Toledo Wines and Vines

Kacaba 2007 Reserve Cab Franc, Niagara Escarpment VQA

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wine Review by Dr. J

This past weekend, Casey and I opened a bottle we brought back from Canada last April. The 2007 Kacaba Reserve Cab Franc is the first and most expensive wine I purchased in the Niagara Escarpment VQA. I believe this was a $50 bottle. I normally don't buy too many bottles like this, but it was early in the trip, and boy am I glad I did!

We were told that they had just recently won an award for the best Cab Franc in Canada. I now concur. This is quite possibly the best I've had within 1,500 miles of Ohio! The wine is single vineyard and estate grown.

On the nose is tobacco, black current, spices, and toasty oak. On the palate is intense cherry, mint, and even chocolate. At 14.2%, it still did not come across as hot. This would be great with many dishes, but we chose to drink it on its own. I was very pleased, giving it 4 out of 5 overall and 5 stars for east of the Rockies!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Santa Cristina 2009 Antinori Sangiovese Toscana

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a smooth wine that blends a young Sangiovese with 10% Merlot. The wine is ruby red and has entertainingly long legs.

The wine opens with a nice bouquet of cherries and berries. On the palate it is well balanced with a twinge of raspberries. Ace of Bass was visiting to help with the tasting and provided this colorful description of the finish. “There’s a little push then it zings away. It’s soft again at the finish and dissipates in a tangy way.”

It was at that point that we cut him off. (Just kidding!)

That’s a nice description of a value-packed wine. This bottle was picked up online for less than $10 and boasted a 90-plus rating.

This didn’t dazzle me the way other Sangiovese has – but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Santa Cristina fills the bill for a smooth and harmonious glass – but don’t expect a high-end evening in Tuscany.

Technorati Tags: wine,Italian wine

Rating: 3 of 5

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: January 25-28, 2012

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

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Wednesday, January 25
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, January 26

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. More Great Closeouts: 1. Bouchard Aine & Fils – Macon-Villages – Burgundy, France, 2. Genesis by Hogue – Chardonnay – Columbia Valley, WA, 3. Napa Cellars – Pinot Noir – Napa Valley, CA, 4. Cameron Hughes – Field Blend – Geyserville, CA. $4 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Marvelous Merlots: 1, Swanson Napa, 2. Rutherforn Hill Napa, 3. Trinchero Chicken Ranch Vineyard Rutherford, Napa, 4. Sineann Columbian Valley, 5. Delectus Napa, 6. Plumjack Napa, 7. Pride Sonoma-Napa . Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM.CLOSEOUT WINES, PART II: 1. Si Soave Italia, 2. Wattle Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Giorgio & Gianni “Red” Lambrusco, 4. Ravenswood Barricia Zinfandel. $2.25 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, January 27
Special Event – Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Art of the Vine. Wine: Who’s Wine is it Anyway? (chef’s choice) (Cloister) Tour: Surprise!. Sample four wines, light snacks, and enjoy a complimentary art tour at 7:00 or 8:00 PM. $15 members or $25 nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at the TMA information desks; reservations are not required.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Merlot vs. Malbec: 1. 14 Hands Merlot, 2. Jean Bosquet Malbec, 3. McManis Merlot, 4. Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec. $15 tasting.

Saturday, January 28
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Merlot vs. Malbec: 1. 14 Hands Merlot, 2. Jean Bosquet Malbec, 3. McManis Merlot, 4. Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. WARM UP WITH AUTHENTIC PORTS*
Nothing makes a cool winter night warmer quite light like true Port Wine from Oporto. We will taste a number of Vintage Ports and Aged Tawny Ports. . Premium tasting. 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.

AREA WINE BARS

Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

Technorati Tags: wine [Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Photo by Claudio Matsuako

Vineyard Photo: Gainey Vineyard

2012-01-24T11:44:00.001-05:00

The day was rainy, but the sun managed to emerge long enough to scatter its rays on these vines in Santa Ynez at the Gainey Vineyard.

What Makes A Great Winery Visit? Here’s Our Trifecta

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

I just recently glanced at our winery reports page and counted 76 entries. We’ve visited many more than that, probably close to the century mark.

