Monday, February 28, 2011

Chateau Aeronautique Hosts Mardi Gras Celebration March 5

Bookmark and Share  Fat Tuesday is approaching. You may not be able to visit Bourbon Street, but you can still
New Orleans Mardi Gras. Three revelers painted...Image via Wikipedia
participate in the festivities by visiting Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 1849 Rives-Easton Road, Jackson, Michigan, (419) 569-2132.

The Mardi Gras celebration will take place in the Chateau Hangar on Saturday, March 5. On the menu is delicious Jambalaya with red beans & rice from The Quarter Bistro in Ann Arbor. The New Orleans themed food will be paired with Chateau Aeronautique's Aviatrix Blush.

The party will feature good food, good jazz and the best part is that the party and food are both free. It runs from noon to 6:00 PM (or until the food runs out!).

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Niagara-On-The-Lake Winery Visit: Reif Estate Winery

Another in our series of reports on Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, wineries.


Sometimes a wine experience can reverse in a flash. A non-descript winery visit can flip with the acquaintance of a new friend, an amusing story, or a wine discovery.

The TWAV tasting team rolled into Reif Estate Winery with high expectations. The outside looked great and the wine boutique was busy with tasting tourists, displays of bottles, and a large and central tasting bar.

Reif is one of the NOTL founding family wineries. Ewald Reif planted the vineyards in 1977 and the winery opened in 1982. Today the vineyard produces a full range of varietals including Vidal icewine and premium “first growth” reds from the oldest vines.

We started with a a 2009 white wine called Trend. This was a weak and unremarkable wine that earned two thumbs down from the crew. We moved then to what we thought would be a cool group of wines, the Jera Collection. Jera is an ancient rune representative of a good harvest.

We sampled the 2008 Laguz, an off-dry white wine. The winery brochure fails to mention the actual grapes used, so the taster is left guessing (Vidal Blanc perhaps with some Chardonnay and Riesling?).
Whatever the mixture, we found it uninspired. That’s when our tasting experience changed gears.

Our server was Archie, who had a wild mustache and a great
personality. He asked how we were enjoying the wines and we leveled with him – we weren’t impressed. Then it was Archie to the rescue.

First, he told us that the Jera wines are really an attempt to create a mass-market wine that will appeal to the Millennial crowd. Despite the New Age names (like Ingwaz, Sowhilo, and Mennaz) they really aren’t sophisticated wines.

He grabbed the bottle of 2007 Meritage and we savored this elegant wine that hinted at licorice, cherry, and currant. There are almost equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon highlighted with a dash of Cabernet Franc. This brought smiles of approval from Ace of Bass and Glorious T. This bottle goes for about $27 CA.

While Archie was dispensing the wine, he was also dishing out wine knowledge, including his wine tasting tips. One notable one was that when enjoying your wine with your meal, drink some of the wine before you swallow your food so you can truly enjoy the pairing.

Our grand finale was the 2007 Shiraz. This was a beautiful pepper encrusted wine that is very soft. It has flavor notes of raspberry and black currant and is deep purple. The wine had subtle herbal tones and Archie mentioned that this would go especially well with dishes seasoned with Rosemary.

We enjoyed Archie’s company for just a while longer and then stepped out to relax on the winery’s grounds before shooting to our next stop.

Reif went from bust to blast and we recommend it highly to you.
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Friday, February 25, 2011

Some Champagne Pairings to Go With Your Oscar Best Picture Favorites

A brut Blanc de noir Champagne
Image via Wikipedia
The Oscars are synonymous with class, beauty and celebration, which is why Champagne is the drink of this month’s Hollywood parties. As you pick your favorite to win Best Picture, remember to choose just as wisely when selecting your wine. Champagne only comes from Champagne, France.

In anticipation of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards show on February 27, the Champagne Bureau looks at the past year’s best movies and suggests the best Champagne’s to toast them with.

Black Swan (5 nominations): Natalie Portman plays a shy but fanatically devoted ballerina who loses herself in the lead role of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” A full-bodied Blanc de Noir is the perfect complement as this film’s combination of music, dancing and stunning cinematography updates a famous ballet for the modern big screen.

