into the acclaimed Pinot Noirs, but Thomas’ praise for the Pinot Blanc sent us into a different direction. “I enjoy reds, but 75 percent of the time I drink white. With reds you really have to commit.”

The 2008 Pinot Blanc is aged “sur lees” (on the skins) to give it a richer body. It is then aged in French oak for 18 months. This is an enticing glass with vanilla and pear flavors. It has a long finish and shows a delicate sophistication.

It takes much finesse to make a great white. “There is nothing to mask, you can see it all,” he said and gestured to the glass walls of the Glass Pavilion. With reds he said you can’t see everything, but if you make a mistake with a white, there is no place to hide.

Showcasing his reds, he commented, “Pinot Noir is really made in the vineyard. The goal is to let the soil show.” He likes soft tannins with an acidic backbone. He is a blender, working with 10-year old vineyards that are that not intrinsically special. The dancer’s art comes through as he blends from different vineyards, blocks and barrels.

We sampled three Pinot Noirs and found Anne Amie’s reputation as a stellar producer of Oregon Pinot Noir  to be well deserved indeed.

The Cuvee A Series 2008 Pinot Noir is outstanding with juicy black cherry flavor notes and a long finish. At only $24 retail, this is a great glimpse of what Pinot Noir should be.

My favorite Pinot was the Classic Anne Amie 2007 Pinot Noir (Winemaker’s). Thomas opined that the vintages that the media likes are too obvious. He prefers years that allow the beautiful terroir to shine through, as in the ‘07 Pinot. It has a great acidity, nice earthiness and a balanced flavor. It had highlights of red raspberries and cherries and tannins that played a supporting role. I could have sipped this all evening!

We wrapped up with the grand finale, the 2006 L’iris Pinot Noir. Only 100 cases of this reserve wine are bottled. More than 300 barrels of Pinot are tasted and the best become L’iris. Thomas became winemaker in 2007, so he inherited this wine. 2006 was a hot vintage and this is more of a dark fruit, fruit forward glass.  L’iris retails for $84. It’s an enjoyable wine, but missing the lightness I savor in Pinot. While the other Pinots dance in ballet slippers or tap shoes, this one has a heavy pair of wingtips.

Thanks to the choreography of Thomas Houseman, the wines of Anne Amie get a standing ovation.
 

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Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival Scheduled June 19

Image via Wikipedia

The rolling dunes and white-sand beach of Lake Michigan’s tranquil shoreline will be the setting for the 5th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival taking place June 19 on Weko Beach in Bridgman. Sponsors include the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, the Economic Growth Alliance (Partnership of Lake Township and City of Bridgman) and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

Live music is scheduled under a “Big-Top tent” overlooking Weko Beach (Located off Exit 16 of I-94, then north on Red Arrow Highway and west on Lake Street in Bridgman).

Festival attendeed can sample (tastes or by the glass) all of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail locally-grown-and-produced varietals and wines fromTabor Hill, Contessa, Domaine Berrien, Fenn Valley, Karma Vista, Lawton Ridge, Lemon Creek, Round Barn, St. Julian, Free Run, Hickory Creek and Warner.

The event includes cuisine from local restaurants and a variety of music. Live chef demonstrations start at 2 p.m. and will run throughout the afternoon.

Admission to the festival is $10 for ages 21 and older (includes a souvenir wine tasting glass); ages 13 to 20, $5; 12 and under, free. Wine Tickets are $1 per ticket (one ticket for a taste) and five to seven tickets for a glass. Advance admission tickets are $8 and are available at http://www.ticketweb.com/.

Parking and shuttle buses will be available at designated lots in Bridgman. The event will take place rain or shine and takes place 1 to 10 p.m.

Bands performing include Ty Stone & Just Soul, Mighty Blue Kings, Midwest Hype, Ninth Street Bridge and Duke Tumatoe.

