Tanzanian Paintings on Exhibit At Vino 100 During November

Image via Wikipedia

The Arts Council Lake Erie West is sponsoring an exhibition of four Tanzanian, East African painters at Vino100, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Maumee, during the month of November.  The exhibition is open free to the public during business hours:  Monday through Wednesday,  Noon-10:00 PM; Thursday through Saturday Noon-Midnight.

The painters, two young women and two young men, were selected for their high quality, professionalism, and four distinct styles of painting.  The artists are all active in promoting the arts in Tanzania as personal expression and as a means of economic development for Tanzania.

Pendael Naftal Mollel is from the Maasai tribe in Arusha. His paintings of area wild animal scenes and portraits are highly realistic and directly from life or from actual photos he has taken in the field.

Kaiza Khamis Mohammed is a leader in the Zanzibar Women Artists’ Network and has assisted with the copywriting of the ‘henna’ painting style taken from the traditional body adornment techniques.

Seif Soud is from Zanzibar where he is one of the founders and leaders of the Zanzibar Young Artists’ Association.   Seif is a master in oils with the palette knife and brush strokes.  He paints local historic Zanzibar scenery and portraits of Zanzibar residents.  The paintings in this exhibit relate to early relationship with the United States. 

Tatu Ally Hussein is also a leader in the Zanzibar Women Artists’ Network and paints in the traditional Tanzanian style of tinga-tinga. Tinga-tinga is characterized by a naïve and surrealistic style using brilliant and highly saturated colorful bicycle paints.  Her paintings reflect the local flora and fauna of Tanzania and are very popular with tourists because of the unique style.

Technorati Tags: wine

A Dozen Budget Wine Picks

Image of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards via Snooth

Loews Hotels’ team of sommeliers has put together a list of 12 suggested wines in the budget category along with approximate prices. Do you have a favorite wine under $20? Let us hear about it by leaving a comment.

WHITE WINES:

Paco & Lola, Albarino, D.O. Salnes Valley, Rias Biaxas, Spain: $18
Pale straw color; bright and youthful; fresh notes of citrus; green apples, peaches and floral notes; refreshing and crisp on the palate; the perfect sushi and fresh seafood wine.


14 Hands, Riesling, Washington: $11
Wonderful aromas of apple blossom and tangerine with a hint of wet stone. Flavors of fresh peaches and Granny Smith apples fill the mouth with racy acidity and a juicy finish. A perfect pairing for spicy Asian dishes, or before dinner as a cocktail.

Walnut Crest by Emiliana, Valle Central, Chile: $9
Light, clean and crisp with fresh citrus and grassy aromas on the bouquet. Flavors of pear, kiwi and melon dominate the taste of this dry, fruit forward style wine that finishes with a zesty twist of lemon and grapefruit.

Chasing Venus, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand: $15
This fun white is a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with flavors of grapefruit and gooseberry followed by a crisp and lingering finish. Chasing Venus focuses on what New Zealand does best: Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit source is from the Comely Bank and the Griggs vineyards in the heart of the Marlborough region. Try it with grilled fish.


Sonoma - Cutrer, Chardonnay, Russian River, California : $22
The Russian River Ranches is packed with fragrant aromas of ripe pears, pineapple and acacia blossom - perfect compliments to its crisp and firm structure. On the palate, flavor notes of fresh red apple, peach, apricot and melon seems to go on forever with just a hint of oak, leading to a rich, long-lasting, perfectly balanced finish. A perfect complement to poultry, fresh sea bass or halibut - especially when finished with cream or butter - or rich, buttery cheeses like young Gouda.


RED WINES:

Pinot Noir, Irony, Monterey: $13
Aromas of ripe, red cherry, vanilla and undertones of earthy clove and mushroom.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Geyser Peak "Walking Tree", Alexander Valley: $28
Subtle aromas of luscious blueberry and blackberry that are refined and perfectly balanced with a long and elegant finish.


Zinfandel, Sanctuary "Mariah Vineyard": $24
Full bodied yet elegant with flavors of blackberry, black licorice, white pepper and exotic aromas of mandarin orange.

SPARKLING WINE:

Domaine Chandon Brut, Sustainable: $16
Fresh and lively with a hint of pear, fig and honeysuckle; recommended as an aperitif.

Poema Cava, "Penedes" Brut, Sustainable: $12
Excellent value for this sparkler from the northeastern region in Spain. Ripe peaches with creamy texture and an elegant finish.