The Fighter (7 nominations): They may call boxing the ‘sweet science’, but this gritty film is best enjoyed with a dry Brut Champagne. Enjoy it with hearty foods like steak or a hamburger, and with good companions, as you watch Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams star in this true story of a boxer’s hard-scrabble fight for glory.

The Social Network (8 nominations): Whether watching the awards at a party or just with a few close friends, a light Blanc de Blanc is perfect for any social occasion. This Chardonnay-only wine will go down smooth as you marvel at this film about one of our generation’s greatest innovators.

Inception (8 nominations): Follow Leonardo DiCaprio’s mind-blowing journey into the human mind through dream invasion. This thriller is rich in mystery and layers of meaning, so toast to it with a non-vintage Champagne. The subtle mix of grapes from several harvests pairs well with Inception’s complex plotline (and with a bag of popcorn!).

The King’s Speech (12 nominations): There’s something for everyone in this true story of an English King’s struggle to overcome his lifelong stammer and inspire his people. It’s a moving tale of friendship, loyalty and courage, all set against the backdrop of World War II. It’s hard to imagine a better fit for a vintage Champagne than a movie about European Royalty.

The glamour of the red carpet can’t be duplicated, and neither can the uniqueness of true Champagne. While there are many wonderful sparkling wines produced in the United States and around the world, only wine produced in Champagne, France can be called Champagne.

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Open That Bottle Night 2011: Pop The Corks in Celebration on February 26!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 26.
That's the date for Open That Bottle Night.
This is an international event designed to help you celebrate life by savoring a special bottle of wine.

Are you saving a certain bottle of wine for a special occasion that never seems to arrive? Created by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, wine writers for the Wall Street Journal, Open That Bottle Night makes the last Saturday in February just that occasion. Use OTBN as a reason to enjoy that special wine — while it’s still at its prime!

We hope you use this opportunity to pop a special bottle. Let us know about your OTBN experience (click on comment below).

Look here for our report from last year’s OTBN.

Here are some tips for enjoying OTBN:
  1. Choose the Setting. Alone with a special loved one, at a dinner party with friends, or in a restaurant that permits BYOB.
  2. Select the Bottle. The important concept is that the bottle of wine or champagne have a special significance, not that it be particularly expensive or prestigious.
  3. Stand it Up. Sediment sometimes forms inside wine bottles, so you should set the bottle vertical position a few days before OTBN to let it settle to the bottom.
  4. Watch the Temperature. Both reds and whites are best served at about 55F (12C).
  5. Watch the Cork. Old wine-bottle corks may crumble during removal. If that happens, pour the wine through a coffee filter into a carafe until all the cork particles are separated.
  6. Watch the Oxygen. Older, fragile wines are quickly damaged by oxygen in the air. Keep them closed up.
  7. Have a Backup Wine Available. If your favored bottle has gone bad, you will still be able to enjoy the evening.
  8. Share Your Thoughts. Everyone should say a few words about the significance of their bottle.
  9. Give it Time. Gaither and Brecher report that they often hear of bottles of wine that becomes more delicious as the evening progresses.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wine Tastings & Events: February 23-26, 2011

Wednesday, February 23
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Closeouts: 1. Kenneth Volk Chardonnay, 2. Sagelands Merlot, 3. Smoking Loon Petite Sirah, 4. Rosenblum England-Shaw Zinfandel. Nominal fee per sample or $7 flight.
  Gilbert_Cellars_Logo_sm
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Columbia Valley Wines. $15.

Thursday, February 24 059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapes
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. McManis Family Vineyards: 1. Chardonnay, 2. Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Merlot, 4. Petite Sirah. $7 per flight or nominal fee per sample.    

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Meet me in the Middle. Medium bodied, food worthy wines: 1. St. Urbans-Hof Riesling, 2. Signano Vernaccia di San Gimignano, 3. Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse, 4. Treana White, 5. Morris Morilino di Scansano, 6. 2 Two Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, 7. Bertrand Stehelin Gigondas, 8. Lan Reserva Rioja. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Columbia Valley Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Terr-Whoa! Terroir is a French term that conveys a wine's sense of place. Components such as soil composition, sunshine, drainage, rainfall, and even proximity to the sea are all taken into account when determining terroir. This is our second such tasting, and while we don't have any official rocks to lick (this time), this promises to be an amazing lineup. Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, February 25
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Syrah/Shiraz Hot Buys: 1. Landmark "Steel Plow" Syrah, 2. Gilbert Cellars "Wahluke Slope" Syrah, 3. 2008 Schild Estate Shiraz, 4. 2008 Watcher "Fetish" Shiraz. $15 tasting.
 