Some of those visits have been memorable – sipping outstanding wine in the dappled sunshine while being caressed by gentle breezes. But some have been memorable for the wrong reasons.

The bad winery visits can remind you of an episode of Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey going ballistic after discovering an oozing mess in the walk-in cooler.

Well, what is it that makes a winery visit an experience to savor?
Based on our experience, we consider three factors. If a winery scores big on all three dimensions, you can ink in a big star on the wine trail map – marking for repeated visits.

In our experience, you need the “three goods:” 1. Good winery grounds and tasting room, 2. Good tasting room staff, and 3. Good wine.

1. Good winery grounds and tasting room. Upon arrival, nothing sets the stage like seeing an impressive, quirky or scenic winery building. It gives you good vibrations right from the start. There’s nothing worse than rumbling up to the next stop on the wine trail, looking at your companion asking, “Should we go in, or just turn around?”

Having an awesome tasting room doesn’t mean you will have world class wine, but it shows the caliber of the operation. Chances are that mediocre wine will taste a lot better in a tasting room with a floor to ceiling window overlooking a lake than in what appears to be a farmer’s converted garage.

One of the nicest tasting rooms we’ve visited is Heron Hill in the Finger Lakes. You are impressed from a half mile away and even more blown away once you are inside. Lamoreaux Landing and Glenora and two other stand-out Finger Lakes establishments. The winery buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake are also spectacular.

There is also a lot to be said for grounds with picnic tables and scenic views of mountains, vineyards or lakes.

2. Good Tasting Room Staff. Someone save us from uninformed, unhelpful and unpleasant tasting room staff. You’ve made the decision to stop for a tasting and enter the building. The next moment of truth is the tasting room attendant.

In some wineries, like Bully Hill in the Finger Lakes, the staff ARE the attractions – entertaining guests with humorous stories and gags while dispensing detailed knowledge of the winery’s goods. A good staff can also help guide you to the wines you will most enjoy.

On a good day, your tasting room attendant will generate warmth, be a helpful advisor and sell a lot of wine.

The other end of the spectrum includes those who are too busy to tell you about the wine, those who don’t know what is in a particular wine and those who are doing it without a true love of wine.

This factor is probably even more important that an impressive building. At this point you're already invested in making a stop and if you get a bummer of a host, you’ll feel it’s been a waste of time.

3. Good Wine. Excellent wine can supersede almost any other flaw in your winery visit. This is the final piece of the puzzle. If you’re sipping an especially robust Cabernet Franc in a groovy tasting room while the tasting room attendant is telling you an intriguing story about how the owner started the winery, you have hit the trifecta!

If Numbers 1 and 2 are locked in, you have a better than even chance you’ll be tasting some good wine. But there is no guarantee. While we were up in the Niagara Peninsula, we made a stop at a winery that looked very impressive from the road. The building was of a modern design built from local stone. Inside the tasting room glittered as track lighting glinted off racks of bottles in impressive displays.

Unfortunately, the wine was just “mehh”…

Once you have achieved the “three goods,” that is the time to turn to your companions, smile and raise a toast. You are living the good life!

Technorati Tags: wine

Portalupi Winery 2009 Bianco, California White Table Wine

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Green Dragon is always in search of a refreshing white wine that she can enjoy in the evening as we unwind. The Portalupi Bianco came in a six bottle clearance lot that I bought from an online wine seller.

The vino is a blend of 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 47% Chardonnay and 5% Muscat Canelli. This has a clean taste with a very light body. There is a light floral aroma released by swirling.

We found this to be a nice break from the standard whites. The Chardonnay softened the zest of the Sauvignon Blanc and the SB preempted any oak overkill from the Chardonnay. The Muscat Canelli just adds the coolness factor.

We’re told that this wine offers a nice alternative to white wine drinkers in restaurants. We can see that. It’s pleasant enough to go with most meals and the unique blends separates it from the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio on the wine list.