CHAMPAGNE:

Taittinger, Sustainable: $35
Complex with a nice bouquet of peaches and tropical fruit with a dry finish.

Henriot Brut Souverain NV, Sustainable: $38
A fine crafted wine, dry and rich with apple and apricot flavor, cream and vanilla on the finish.

Technorati Tags: wine

 

Related articles

• Thanksgiving Wine Under $20: 2010 Edition (goodwineunder20.blogspot.com)
• Nautique Wines from the North Fork of Long Island - Perfect for the Holidays! (eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com)
• 2007 Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc (winecommonsewer.com)
• California sparkling wine: Chronicle recommends (sfgate.com)

Vino 100 Offers French Wine Flights

Image via Wikipedia

In November, Vino 100, 3355 Briarfield Boulevard, Maumee, (419) 866-8466, will be celebrating French Wines. All flights during the month will concentrate and focus on the French Wines Monday through Saturday.

The cost of the flights (4-3 oz. pours with light pairings)will be $20. If you purchase a bottle, you will receive $5 off your tasting! No Reservation required.

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tastings & Events: November 17-20, 2010

Image of G&M Machmer via Snooth

Wednesday, November 17 

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Son of Z-Best! 1. Roederer Brut Premier Champagne, 2. Ehlers Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 3. Gorman Winery “Albatross” Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot 2007, 4. Dr. Loosen Eiswein 2007. For this once a year tasting Mike Bailey from our House of Meats will be preparing prime rib and tenderloin, Saundra will be preparing a variety of special foods to accompany the wines, and we will have live jazz. Flight is $34.

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

Thursday, November 18

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. The Furst – Pinot Blanc – Alsace, France, 2. Raptor Ridge – Pinot Gris – Willamette Valley, Oregon, 3. Tavel – Rose’ – France, 4. G & M Machmer – Gewurztraminer – Germany. Nominal fee per sample or $7 per flight.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines For Thanksgiving & Beaujolais Nouveau: 1. Monmousseau Vouvray, 2. Mireille & Vincent Rose, 3. Mireille & Vincent Cote du Rhone, 4. Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, 5. Darting Riesling Kabinett, 6. Mon Ami Ice Wine, 7. Pelee Island Ice Wine and Beaujolais Nouveau at Various Prices. Nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Thanksgiving Twist. Well, here it is, our obligatory Thanksgiving wine tasting. Yep, every one's going to be doing one this week, and every one's going to be pouring Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Rosés. Not us. We're gonna throw a Thanksgiving twister with some super, spiced-up wines, both exotic and controversial. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Beaujolais Nouveau 2010 Party. 6:00 to 8:30 PM. $30 per person.  Ticket must be purchased in advance – see Austin. Limited to 30 people. Featuring Chef Bill’s authentic French Cassoulet.

Friday, November 19 
* Special Event *  The Wine Affair, a benefit for the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio. 6:30 PM, Parkway Place in Maumee. Silent auction, live auction and a sampling of fine wines from area wine distributors. Appetizers will be supplied by notable area restaurants. The cost for this black-tie optional event is $100 per person. To register online go to http://www.kfnwo.org/ or call (419) 329-2353.


Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. Mi Terruno Sweet Torrontes, 2. Chateau Souverain Chandonnay, 3. Apothic Red Blend, 4. Meiomi Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. The Thanksgiving Twist. Well, here it is, our obligatory Thanksgiving wine tasting. Yep, every one's going to be doing one this week, and every one's going to be pouring Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Rosés. Not us. We're gonna throw a Thanksgiving twister with some super, spiced-up wines, both exotic and controversial. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, November 20
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Wines: 1. Mi Terruno Sweet Torrontes, 2. Chateau Souverain Chandonnay, 3. Apothic Red Blend, 4. Meiomi Pinot Noir. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Nominal fee per sample or $3.00 for flight.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Perfect Pairings – for Thanksgiving Dinner. Nominal fee per sample or by the flight.

Technorati Tags: wine

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

Related articles

• Nine Dollar Pinot Noir (wannabewino.com)
• Gevrey Chambertin Estournelles Saint Jacques 2006 (amantdevin.blogspot.com)
• Peninsula Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc (theother46.com)
• Value Alert: 2007 Banshee Cabernet Sauvignon (wellesleywinepress.com)

Help with Thanksgiving Wine Selection: Wine Version of “Turkey Hotline” Now on Facebook

Image via Wikipedia

Looking for just the right wine to pair with this year’s Thanksgiving turkey? Need an expert to recommend a red wine to complement the standing rib roast this Christmas Eve? Is there a drink that can stand up to Bubby’s latkes? Want a great bottle of bubbly to pop open on New Year’s Eve? The wine experts at Loews Hotels will be ready to take care of all these questions and more, with Loews Hotels’ Wine Line now through January 1, 2011.