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of June 7

Image of Robert Hall Winery via Snooth

Wednesday, June 9

Anderson's Market, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8:00 PM. New Closeouts, Part II: We are still waiting to confirm arrival on several outstanding closeouts. This will be a great tasting! Nominal fee per sample or per flight.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Robert Hall Wines from California. $15.

Thursday, June 10
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Food Pairings – Chicken pairings: 1. San Pietro – Pinot Grigio – Italy, 2. Red Mud – Unoaked Chardonnay – South Australia, 3. Rodney Strong – Oaked Chardonnay – Sonoma, California, 4. Michel-Schlumberger – Pinot Blanc – Sonoma, California. Nominal fee per sample or $6.50 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. The 2010 Last Great Cabernet Tasting Before Summer. One last cabernet bash before we turn to lighter wines for the summer. 1. Naked Cabernet, Columbia Valley, 2. Cousino-Macul Chile, 3.Campo Negro Argentina, 4. Sharecropper Columbia Valley, 5. Justin Paso Robles, 6. Chateau Grande Roche Napa, 7. Gunlach-Bundschu Sonoma, 8. Gorman “Bully” Red Mountain, WA , 9. Chateau Montelena Napa, 10. Jordan Alexander Valley, 11. Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien, France. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Robert Hall Wines from California. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Pinot Power! Come taste some high-drama wines made from this most high-maintenance grape. We'll sample Pinot noir from Champagne, Burgundy, Oregon, and California. Who knows? We may just have to sneak in 'Sideways'... $1 to $3 per sample.

Friday, June 11
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7:00 to 9:30 PM. Buenos Vinos de Espana. Enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of our Hot Shop. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Red Rhones Made for Grillin': 1. Domaine des Amariniers GSM, 2. Ch. Pesquie Terrasses Grenache-Syrah, 3. Domaine de Durban GSM, 4. Bieler Pere & Fils Lou Bar Rou. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Pinot Power! Come taste some high-drama wines made from this most high-maintenance grape. We'll sample Pinot noir from Champagne, Burgundy, Oregon, and California. Who knows? We may just have to sneak in 'Sideways'... $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, June 12
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Red Rhones Made for Grillin': 1. Domaine des Amariniers GSM, 2. Ch. Pesquie Terrasses Grenache-Syrah, 3. Domaine de Durban GSM, 4. Bieler Pere & Fils Lou Bar Rou. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville, Wine Tasting. 12-3 PM. 1. Pinnacle Apple Icewine, Canada, 2. Crios 2009 Rose of Malbec, Argentina, 3. Jam Jar, Sweet Shiraz Australia, 4. Greyson Cellars 2008 Merlot CA. Nominal fee per sample or $3 per flight.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Cheap Wines that are Actually Good! Pay by the sample or flight.

Sunday, June 13
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Foxen Winery with owner Dick Dore. Join us on the patio for a tasting of one of the leading wineries in Santa Barbara. They set benchmarks for Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc. Dick Dore will provide insight, entertainment and will sign bottles. Six wines will be tasted with gourment appetizers provided by Chef Kohloff. Price $35 in advance. $45 day of the event. Call for more information.

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

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Riesling Rendezvous Features Michigan Wineries

TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- The line up for the 2010 Riesling Rendezvous includes a full team from Northern Michigan. Participating wineries include Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Black Star Farms, Chateau Grand Traverse, Left Foot Charley, Peninsula Cellars, and 2 Lads. The wineries are also a co-sponsor of the event along with wine marketing boards of Germany, Alsace & Austria.

Riesling Rendezvous is an event that brings together leading experts and producers to explore the versatility of Rieslings from around the world. Northern Michigan winemakers will have unprecedented opportunities to showcase their wines among the world's great producers, influential media, trade professionals and interested consumers.

Equipped with award winning Rieslings and a new logo representing the hand as the "State of the Riesling" Northern Michigan winemakers will rendezvous with a purpose to highlight their success with this noble grape variety. As a co-sponsor of the event the wineries will be providing wine for one of the lunch programs, serving the region's wine to more than 250 participants.