On the palate the wine offers a bit of peach and lemon. It’s an enjoyable wine but certainly not a thriller. It’s a very good value at about $12.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 Value: 3.5 of 5

Technorati Tags: wine,California wine

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate Schedules Wine and Chocolate Pairings

2012-01-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Image by J. Paxon Reyes via Flickr

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor, Grass Lake, Michigan, and Mindo Chocolate Makers want to sweeten up your Valentine celebration. On Sunday, February 12, at :00 and 3:00 PM, a special wine and chocolate presentation will be offered.

The event will feature wine and chocolate pairings and a demonstration on chocolate making by Mindo Chocolate Makers of Dexter, Michigan. Estate grown wines from Lone Oak with be paired with hand made chocolates from Mindo Chocolate Makers. You'll sample several different Mindo chocolates with selected wines.

Mindo makes their 67% and 77% cacao chocolate with only three ingredients: their own cocoa liquor, their own cocoa butter and organic evaporated cane juice. No additives. Mindo Chocolate Makers ferment, dry and roast the cocoa beans themselves at their place in Mindo, Ecuador. They ship the cocoa beans to Michigan and hand make the chocolate at their place in Dexter. They control the quality of their chocolate by following the process carefully from the moment the bean comes out of the pod.

In addition to their solid chocolate bars, Mindo also offers other flavors by adding ingredients like espresso coffee beans, cherries, hazel nuts, sea salt, blueberries, and almonds, to name a few.

There will be a sessions at 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $10 per person. Call (517)522-8167.

Technorati Tags: wine,Michigan wine

Beaulieu Vineyard 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

This Pinot Noir was on our menu for a recent light dinner with a friend. We enjoyed a light salad and corn chowder soup along with the decanted BV Reserve Pinot.

The wine is medium bodied with rich fruit aromas. On the palate it has flavor notes of dried raspberries and blueberries.

There is a touch of cocoa and spice on the finish. This is a well-structured wine with soft tannins.

Beaulieu has more than 100 years of experience making wine in the Napa Valley and it shows with their line of reserve wines. This is a tasty glass, but we deemed it less than awesome. The wine can be found for about $45.

Rating: 3 of 5

Technorati Tags: wine,Pinot Noir,Carneros,Napa Valley

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: January 18-21, 2012

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Image by rosebennet via Flickr

Wednesday, January 18
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. More Great Closeouts: 1. Ste. Chapelle Dry Gewurztraminer, 2. Clos LaChance “Black Chinned” Syrah, 3. Five Star Cellars Walla Walla Syrah, 4. Ste. Chapelle Soft White. $7.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, January 19

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Dan’s favorites: 1. Orin Swift – Veladora – Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, 2. Melville – Verna’s Estate Chardonnay – Santa Barbara County, 3. Chappellet – Mountain Cuvee – Napa Valley, 4. Robert Mondavi – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley. $7.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 2012 Closeout Tasting #2: 1. Arrowood Chardonnay, 2. Morrow Bay Chardonnay, 3. Domaine Joseph Voillot Vonay Pinot Noir, 4. Melini Chianti, 5. Col D’Orcia Rosso di Montelcino Italy, 6. Hundred of Joanna Red Blend Australia, 7. Ravenswood Barricia Zinfandel, 8. Tarrica Moscato California. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM.Closeout Wines Part 1: 1. Prima Perla Prosecco, 2. Hogue Genesis Chardonnay, 3. Gallo Sonoma Merlot, 4. Col d’Orcia Rosso di Montalcino. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, January 20
Special Event – Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Art of the Vine. Wine: Roussillon Region French Wines (Cloister)
Tour: Cloister Architecture. Sample four wines, light snacks, and enjoy a complimentary art tour at 7:00 or 8:00 PM. $15 members or $25 nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at the TMA information desks; reservations are not required.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Tuscan Reds: 1. Montellori Chianti, 2. La Mozza Morellino, 3. Rodano Chianti Classico , 4. La Massa Toscana. $15 tasting.

Saturday, January 21
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Tuscan Reds: 1. Montellori Chianti, 2. La Mozza Morellino, 3. Rodano Chianti Classico , 4. La Massa Toscana. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. Wines from Ampelography with special guest. Adam Mahler from Ampelography Wines will be on hand to introduce you to some of the coolest small production, high-quality wines from around the world. Premium tasting. 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.