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Terr-Whoa! Terroir is a French term that conveys a wine's sense of place. Components such as soil composition, sunshine, drainage, rainfall, and even proximity to the sea are all taken into account when determining terroir. This is our second such tasting, and while we don't have any official rocks to lick (this time), this promises to be an amazing lineup. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, February 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Syrah/Shiraz Hot Buys: 1. Landmark "Steel Plow" Syrah, 2. Gilbert Cellars "Wahluke Slope" Syrah, 3. 2008 Schild Estate Shiraz, 4. 2008 Watcher "Fetish" Shiraz. $15 tasting.
 
The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. 1. Havenscourt Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Havenscourt Pinot Noir, 3. Genesis Chardonnay, 4. Barbadillo Palomino/Verdejo. Flight $1.00 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Wine tasting with special guest Karl-Frederic Reuter of Vignobles Brumont. Vignobles Brumont is the premier producer of the Tannat-based wines of Madiran in Southwest France. This is an area almost completely unknown to American wine drinkers, but makes some of the most interesting dry red wines on earth. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample or by the flight.

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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Michigan Wine Featured at Trump Tower Chicago Restaurant

Bookmark and Share Michigan wines continue to gain notoriety as the restaurant Sixteen, located within Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, placed the 2005 Chateau Chantal Proprietor's Reserve Krupka Vineyard Cabernet Franc on their highly selective wine list. The winery released this older vintage wine from their library for this special placement and it is no longer available for sale to the public. Grown in one of Northern Michigan's record warm years, this wine has been highly sought after for its ripe fruit characters and ability to age. Chateau Chantal will release the highly anticipated 2010 vintage of Cabernet Franc later this year. 

Marie-Chantal Dalese, Director of Marketing at Chateau Chantal comments, “Placing one of our finest wines at Trump Towers, is a big coup for the reputation of Chateau Chantal and Michigan wines. It is one more step in showing the rest of the nation what amazing wines we can produce in this State.”

Sixteen is the signature restaurant in the tower, located on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. With renowned Executive Chef Frank Brunacci at the helm, Sixteen promises an eclectic fine dining experience matched by equally exceptional city views from the Trump Chicago hotel’s 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular vistas of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the Wrigley Clock Tower.


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Monday, February 21, 2011

2008 Eagle’s Rock Piedra del Aguila Malbec, Mendoza


Eagle’s Rock Malbec is produced by Finca La Celia, an Argentinean winery located at the base of the Andes Mountains. Construction of the winery began in 1890 and the winery, first in the Uco Valley, flourished. The winery was bought by an international company in 1999 with an eye towards marketing wines from the Uco Valley to the outside world. Eighty percent of Finca La Celia wines are exported to 55 countries around the globe.

Green Dragon picked up a bottle of Eagle’s Rock on special at Meijer for $8, which was quite a deal. The wine usually ranges anywhere from $10 to $14.

When we had dinner at the Chop House in Maumee with tasting team members Glorious T and Ace of Bass, we ran into Eagle’s Rock again. As we waited for a table we enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar. The wine list featured Eagle’s Rock Malbec as one of the bottle selections at, of course, a much steeper price than what you could pick it up for locally.

After enjoying a nice meal we headed back to the house and decanted the bottle of Eagle’s Rock. This is a medium-bodied Malbec with all the hallmarks of the varietal: smoothness, a bit of spice, and big juicy fruit. The wine also had a touch of earthiness that distinguishes it from some of the other value-level Malbecs. I also got a bit of green grass flavor.

This is not the most rockin’ Malbec, but it isn't a bad choice either. It is undoubtedly great value, but to be knocked out you should pay just a few dollars more and get a reserve Malbec. Since this is a new wine on the market, you can expect good pricing for the time being – but the price could go up once it finds a home on the shelves of area stores.
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Saturday, February 19, 2011

6,000 Year Old Wine Press Unearthed: Ancients Into Dry Red Wine


This is a ancient wine press, which the recent
discovery predates. The earlier model was much smaller.
 Bookmark and Share  Last month archeologists unearthed the oldest wine-making facility ever found, using advanced biochemical techniques to identify a dry red wine made about 6,000 years ago in what is now southern Armenia.

