Time To Celebrate: June is Ohio Wine Month



St. Joseph Vineyard



Residents of the Buckeye State, it’s time to turn aside from the tribulations of Jim Tressel and media coverage of showboating LeBron James. Raise you spirits and raise a glass to salute Ohio wines. To celebrate Ohio’s wines and their significant impact on Ohio’s economy, Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich declared June “Ohio Wine Month”.

At Toledo Wines and Vines we have had the opportunity to visit many Ohio wineries and meet the winemakers. You’ll find award-winning wines, scenic tasting rooms, great food and entertainment. You can click on the “Winery Reports” tab on this page to read about some of our visits. We encourage you to support the “locapour” movement by supporting your local and regional wineries.

Ohio’s 148 wineries tend to 1,600 acres of grapes that produce more than 1 million gallons of wine each year. Wineries, located all over the state, offer wine tastings, educational day trips, and tours to educate about the art of wine making and the top quality of Ohio wines.

A number of restaurants in the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus areas will feature Ohio Quality Wines by the glass or bottle from June through August. It would be great to see them featured in the Toledo area. For more details about these events, or for more information about Ohio’s award winning wines, visit http://www.tasteohiowines.com/.

Over the last 10 years, Ohio’s wine industry has grown significantly. According to a 2008 Economic Impact report, Ohio’s grape and wine industry generates more than $580 million in economic activity that supports local communities while producing a superior agricultural product. The Ohio grape and wine industry also employs more than 4,000 people, providing a payroll of $124.2 million.

Stay tuned to TWAV as we will feature some posts on Ohio wines during Ohio Wine Month.

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2009 Si Soave DOC, Italia

Soave is historically one of the top selling white wines in Italy. The name translates to smooth and gentle. There is a renewed interest in this fresh white wine of Italy’s Veneto region. Last year Soave exports to the US increased by 20%.

Before you even sample a drop, Si Soave makes a big impression with the beautiful design of its bottle. The sweeping curve is eye-catching and just the conversation starter for your next party. In fact, Green Dragon hesitated to put the artful bottle in the recycling bin when it ran dry. Si Soave is 90% Garganega (Soave’s signature grape) and 10% Trebbiano.

We tasted a couple bottles of Soave previously and while they were enjoyable, none of our group was bowled over. Si is a different story.

There’s no pretension that this is a stately wine to be examined at length by wine wonks discussing fermentation, brix and harvest data. It’s designed to be a fun sipping wine with a bit of style that’s perfect for a hot summer’s day.
During my second round of Soave tasting, I gained an appreciation for the aromatic bouquet and its fresh minerality. It has a low alcohol content of 11.5%.

Whereas a Riesling might have a mineral tone and then finish with a touch of sweetness, the Soave has less acidity than a good Riesling and a dash of earthiness. This would pair very well with seafood. The price is right too, at about $9.

While at the J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis we were enjoying an evening drink at their terrace bar and were surprised to see Si Soave on their short wine list. We had just returned from a walk downtown on a sultry night. The Soave provided a tasteful chill.

I may be saying “Si” to Soave more often.

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Niagara’s Search for Cool Climate Chardonnay Mastery

A report from TasteCamp North, a special Niagara wine event on both sides of the border for wine writers.

Chardonnay marker at Tawse.

When I think of the Niagara Peninsula, I dream of peppery Cabernet Franc, crisp Riesling and spicy Gewürztraminer. Of course the region is well known for its icewine and Baco Noir is in plentiful supply. But winemakers in the region refuse to be content with the status quo, experimenting with new techniques suitable for their cool climate.

Back in March 31 Canadian wineries participated in the “Seriously Cool Chardonnay” event in New York City to spotlight their success with cool climate Chard to a group of NYC wine critics. “What impressed them,” said Canadian wine writer Tony Aspler, “was the minerality and fine acidity they discovered in the wines – a refreshing change from fruit-driven California Chards.”

Last course of a delicious meal at
Chateau des Charmes.

Chardonnay is the most widely produced VQA (Vintner Quality Alliance) wine in Ontario. Indeed, Ontario will be hosting I4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration) next month with educational events, lunches and wine tastings.

I must admit that Chardonnay is probably my third or fourth favorite white wine, lagging well behind Dry Riesling. My Chardonnay taste runs more to Chablis and I’m averse to overly oaked, buttery Chards.

That being said, we did taste some very intriguing Chardonnays during the trip. Two top shelf Chards for me were:

• 2007 Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St. David’s Bench. Niagara wine legend and CDC founder Paul Bosc doesn’t attach his name to a so-so wine. Aged sur lie with the right balance of fruit and oak.
• 2005 Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay. A touch of vanilla with plenty of minerality.

Other Chards worth noting are:

• 2008 Malivoire Moira Chardonnay
• 2008 Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay
• 2009 Tawse Estate Chardonnay

I’m not sure that Chardonnay will ever supplant some of my Niagara favorites, but the world is thirsty for Chard. Niagara has a chance to develop its own identity here – foregoing the California profile. That might mean I’ll have a few extra bottles in my trunk as I cross the border for home.