AREA WINE BARS

Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

Technorati Tags: wine [Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
Photo by Claudio Matsuako

Cadaretta 2009 SBS, Columbia Valley

2012-01-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Interested in trying a new white, we picked up this Washington State blend. The wine mixes tart and tangy Sauvignon Blanc (78%) with Semillon (22%), which smoothes out this energetic wine.

My first impression was of lemonade – a refreshing lemony taste but with a fuller body than a typical Sauvignon Blanc. The wine also has pineapple flavor notes and compelling minerality.

The SBS also has an almost creamy body to it, giving it an interesting mouthfeel. I really enjoyed this wine as a change of pace from Sauvignon Blanc. It is from a small production winery in Walla Walla and about 700 cases were made.

We enjoyed this as an after dinner drink, but it should be an outstanding pairing with seafood. Cost was $24 at Aficionado’s, a nice value.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Technorati Tags: wine,Washington wine

Mount Veeder Winery 2000 Napa Valley Reserve

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

After enjoying a nice evening at the Funny Bone comedy club at Levis Commons, we adjourned to Poco Piatti for a late dinner with Ace of Bass, Glorious T and two other friends.

Tapas plates were circling here and there as platters of appetizers kept rolling in. Middle East dishes mingled with mushrooms and seafood. Discussion ranged from world financial affairs to the Iowa State basketball team.

Of course, we needed fuel for our conversation and wine to match the eclectic eats we were enjoying.

We started with a beautiful Stags' Leap Petite Sirah. This was a luscious wine bright with blackberry and cherry. On most nights, this would be the pinnacle. But there was a surprise in store.

Ace of Bass and Glorious T conferred over the wine list for what seemed like ages to our thirsty group. They placed the order with our waitress and soon we were rewarded with the sound of a popping cork on a Mount Veeder Winery bottle. Little did we know how well they had chosen.

The selection was a Mount Veeder Winery Reserve and I was surprised to see that it was a 2000 vintage. The wine is a blend of 52% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. It was the perfect wine to enjoy with the remainder of our tapas and camaraderie.

The wine has a thin slice of spice with dark cherry and black fruit flavor notes. The 12 years of aging has rounded the edges of the tannins, but it kept a pleasant firmness. The Mount Veeder had some nice tobacco and toast accents to add to the complexity.

Certainly, this was a special bottle of wine. Our curiosity was raised even further as I studied the label and saw that it was a Meritage from a limited batch.The bottle was number 27,775.

This had a remarkable finish – a couple days later. Glorious T looked online and saw that this bottle sells for more than $100. At a restaurant, you could expect to pay more than $200 for it!

SCORE! Apparently this bottle was just waiting for the right group of wine lovers who could truly appreciate it.

RATING: 4.5 of 5
VALUE: Off the charts!

Don Pascual 2010 Reserve Tannat

2012-01-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wine review by Glorious T.

We were appreciative to be gifted with a bottle of Don Pascual Tannat Reserve 2011 (Uruguay) for our review. I made the mistake of reading the winemaker's notes as the bottle was being opened. Typically I like to be surprised and make my own judgment, and I know what I really like.

Upon reading about this wine's notes of ink and robust tannins, I was immediately prepared that this wine would not pass muster. Thank goodness Ace of Bass encouraged me to give it a chance anyway.

A lovely violet color gives way to a pleasantly fragrant mix of heavy spices. The tannins are really well balanced with big jammy flavor for a really interesting and flavorful taste. It's a full bodied wine with a long and delicious finish. The Tannat is thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

It is hearty enough to be paired with a meal, but interesting enough to stand on it's own. In fact, we rated this much higher than several wines we had sampled over the holiday season.

Rating: 3.5 to 4 out of 5.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.

Dare To Pair: The Chef’s Challenge On February 2 In Geneva to Benefit Pairings Wine & Culinary Center

2012-01-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

Pairings, Ohio’s Wine and Culinary Experience, a proposed facility in historic downtown Geneva, Ohio, has scheduled Dare To Pair: The Chef’s Challenge. The fundraising event will be February 2, 6:00 – 9:30 PM.