The excavation site points to a complex society where mourners tasted a special wine made at a caveside cemetery.

"This is the world's oldest known installation to make wine," Gregory Areshian of the University of California Los Angeles, who helped lead the study, said in a telephone interview.

Apparently this was an estate winery operation as carbon dating showed a desiccated grape vine found near a wine press was grown around 4000 BC. The find is 1,000 years older than any other wine-making facility discovered according to the research team from Armenia, the United States and Ireland.

The wine press would have held a few gallons of juice and crushed grapes, and the winemakers likely used the time-honored technique of barefoot stomping.

Chemical traces point to grape juice and since there was no refrigeration, the juice would certainly have been fermented into wine, Areshian said.

The culture of wine in the vicinity is very old and traditional. The rich red wines currently produced there are merlots and cabernet sauvignons.

The expedition was paid for in part by the National Geographic Society. The cave complex, known as Areni-1, is in the Little Caucasus Mountains near Armenia's southern border with Iran.

The press itself is a shallow clay basin about three feet (one meter) in diameter, surrounded by grape seeds and dried-out grape vines.



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Friday, February 18, 2011

Chateau de Segries Cotes du Rhone 2007


This Cotes du Rhone was our choice to accompany our Valentines Day meal of bacon-wrapped filet mignon and lobster tail. The Chateau de Segries is a Rhone blend that was a great value at $13 when we picked it up at Corks about a year ago.

This blend is dominated by Grenache which smoothes out the natural earthiness of the Syrah. For interest there are small amounts of Cinsault and Carignan. The balance is great and was a neat fit with both the “surf” and the “turf.” Although not a natural match with our crème Brule dessert, we were enjoying it so much the wine kept flowing.

The flavor is round with wafting cherry and had enough backdoor spiciness to keep things interesting. An enjoyable sipper.

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

German Winemaker Dirk Richter Scheduled for Churchill's Tasting on February 19

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Dirk Richter in the Richter cellars
A very special wine tasting is scheduled noon to 5:00 PM, Saturday, February 19, at Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000.

Special guest will be Dirk Richter, head of Max Ferd Richter, one of the finest wine estates in the German Mosel Valley. This is a historic winery that has been family owned for more than 300 years. It is one of the sparkling jewels of the wine world.

German wines are delicious but not as well known to some as those from California and France. The tasting will feature both dry and sweet wines. Cost for the tasting is $20.

"Guests like Dirk Richter are not something to be taken lightly," said Austin Beeman, wine manager for Walt Churchill's Market Briarfield location."It is an incredible honor that he is taking five hours from his American schedule to spend with us. We rarely see this caliber of wine guest in Northwest Ohio. I would love to show him a large and warm welcome."

Austin interviewed Mr. Richter for his video blog. Here is an example of what you can expect at the wine tasting.
• Dirk Richter on Pairing German Wine with Food



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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

International Syrah Day: Cameron Hughes Lot 156 2007 Syrah Mendocino County


A live blogging report for International Syrah Day. There’s still time this evening to sample a Syrah on this special day. Send your report on your Syrah tasting to our Facebook page or to twav@att.net.

We popped the cork on Cameron Hughes Lot 156 tonight. There’s a bit of mystery about Cameron Hughes. He sells small lot ultra-premium wines he purchases from top-tier wineries around the world at a value price. The wineries he buys from are strictly confidential, but there are tales of buys from “cult” California wineries that are sold at incredibly low prices under his own label.

This baby was aerated and decanted to allow it to open up. There is a beautiful, earthy aroma. The tannins come on strong in a mouth-puckering entrance that was accentuated with red, juicy berries.
Green Dragon dialed in her impressions of Allspice, mushrooms and earthiness. There was a strong smoky characteristic of charred oak as well. The finish is vibrant. I remarked that the wine tended to smooth out (or maybe it was just me) with the second glass but Green Dragon said she didn’t get any of the smoothness.