When asked about the event, Sean O'Keefe, winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse elaborates that "a number of Northern Michigan winemakers have been working for many years to create what they believe to be a true regional style. We are excited to be participating in this event, and look forward to presenting our wines alongside the classic Rieslings of Germany, Austria and Alsace. This is a fabulous opportunity for us to show that not only 'can' we grow Riesling in Northern Michigan, but that we can do so at the highest international level."

The event will be held on July 11, 12 and 13th and is hosted by one of North America's premier Riesling producer, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state and Ernst Loosen of Germany's renowned Dr. Loosen estate.

Information about Northern Michigan wineries participating is below:

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is a family run winery surrounded by epic views of Lake Michigan's historic Bowers harbor. Our cool climate region produces dynamically expressive varietal wines.

Black Star Farms is a unique agricultural entity that features three tasting rooms, two winery production facilities, a distillery, B&B Inn, and equestrian facility. The winery is proud to represent the viticultural diversity of the Northwest Michigan region.

Chateau Grand Traverse has moved into its second generation of family winemaking -- and has grown to be one of the largest Riesling producers in the Eastern United States. Riesling is the winery's passion, and it has been a tireless promoter of the variety as the Old Mission Peninsula's signature grape.

Left Foot Charley is a winery located in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The winery works with 14 local growers exclusively to provide the highest quality fruit for their varietal and blended wines.

Peninsula Cellars is a family run winery located on the Old Mission Peninsula. Their philosophy toward wine making is minimalistic, allowing the regional expression of the fruit to come through.

2 Lads Winery is a 10,500 square foot facility located on 58 acres on the Old Mission Peninsula. They specialize in cool climate red and sparkling wines.

In addition, the wines of Bel Lago and Chateau Chantal will be represented by Linda Jones, of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, as it is acting as co-sponsor for the Michigan portion of the event.

North Carolina Winery Visit: Shelton Vineyards

  Nourished by the bright sunshine, gentle rains and fertile soil of Yadkin Valley, North Carolina’s Shelton Vineyards has been producing distinctive wines for nearly a decade. Green Dragon had the opportunity to visit Shelton while on a recent family trip.

It was a pleasant surprise in an area that should be better known for its wine.

The tasting room and winery building were just a short distance from I-77 and were first class. A nice picnic ground overlooked a scenic stream. Shelton grows 12 different varieties of grapes including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot and Viognier.

One thing we’ve not seen at any other vineyard is the roses. At each vineyard row, there was a beautiful, blooming rose bush. According to Shelton, the roses are extremely sensitive to disease and insects and begin to show symptoms much sooner than their vines. The roses are a sort of early warning system for the vines.

Yadkin Valley is 2,700 miles from Napa Valley, but serves as a hotbed of great wine in North Carolina. The clay loam soil of the valley is ideal for growing European varietals such as Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling.

On the tasting menu were: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay Bin #17, Estate Chardonnay, Estate Cabernet Franc and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Sauvignon Blanc is light bodied, simple in character with flavor notes of pear.

The Chardonnay Bin #17 is unoaked, dry with lush fruit and a dry finish.

The Estate Chardonnay is Shelton’s best seller. It is whole cluster pressed and then barrel fermented sur lies in French, Hungarian and American oak casks for 10 months. It has a creamy texture and rated as pretty good by Green Dragon. It has a good QPR (quality price ratio) at a price of $16.99.

Moving to the reds, a dry, herbal Estate Cabernet Franc was next. It has a smooth texture with some spiciness and black cherry flavor notes. This doesn’t have the pepper snap of some other Cab Francs – which could be a plus for some drinkers. Got a bottle of this.

Bold, rich a dry describes the 2007 Estate Cabernet. Cherry flavor notes.

The Estate Malbec is considered a reserve wine and has a price tag of $20. It is spicy with a taste of raisins and plum.

Lower photo: Monica and Nathan Strauser enjoy a tasting poured by Angela Hooker. Monica and Nathan purchased Zephyr Red and Malbec.

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