This unique gala event is an opportunity to join in the journey to groundbreaking. The architectural rendering for the 38,000 square feet building will be revealed at this event.
Pairings will have cooking classes in a hands-on kitchen and amphitheater, winemaking demonstrations and activities, regional wine tastings, pairings and tours and incubator facilities for start-up wineries.

Come and celebrate Ohio's rich and unique wine and culinary experience, as "Dare to Pair" will highlight the best that Ohio's fields, farms and vines have to offer.

Sample heavy appetizers & tapas plates created by celebrity chefs
Taste local Ohio wines paired with each plate
Bid on fantastic prizes during the silent auction
Enjoy a lively gala with entertainment, a who's who attendee list & wonderful food & drink
Support a good cause-a regional & state economic development project based in Geneva, Ohio
Experience the new restaurant everyone's talking about, Fuel, in the Spire Institute complex

To register call (440) 466-4675. Tickets are $75, $50 of which is tax deductible. A special overnight package with two tickets and lodging is available for $219. Buy your tickets online here.

Publisher’s Note: This is going to be a great addition to the Ohio wine scene. It sounds like it is similar to the New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua, NY. If so, it will be a spectacular facility! Let’s get behind this project and give it the support it deserves.

Photo by Michela Simoncini

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: January 11-14, 2011

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, January 11
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. More Great Closeouts: 1. Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Estancia Riesling, 3. Bell Cellars Syrah, 4. Nino Negri Sfursat. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Mead Tasting With Special Guest Ian Washington From B. Nektar Meadery. $15.

Thursday, January 12

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Cheri’s favorites: 1. 2010 Chateau LaMothe de Haux – White Bordeaux, 2. 2008 Roc de Lussac St. Emilion – Red Bordeaux, 3. 2008 Mount Veeder – Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Layer Cake – Shiraz. $5.50 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Chilean Wine Values Night: 1. Morande Pionero Chardonnay, 2. Montes Alpha Chardonnay, 3. Morande Pionero Merlot, 4. Perez Cruz Cabernet, 5. Terra Andina Cabernet, 6. Morande Grand Reserve Cabernet, 7. Perez Cruz Carmenere, 8. Morande Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. Closeout Wines Part 1: 1. Prima Perla Prosecco, 2. Hogue Genesis Chardonnay, 3. Gallo Sonoma Merlot, 4. Col d’Orcia Rosso di Montalcino,. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Mead Tasting With Special Guest Ian Washington From B. Nektar Meadery. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, January 13
Special Event – Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Art of the Vine. Wine: Women Winemakers (Cloister)Tour: Female Glass Artists. Sample four wines, light snacks, and enjoy a complimentary art tour at 7:00 or 8:00 PM. $15 members or $25 nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at the TMA information desks; reservations are not required.

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 Tasting: 1. Graham's Six Grapes, 2. Penfolds Club Tawny, 3. Kopke 10 Year Tawny, 4. Feist 2000 Vintage Port. $15 tasting.

Saturday, January 14
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 Tasting: 1. Graham's Six Grapes, 2. Penfolds Club Tawny, 3. Kopke 10 Year Tawny, 4. Feist 2000 Vintage Port. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. Austin is on vacation

AREA WINE BARS

Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

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

Photo by Claudio Matsuako

Zinful To Offer Introductory Wine Classes In February

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, is offering wine classes February 1 and 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The cost of $30 per person includes both classes and samples at each session. Seating is limited and the class must be paid for in advance.

The goal of this course, aimed at the novice wine drinker, is to arm the participants with the essential information to make a more informed choice when purchasing retail or at a restaurant. Topics will include how to read a wine label, how to taste, how to identify the differences between imported wine versus domestic, smart buying and much more. The course is scheduled for two hours over two consecutive weeks. Your instructor is Jim Krusinski, a Certified Wine Specialist. His daytime duties are wine sales for a wine distributor. At night, Jim has been educating the public in wine appreciation for the last 10 years. His approach is to take the myths and mystery out of the equation and to supply his students with practical information that is easy to use. Call (419) 878-9463 or stop by Zinful to sign up.