Overall, an enjoyable vino, but if the oakiness were dialed down a bit the natural star qualities of the Syrah would better shine through.
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Wine Tastings & Events: February 16-19, 2011



Wednesday, February 16
* Special Event *  French Wine Dinner at Manhattan's Restaurant, 1516 Madison Street,  (419) 243-6675, 6:30 PM, $65 per person. Five course meal paired with French wines. Call for reservations.

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Italian Closeouts: 1. Plozner Tocai Friulano, 2. Negroamaro Salento, 3. Penset “NEH” Langhe, 4. Terrabianca Campaccio. Nominal fee per sample or $7 flight.
 
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Beautiful Blended Wines. $15.

Thursday, February 17
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Alexander Valley Vineyards: 1. Chardonnay, 2. Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Merlot, 4. $7 per flight or nominal fee per sample.    

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Closeout Tasting #4: 1. Robert Stemmler Chardonnay, 2. Toasted Head Russian River Chardonnay, 3. St. Supery Virtu, 4. Hayman Hill Merlot, 5. Toasted Head Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 6. Estancia Shiraz, 7. Posenato Valpolicella, 8. Pretense Petite Sirah. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Beautiful Blended Wines. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. A Line of Fine, Blind Wines: You all know the drill: a fully blind lineup. We've got the papers, we've got the pencils - you supply the answers.Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, February 18
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Pinot Noir Tasting: 1. Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir, 2. Vinterra Pinot Noir, 3. La Crema Sonoma Pinot Noir, 4. Schug Carneros Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Bonus tasting featuring the wines of J. Trees Cellars. Meet the owner/winemaker Jon Treloar and taste his three different wines. $5 to taste all three offerings.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. A Line of Fine, Blind Wines: You all know the drill: a fully blind lineup. We've got the papers, we've got the pencils - you supply the answers.Nominal fee per sample.

* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art. 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Drop-in wine tasting: Blind Tasting. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of the Glass Pavilion Hot Shop. $15 members, $20 non-members.

Saturday, February 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Pinot Noir Tasting: 1. Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir, 2. Vinterra Pinot Noir, 3. La Crema Sonoma Pinot Noir, 4. Schug Carneros Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. 1. Sebastiani Merlot, 2. Estancia Shiraz, 3. Forest Glen Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Forest Glen Gewurztraminer. Flight $2.25 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 PM. Wine tasting with special guest Dirk Richter, head of Max Ferd Richter, one of the finest wine estates in the German Mosel Valley. Tasting $20.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample or by the flight.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

All Roads Lead To Rhone (Grapes!): International Syrah Day is February 16


Wednesday, February 16, is International Syrah Day
 Bookmark and Share   International Syrah Day is Wednesday, February 16. Syrah is perhaps the best known of the Rhone grape varieties -- but it is certainly not alone. Thanks to Hospice du Rhone, the organization of American Rhone grape growers, we present your opportunity to learn more about this unique collection of Rhone grapes.

So tomorrow, remember to pop open a bottle of Syrah and share your drinking experience here. The other 364 days of the year you can dabble in other Rhone grapes. Here is a list of 22 Rhône wine varieties:

1.Bourboulenc: (Burr-buh-lanc) light bodied, delicate floral, citrus, peach, melon, earth

2.Camarese: (Cam-are-ess) firm, tannins, delicate aromatics, pepper, spice

3.Carignane Noir: (Care-ig-non No-our) tannic, solid acidity, good color, cherry, raspberry, pepper

4.Cinsault Noir: (Sahn-so No-our) elegant, soft & lightly aromatic, strawberry, raspberry, smoke, earth

5.Clairette Blanc: (Claret Blan) big bodied, floral, aromatic, honeysuckle, tropical flowers, tropical fruits

6.Clairette Rose: (Clare-et Rose) light aromatics, fruit notes, soft strawberry, cherry, rose petal

7.Counoise Noir: (Coon-wahz No-our) lively acidity, spice, richness, raspberry, cherry, cranberry

8.Grenache Blanc: (Gra-nash blan) big bodied, soft, delicate peach, melon, pear

9.Grenache Gris: (Gra-Nash Gree) full-bodied, light in color, delicate strawberry, cherry, rose petal