Before the holidays send you over the brink, put down the corkscrew, take a deep breath and visit Loews Hotels on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoewsHotels (“Wine Line” tab). Post a question on the wall and have it answered by an expert. Knowledgeable, warm and unpretentious certified sommeliers will help guide cooks at home through their wine pairing or wine gift giving dilemmas, no matter their budget.
Four of Loews 15 certified sommeliers will serve on the Wine Line panel. Loews Hotels promises to respond to all questions within 24-hours, if not sooner.

“For years, loyal guests from across the country have been contacting our hotels during the holiday season, asking questions of our chefs and sommeliers,” said Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels. “We have always answered those questions with great detail and expert advice, so the Loews Hotels Wine Line is our way of sharing the vast wine and food knowledge among our sommeliers and chefs with everyone. We are delighted to take some of the stress out of the holiday season whether you’re planning a special meal or looking to give a gift of wine.”

What lessons can be learned from the Loews Hotels Wine Line? Time will no doubt reveal stories and questions as entertaining as those posed to the Turkey Hotline over the years, but for now, consider these tips: While everyone knows that white wines go well with turkey, you may also want to consider a pinot noir, which has a bit fuller flavor than white wines. Because it has very few tannins, it will not overwhelm the meal. Also, keep in mind that salty or smoked foods are best served with sweet white wines such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

Technorati Tags: wine

Related articles

• Wines for Thanksgiving (friendseat.com)
• Thanksgiving Wine & Food Pairings (mywinesdirect.com)

Another Rustic Wine Tasting: 2007 Red Guitar and 2007 Seven Artisans Petite Sirah

 Each year we travel to the hills of West Virginia for the Game Cabin, its a time to bond with college buddies in a rustic setting, enjoy a few drinks and relive the glory days. Over the years our beverages of choice have shifted and we typically have several bottles of wine to enjoy during the get-together.

This year’s cabin was in Watoga State Park. It was quite a bit different than our normal location of Seneca State Park. The Seneca location – about 15 miles away – is truly rustic. The cabins were built in the 1930s and feature wood stoves, gas lights, no running water and an outhouse. However, the escape from modern conveniences really is an elixir for the soul.

In Watoga, we were “forced” to endure the modern conveniences of running water, electricity and two bathrooms. Green Dragon didn’t seem to mind this change of setting.


We tried a trio of wines with a nice spaghetti dinner. We had picked up a bottle of Red Guitar, thinking it might be a nice match for dinner. This Spanish wine is Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache) from old vines, some more than 100 years old.

These gnarled old vines from the ancient region of Navarra yield grapes with highly concentrated flavors. Garnacha is a light, fruity grape and Tempranillo is one of Spain’s signature grapes. This was a light and enjoyable drink.

The Petite Sirah is a much fuller bodied wine, loaded with dark fruit.It is rich and pairs well with full bodied food. This ink-dark wine seemed to be a better match for our dinner. 

The winner for this meal was a 2008 Campos Reales Tempranillo from the La Mancha region of Spain. This had the smoothness, light tannins and touch of acidity to make a nice match with our meal. It is a youthful, medium bodied wine with a deep violet color and flavors of blackberries and strawberries.
These wines were just the ticket after a long day of hiking the West Virginia hills. The weather was cold – we saw the first snow of the season – so these really helped us warm up.

A highlight for the trip was a Friday night party at the “party platform” an old CCC-era reservoir building with a concrete top that allowed us to have a nice campfire to enjoy some vino and play some guitar while the snowflakes were coming down from above. A hike in Beartown, a visit to the Greenbank National Radio Observatory and lunch at the Pretty Penny in Hillsboro rounded out another great cabin.

Technorati Tags: wine

Related articles

• A Little Bit on Grenache (blanc-de-noir.blogspot.com)
• A Quartet of Spanish Reds (wine-by-benito.blogspot.com)
• Hedges winemaker hurt in grape press accident (thenewstribune.com)
• The Vibrant and Dynamic Wines of Spain's Radical Center (catavino.net)