Owner Joyce Franzblau also announced that Zinful now has wine flights available every day and special flights of open wine Sundays through Thursday nights. There is a wine bottle special this winter on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you buy a bottle of wine you’ll receive a free appetizer for two or dessert to share.

Photo by Angelo Amboldi

Blue Rock 2009 Baby Blue Red Blend, Alexander Valley

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Blue Rock is an estate winery in Alexander Valley, Sonoma. They make only small quantities of affordable luxury reds.

They produce mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Syrah. There are three levels in their portfolio, the flagship Blue Rock Cabernet, Best Barrels and then the Baby Blue which is their most accessible and affordable.

The 2009 Baby Blue has a blend that has more Merlot than Cab: 39% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 9% Syrah. This is a glorious mix that teases the senses with a softness that is inviting.

I first discovered Baby Blue at Todd English’s Blue Zoo restaurant in Orlando during a board dinner. It provided a fantastic accompaniment to the upscale cuisine and immediately made my list of “go to” wines.

Most recently we opened the 2009 before heading out to Fat Fish Blue to ring in the new year with the band My 80s Vice. The wine has a wonderful floral bouquet. On the palate it is a rush of black berries and currant with accents of spice. It is a complete wine, with on target nose, flavor notes and round finish.

Highly recommended at about $25. Rated 4 of 5.

Technorati Tags: wine

Chocolate is for Lovers Wine Trail Event Set For February

2012-01-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

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 3, 4 and 10 and 11.

At a designated winery, you will pick up a candy dish and a Schott Zwiesel crystal wine glass. As you travel the trail, you will receive one or two samples of wine and a chocolate candy to fill your candy dish.

The cost is $50 per couple and $40 per single. Tickets are good for all four days. For additional details, go to the Ohio Wines Web site or call (800) 227-6972.

Tickets are limited and going fast, so hurry. So to be sure you aren't left out, get your tickets as soon as possible.

Participating wineries:
- Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry
- Biscotti's Family Winery, Conneaut
- Buccia Vineyards, Conneaut
- Debonne Vineyards, Madison
- Emerine Estates, Jefferson
- Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Geneva
- Grand River Cellars, Madison
- Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison
- Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake
- Old Mill Winery, Geneva
- The Winery at Spring Hill, Geneva
- Virant Family Winery, Geneva

Photo by Mayra Chiachia

Campus Oaks 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

We sampled this Zin for the first time as we visited with Glorious T and Ace of Bass, checking in for the Ohio Buckeyes’ game in the Gator Bowl. It turns out that the game was flat, but this wine was not.

This Zin is from the Lodi region, which is earning a reputation for spectacular Zinfandel. The grapes for this vintage were sourced from four blocks of vineyards which average 90 years of age.

The aroma is big with sassy flavors of raspberry and blackberry. The mouthfeel is silky and the finish is long. The enjoyment of the wine lasted much longer than the chances of Ohio State. The Campus Oaks finished with a nice flourish, while the Buckeyes had a short and disappointing finish!

This wine also packs a high value punch: it can be found for about $12.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Technorati Tags: wine,Zinfandel

Spy Valley 2004 Dry Riesling, Marlborough

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

New Zealand isn’t the first place I think of when considering Dry Riesling. In fact, it’s not even the fourth or fifth. So when I purchased a six-bottle year-end lot from an online wine company, I was intrigued to discover this bottle of Spy Valley Dry Riesling.

Green Dragon loves Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. The zesty wines have a combination of freshness and acidity that she really loves. Hopefully the Riesling would have the same allure.

But this bottle caused me to have some doubts beforehand for a couple of reasons. First, I’d never had a Riesling from New Zealand and second, seven-year-old white wines are an iffy proposition at best.

Fortunately, Riesling is an exception to the short lifespan of most white wines. The high acidity helps preserve the wine and even lets it age and develop interesting character.