10.Grenache Noir: (Gra-Nash o-our) big bodied, supple, & rich strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, black pepper

11.Marsanne: (Mar-san) broad palate, soft & rich, peach, nectarine, stone fruits, tuberose, sweet nuts

12.Mourvèdre: (More-ved) tannic, deeply colored, aromatic, black currant, dark cherries, leather, smoke, earth

13.Muscardin: (Mus-car-dan) floral, aromatic, firmly structured, rose petal, barnyard, earth

14.Muscat a Petits Grains: (Mus-cat ah Pet-eet Grahn) elegant, aromatic, floral, musk, honey, honeysuckle, lily, stone fruit

15.Picpoul Blanc: (Peek-pool Blan) floral, soft, aromatic, pear, earth, lily, daisy, wildflowers

16.Picpoul Noir: (Peek-pool No-our) floral, elegant, aromatic, rose, violet, dark cherry

17.Roussanne: (Roo-sahn) firmly structured, powerful, very rich, apricot, honey, almond, nutmeg, honeysuckle, iris

18.Syrah/Shiraz: (C-rah)/(She-raz) highly colored, firmly structured and aromatic, plum, raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, violet, roasted meats, smoke, chocolate, pepper, anise

19.Terret Noir: (Tare-it No-our) delicate, perfumed, bright acidity, rose petal, lavender, dark berries, spice

20.Ugni Blanc: (Ewn-yee Blan) delicate fruit, good acidity, pear, honey-dew melon, earth

21.Vaccarese: (Vac-car-ess) aromatic, firmly tannic, floral, pepper, spice, earth, smoke

22.Viognier: (Vee-ohn-yea) big bodied, very aromatic, complex apricot, musk, peaches, grapefruit, lychee, papaya, mango, tropical flowers

Flickr photo by Rick

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We Come From France! Manhattan's Restaurant Wine Dinner Scheduled For February 16

Bookmark and Share  The next wine dinner at Manhattan's Restaurant, 1516 Madison Street,  (419) 243-6675, is scheduled for Wedesday, February 16 at 6:30 PM. It will be a French dinner and the special guest for the evening is a young connoisseur by the name of Brett Northcutt, who is currently a sous chef at BGSU. Brett has picked some wonderful wines from France and will spend a little time discussing them with us. Chef Ian has worked very hard pairing up some traditional French dishes with the wine list.
Vineyards at Clos Lapeyre JurançonImage by Roman Eye via Flickr

First Course: Kuentz Bas Alscace Blanc (2007) - Fromage Chaud et Saumon Froid (warm gouda cheese and cold scottish salmon)

Second Course: Macon Villages (2008) - Salade Nicoise (potatoes, tomatoes, string beans, capers, lemons and olives)

Third Course: Chinon Les Petites Roches (2008) - Rilletes de Tours (pork pate garnished with toast points, berries and grapes)

Fourth Course: Cahors Clos La Coutale (2008) - Veau Panes a L'Anglaise Sauce aux Champignons, Pudding au Pain Allemand, Pointes d' Asperges (breaded veal scallopines sauted with mushrooms in a veal glase, served with savory rye bread pudding and asparagus spears)

Fifth Course: Cafe au Lait (2011) - Gateau au Chocolat sans Farine (flourless chocolate cake)

The cost is $65 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling Manhattan's at 419-243-6675
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Monday, February 14, 2011

Niagara-On-The-Lake Winery Visit: Inniskillin Wines

Continuing our series of reports on Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries in Ontario.

The second stop in the Niagara-on-the-Lake leg of our Ontario winery tour was Inniskillin Wines. Chances are that you have seen Inniskillin wines even if you have never ventured north of the border. The winery was founded in 1975 and ushered in a new era of world recognition for Canadian wines and put Canada's icewine on the world map.

Inniskillin's Niagara Winery is located on the Brae Burn Estate Vineyard, which is home to the historic Brae Burn Barn built in the 1920s. The property includes a winery visitor center, wine tasting bar, and the wine shop. This is a big, sophisticated, and beautiful winery. Walking to the tasting room, you see row after row of icewine grapes (and can pluck a couple if no one is
looking). Just a few steps from the tasting room a load of collected grapes was being emptied into a bin for processing.