Technorati Tags: wine,Niagara Peninsula,TasteCamp North

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Wine tastings & Events: June 1-4, 2011

Image by lpolinsky via Flickr

Wednesday, June 1

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wunderschoene Oesterreichische Weine! (Beautiful Austrian Wines!) 1. Skeleton Gruner Veltliner, 2. Pfaffl “Austrian Pepper” Gruner Veltliner, 3. Pfaffl “Austrian Cherry” Zweigelt, 4. Pfaffl St. Laurent. $9.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, June 2

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Grill Wines: 1. Marchese Montefusco – Grillo – Sicilia, 2. M. Chapoutier – Cotes-Du-Rhone White Blend – France, 3. M. Chapoutier – Cotes-Du-Rhone Red Blend – France, 4. Leese-Fitch – Cabernet Sauvignon – California. $4.00 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual “Last Great Cabernet Tasting Before Summer:” 1. Wakefield, Clare Valley, Australia; 2. Treasure Hunter, Atlas Peak, California; 3. Educated Guess, Napa; 3. Mollydooker Matre’d, South Australia; 4. Frank Family, Napa; 4. Rocket Science, California; 5. Silver Oak Alexander Valley; 6. Lewis. Nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. All Horses Go To Heaven: The first of our Washington state 'AVA Me Away' tastings focuses on a small, quality-driven AVA: Southeastern Washington's Horse Heaven Hills. This area is home to a moderate number of producers, both large and small, with a precise focus on exhibiting terroir and accessibility. Nominal fee per sample.

Friday, June 3

* Special Event * Vineyard Adventure at the Toledo Zoo: European Wines, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Wine tasting, food and live entertainment on the overlook in the Africa! section of the zoo. Call 419-385-5721, ext. 3092 or visit www.toledozoo.org. The cost is $40 for non-members and $35 for members.



* Special Event * Toledo Museum of Art Wine by the Glass Pavilion series: Summertime Reds. 7:00 to 9:30 PM in the Glass Pavilion. Enjoy four wines, light snacks, and a view of glassmakers working in the 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. Spanish Wines: 1. Venta Morales Tempranillo, 2. Borsao Red Blend, 3. Atteca Garnacha, 4.Vina Vilano "Terra Incognito". $15 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. All Horses Go To Heaven: The first of our Washington state 'AVA Me Away' tastings focuses on a small, quality-driven AVA: Southeastern Washington's Horse Heaven Hills. This area is home to a moderate number of producers, both large and small, with a precise focus on exhibiting terroir and accessibility. Nominal fee per sample.

Saturday, June 4

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Spanish Wines: 1. Venta Morales Tempranillo, 2. Borsao Red Blend, 3. Atteca Garnacha, 4.Vina Vilano "Terra Incognito". $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 Noon – 5:00 PM. Great Sauvignon Blancs of the World: From the grassy flavors of New Zealand, the minerality of France, and the oak-influence of California, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s great wines. Taste the spectrum at this tasting.

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.

Technorati Tags: wine

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

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Toledo Zoo Vineyard Adventure Focuses on European Wines

Image by barbmanning via Flickr

The next Vineyard Adventure at the Toledo Zoo will take place Friday, June 3, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Sample a world of fine wines, graze on delectable edibles and enjoy sophisticated live entertainment on the overlook in the Africa! section of the zoo..

This Vineyard Adventure features a selection of European wines. You must be 21 or older to attend; call 419-385-5721, ext. 3092 or visit www.toledozoo.org to reserve your place today.

The cost is $40 for non-members and $35 for members.

Technorati Tags: wine

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St. Francis 2006 Merlot Sonoma County

St. Francis Winery and Vineyards was the first Sonoma County winery to plant and produce Merlot and has championed the grape since their first vintage in 1983.

Although we missed the Merlot Day virtual tasting on May 19, we did have the opportunity to sample a bottle of 2006 St. Francis Merlot, Sonoma County

The grapes come from both mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma. They were fermented in steel tanks and then aged in French and American oak for 22 months. We didn’t have the ideal pairing for our meal. We had lobster tail and shrimp and so we enjoyed some Soave with the meal. Ace of Bass, who was joining us, is more of a red drinker and went directly to the Merlot.

The wine has a super smooth front end with plenty of cherry and a dash of spice and vanilla. This is a solid but not heavy wine. I wanted more of a finish. The tannins seemed sufficient for a satisfying front and middle, but stumbled on the home stretch.

It’s time to respect the Merlot. Often it is bypassed in favor of a sturdy Cabernet or a delicate Pinot Noir. This is a noble grape! Done well, Merlot gives the palate a luscious and satisfying ride. This is a quality wine that represents a good value. It goes for about $20, but can be found on sale for less.

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a sample.

Technorati Tags: wine

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