That was the case with this wine which I found to be even more exotic than I imagine it was back in 2005 or 2006. The wine is a deep golden color. The aroma of petrol mostly masked the citrus smells. On the palate this wine compares very favorably to top Dry Rieslings, with minerality, citrus fruit and peach. This is a medium bodied wine with complexity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, but Green Dragon said the bouquet was a distraction for her.

The ‘04 Spy Valley is an evolved wine, it still is drinking well, but I expect that the roller coaster has crested the hill and is starting to move down the other side.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: January 4-7, 2012

2012-01-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Wednesday, January 4
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. New Year, New Closeouts: 1. Prima Perla Prosecco, 2. Scala Dei Negre Priorat, 3. Bell Cellars Syrah, 4. Renwood 2004 Vintage Port. $8 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Thursday, January 5

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Happy New Year, Closeouts Galore: 1. Si Soave – Italy, 2. The Flying Winemaker – Chardonnay – California, 3. Giorgio $ Gianni – Lambrusco – Italy, 4. Castle Rock – Syrah – Washington. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 2012 Closeout Tasting #1: 1. Cinque Terre Italian White Wine, 2. Moshin Vineyard Sonoma Pinot Noir, 3. Villa Nozzole Chianti Classico 2007, 4. Zynergy Zinfandel Sonoma, 5. Benzinger North Coast Syrah, 6. Wente Nth Degree Syrah, 7. Wente Nth Degree Merlot, 8. Thomas Schmitt Piesporter Goldtrpchen Riesling. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. Easy on the Palate (and the wallet!): 1. Vanessa Viura, 2. 2 Copas White, 3. Lady Grace Chardonnay, 4. 2 Copas Red. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, January 6
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Oregon Pinots: 1. Elk Cove Pinot Gris, 2. Erath Pinot Noir, 3. Big Fire Pinot Noir, 4. Rex Hill Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.

Saturday, January 7
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Oregon Pinots: 1. Elk Cove Pinot Gris, 2. Erath Pinot Noir, 3. Big Fire Pinot Noir, 4. Rex Hill Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM. New Years Resolution Wines. In honor of the New Year, we will be tasting six wines that you should definitely drink more of in 2012. These wines are classic regions under-appreciated and hot emerging areas we expect to make it big in 2012. Nominal fee per sample.
AREA WINE BARS

Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

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

90+ Cellars 2006 Lot 14 Zinfandel, McLaren Vale

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

This baby is one reason why Zinfandel is zooming up our list of wine favorites. We uncorked this while exchanging holiday greetings with our neighbors.

It is a full bodied red with medium tannins that has an opulent aroma.The palate is rich with dark berries and dark chocolate with a quenching nib of sweetness on the persistent finish.

Thirty-year-old vines provide the grapes for this estate-grown wine. The vineyard is located in the northern foothills of Australia’s McLaren Vale, an area known for producing elegant, powerful and complex wines.

When thinking of Australia, Shiraz immediately comes to mind. In fact, more than half of McLaren Vale’s grape production is Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Grenache are also widely grown. Although not as commonly planted there, this wine shows the great promise of McLaren Zin.

90+ Cellars has yet to disappoint me with their wine. This wine is recommended, especially as the cost was a measly $10 via an online special a year ago. Rating 4 out of 5.

Technorati Tags: wine,Zinfandel,McLaren Vale

Five New Years Wine Resolutions

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again. My morning workout at the Y is going to be jammed with New Years resolution-makers.

But experience tells me that by Valentines Day the normal order of things will be restored as willpower cracks and would-be workout mavens fall by the wayside. There’ll be plenty of elbow space in the locker room.

The following resolutions are not like that. Oh, no, not at all. These are my wine guideposts for the coming year:

1. Dig into more Old World wines. I am much more familiar with the different Finger Lakes than I am with the various appellations in Spain, for example. Although I enjoy wines from Europe, a larger percentage of my wine comes from the New World. Time to rebalance the scales.

2. Explore more California wineries. This one is on my list for next month when I plan to visit Temecula and Santa Barbara wineries. I enjoy the Other 46, but there are plenty of funky, indie wineries in Cali that need checking out.