The tasting room featured an expansive bar and a “wine boutique” as they like to call it in Canada where you could choose from a multitude of wines, upscale wine glasses, or gifts.
We settled in and began with a glass of 2009 Winemaker Series Viognier. This was quite tasty with
fruit flavors of grapefruit and lime with just a dash of spice. Our second glass was of the 2009 Two Vineyards Riesling. We found this to be very balanced with a crisp minerality, nice tropical fruit, and a clean finish. We bought a bottle of this for our friends at home.

The 2008 Meritage was next as we segued into the reds. The flavor is dominated by red berries and spice, but we noted a very smooth approach and finish. We’re Meritage fans and this was a nicely put together wine.

We capped off the tasting with a sample of the 2007 Legacy Cabernet Franc. Legacy is the top tier of the Inniskillin wines, marked with a distinctive gold label and the winemaker’s signature. Each vintage the winemaker, Bruce Nicholson, chooses the most outstanding varietal from the vintage and makes one very limited wine. A wine like this is what makes a trip to a winery so rewarding. You can sip the wine, hear someone from the winery explain it, and then look outside and see the vineyards from where the grapes came.
The Cab Franc was smooth, none of the bite that you often get with this peppery grape. It had hearty black fruit, spice, and tobacco notes. It was an exclamation point at the end of our visit.

The tasting room had a great looking icewine tasting area set up, but we bypassed that as the tasting team was anxious to get moving.

Inniskillin is a topflight destination winery in the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake area. Inniskillin brought respect to Canadian wines and continues to produce outstanding wines.

Although it is mostly their icewine that makes it into the US, they produce a full line of beautiful wines in three different series including their premier Legacy line. This is a great destination for all wine trail travelers.
Photos by Glorious T
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Saturday, February 12, 2011

Celebrate Syrah: International Syrah Day Is February 16

Bookmark and Share  Let’s spend a day tasting and talking about Syrah! Why? Syrah ROCKS.
A photo of a class of California Syrah along w...Image via Wikipedia

Hospice du Rhône is California-based organization of growers of Rhone grapes (including  Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre a famous GSM combination). They are promoting Wednesday, February 16, as a celebration of the world of Syrah for 24 hours! Yes, 24 hours because they are serious about Syrah.

You too can become serious about Syrah by picking up a bottle (or two) of Syrah from your wine shop. Or dig into that cellar of yours or even order Syrah from one of your favorite Rhône producers. Then on Wednesday, February 16th share these wines with friends at a home soirée, at a local restaurant or join online for one big, amazing Syrah tasting!

Syrah is the most commonly recognizable Rhône variety and is grown in just about every wine region throughout the world. Due to its popularity, you can find a bottle of Syrah from France, Australia, Spain, Washington State, California, Oregon, Arizona and beyond at your local wine shop or grocer. By picking up a bottle from a few of these regions you will have the opportunity to taste the unique terroir each of these regions possess. When it comes to food, Syrah is your wine. This admired Rhône variety is extremely food friendly and will pair nicely with anything from lamb kabobs to pepperoni pizza.

What to do: On the day of the event, Tweet, Facebook and blog your thoughts, tasting notes on #Syrah. Ask questions and share facts. Even post a photo to your favorite Social Media site. If Social Media is not your bag, plan an evening in or out with friends that is all about Syrah! The goal of this day is to open a bottle of Syrah and enjoy with friends and family.

The group is encouraging wineries and restaurants to feature Syrah during the event. They even suggested a Syrah happy hour at the office!

If you are tweeting, use the following hashtags: #Syrah or #SyrahDay.

We’ll plan on sampling a nice Syrah and sharing our tasting notes.

Here are some tidbits of Syrah to dazzle your friends:

• Syrah (C-rah)

• Syrah also known as Shiraz (She-raz)

• A highly colored grape with firm structure

• Syrah commonly possesses notes of plum, raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, violet, roasted meats, smoke, chocolate, pepper and anise

• Syrah is the prominent grape of Northern Rhône in which the variety originates from

• A heat-loving vine that has adapted well to California’s Central Coast and Eastern Washington State

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Friday, February 11, 2011

J. Trees Cellars Wines Shine At TREO Wine Dinner

Sometimes our neighbors in Michigan don’t get the best reception when they cross over the border into Ohio – especially during football season. That was certainly not the case earlier this week as winemaker Jon Treloar of J. Trees Cellars received a warm welcome during a special wine dinner at TREO Restaurant and Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania (419) 882-2266.

Three JTC wines were paired with a trio of amazing dishes created by TREO chef and owner Mike Fletcher.

The three featured wines were the 2008 Dry Riesling, 2008 Chardonnay and the ‘08 Fuji Ice Cider. After a long, cold and draining day, it was a pleasure to sit down to a relaxing meal in a beautiful restaurant surrounded by new friends.


The focus of JTC is white wine and Michigan is beginning to make its mark on the national scene as a source of quality Riesling.The JTC vineyards are relatively young, and so Jon gets his Riesling grapes from the Old Mission Peninsula area of Michigan, a top wine producing region. We are fans of the JTC Dry Riesling and the wine tonight was paired with a sensational opening dish.

The Farm & Forest course was breaded flash fried Portabella mushrooms served on a bed of lettuce topped with a soft poached egg, grilled asparagus and Hollandaise sauce.

The Dry Riesling was crisp with the accent on fruit and citrus. The pairing was spot on with Chef Fletcher’s specially created dish working wonderfully with the Riesling. All three dishes were specially created for the dinner and aren’t on the regular TREO menu. You will find the three JTC wines on the TREO wine list which some at the dinner consider the best in the Toledo area.

The second course was Salmon Trocadero paired with the 2008 Chardonnay. The dish features a lightly breaded salmon fillet stuffed with Blue Fin crab, baked until golden topped with bacon-wrapped scallops and drizzled with brandy cream served with jasmine rice and vegetables. Are you hungry yet? Green Dragon is allergic to scallops, and so a special dish without the scallops was prepared. I must say, the scallops rocked!


The Chard is lower in alcohol and less oaky than most California Chardonnays. Jon said he does like oak (unlike the Green Dragon) especially when done with a delicate hand. This wine had a citrus and vanilla flavor profile. The oaking is done judiciously, with no new barrels used. This is a food-friendly wine.

The final wine was perhaps the most unique and, in fact, is currently labeled as an ice cider and not an icewine. The JTC Fuji Ice Cider is a rare treat. It is incredibly difficult to make icewine. It can only be done when the grapes are frozen. To make the ice cider is even more difficult because much colder temperatures are required to freeze an apple. The temperature was below zero when the apples were harvested and pressed.

The apples for the cider came from the Iott Orchard and Katrina Iott was there to join the festivities. She grows some great apples and Jon Treloar knows what to do with them. It takes 90 apples to make a half bottle of Fuji Ice Cider.

Chef Fletcher prepared a Twice-Baked Apple as the dessert. A whole baked apple is stuffed with three kinds of cheese and served with a brown sugar glaze. Jon said that people often make the mistake of serving a very sweet accompaniment with a dessert wine. He said it is often better to go with sharp cheese or “something stinky” to contrast with the sweet wine.


The combination of apple dessert and the Fuji Ice Cider was simply awesome. The bite of the cheese softened the sweetness of the wine and the glaze was just, well, really tasty. It should be noted that we’re not big fans of sweet wines in general – but this is a real treat and highly recommended.

Interestingly, Jon mentioned that he had difficulties entering the Fuji Ice Cider into wine competitions because it was labeled “cider.” Future bottlings will be called Fuji Apple Icewine or something similar.

This year there was no apple harvest for the ice cider because of an early frost. Luckily juice from the previous harvest remains in the tank and so there won’t be a shortage of this great wine anytime soon.

Big plans are afoot for J. Trees Cellars. The wines will soon be widely available in the Toledo area. They are currently available at Joseph’s Beverage Center and scheduled to be available as soon as this weekend at Walt Churchill’s Market locations in Perrysburg and Maumee. Andersons will soon offer JTC as well.


The tasting room for J. Trees Cellars is located in Blissfield with the winery in Petersburg, Michigan. Expansion is planned at the Petersburg location to accommodate special events. Jon also plans to direct his focus on sparkling wines and adding some hard ciders.

Great wine, a cozy restaurant and superb food. That’s a great trio anyway you spell it!

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