3. Focus on quality, not quantity. For my own (somewhat small) cellar, I want to purchase fewer bottles of greater quality. I’m a loyal fan of the Quality Price Ratio, but I’m thinking I may want a nice $40 bottle versus two $20.

4. Write better, brighter and brilliantly. Since this is my sideline, my posts will need to continue to be short. But I want to challenge myself to pack more into my posts by writing better and conveying the experience of wine with more creativity and elegance.

5. Learn the inside story of Oregon wine. I’ll be attending the North American Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland this summer and I want to learn the wineries, regions and wines of this fantastic area. I’d like to start beforehand, so the trip there will be more illuminating.

Flickr photo by Mr. T in DC

Technorati Tags: wine,Oregon,Temecula

2010 Guardian Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2011-12-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

We were a little skeptical when we received news of a new wine club, Club W – geared toward the contemporary wine drinker who may have “more class than cash.”

The stated aim of the club is to present lesser known but high value boutique wines at affordable prices and bring wine into the 21st century with convenient videos from sommeliers and a hip attitude.

We tried one of of their club offerings, The Guardian, a Sonoma Cabernet. One interesting element of the label is a QR code that will send your smart phone or tablet to a web page about the wine. All the facts are there plus a quirky YouTube video. The host has a sense of style, witness the plaid sport coat, and provides a very engaging overview of the wine. The food pairing suggestions are also clever. For this Cab, for example, a suggested meal was bangers and mash.

The Guardian really delivers in terms of taste. This has a plush flavor of black currant and smoke. The tannins are seamless and the finish is like a watery wave crashing on the beach. This is one fine Cabernet!

What is astounding to me is the price point. When I looked at the web page, it listed it as $21.99 for members and $30 for non-members. That’s a pretty good value – but as I looked more closely, I saw that this is the price for a duo – two bottles of Sonoma goodness!

Members of Club W aren’t required to buy wine at any time. The pricing is mostly between $15 and $25, with some very good deals offered. They also offer “experiences” which are multi-bottle shipments ranging from $40 per month for three bottles or $120 per month for 12.

Although I prefer to patronize our local wine shops, I do buy wine on the internet. Club W is a creative and tasty addition to online options for wine lovers.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.

St. Joseph Vineyard Noir 12 + 1, 2008 Grand River Valley

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

This bottle accompanied our Christmas Day meal of duck with orange sauce, rice and lentil pilaf and brussel sprouts.

St. Joseph is an Ohio winery with a reputation for producing award-wining Pinot Noirs. We picked this wine up a couple years ago at the Vintage Ohio event.

We had been aiming for a reserve Pinot, but as luck would have it, they were sold out. We opted for the 12+1 wine, which is a blend of 12 red wine grapes.

Upon first sip, there was a bit of acidity. As the wine opened up, subsequently the wine had a pleasing full flavor of strawberry, sour cherry and a dash of cola.

This is a proprietary blend of 12 red grapes plus one white (Viognier). This accounts for its unusual moniker. The blend includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Merlot, Shiraz and Sangiovese.

It paired well with the duck and proved to be a nice Christmas gift.

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: December 28–31, 2011

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Image by mschot via Flickr

Wednesday, December 28
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Sparkling Wine and Champagne . $20 per flight.

Thursday, December 29
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Great Holiday Wines: 1. Laurent-Perrier Champagne, 2. Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay, 3. Stratton Lummis – “the Riddler,” 4. G & M Machmer – Gewurztraminer. $6 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Bubbly and More: 1. L.Mawby Sparkling Wine, 2. Gruet Sparkling Wine, 3. Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc, 4. L. Mawby Tailimon Sparkling Wine, 5. Mondoro Asti, 6. Conundrum Red Introductory, 7. Frog’s Leap Merlot. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Sparkling Wine and Champagne. $20.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, December 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. New Year Sparklers: 1. Zardetto Prosecco, 2. Roederer Estate, 3. Gruet Blanc de Noir, 4. Henriot Brut Souverain. $15 tasting.

Saturday, December 31
New Year’s Eve

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 6:00 PM. Wine & Dine at the Chef’s Table. Limited seating. Call Chef Kolhoff at above number. $150 pp.

AREA WINE BARS

Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

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

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