Holiday Wine Show Touts 2009’s Best

Walt Churchill’s Market was the scene for the Holiday Wine Show on Thursday, November 12. This special tasting featured wine manager Austin Beeman’s favorite wines for 2009.

This was not your average run of the mill tasting. Wines sampled ranged from a $24 bottle of German Riesling to “Dead Arm” Shiraz, priced at $42 for a half-bottle. The price for the full flight  of 12 top end wines was $45.

I sampled three, which I found to be excellent. I started with the 2003 Paolo Scavino Barolo. I was introduced just recently to Barolo and had a sensational Batasiolo Barolo at a tasting. This Barolo was nice, but the body was much weaker than my previous Barolo experience and the flavors less complex.

The buzz during the tasting was around the 2005 Clio. This is a Spanish proprietary blend from Jumilla. It’s a huge, vibrant wine composed of 70% old-vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a palate of raspberries and blueberries and a long finish. It has a price of $57.

I finished up with the 2005 Chateau Fombrauge Saint-Emilon Grand Cru. This is a mostly (77%) Merlot wine with a marvelous aroma and taste of black cherries and coffee. I found this to be my favorite of the evening. While the Clio was a crowd favorite (and a wonderful wine), the Chateau Fombrauge had a smokiness and sophisticated flavor that earned my highest marks of the evening. A bottle goes for $60.

Here’s Austin’s complete Holiday Wine Show roster:

• Max Ferd Richter 2007 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett.
• Zind-Humbrecht 2006 Riesling “Herrenweg de Turckheim”
• Chalk Hill 2006 Chardonnay
• Phillippe Colin 2006 Chassagne-Montrachet “Les Chenes”
• Paolo Scavino 2003 Barolo
• Chateau Fombrauge 2005 Saint-Emilon Grand Cru
• Saint Luke’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Clio 2005
• Dona Paula 2005 Tannat-Malbec
• JC Cellars 2004 Syrah “Rockpile”
• D’Arenberg 2003 Shiraz “The Dead Arm”
• “Le Tertre du Lys D’Or 2002 Sauterns

Certainly a delightful dozen.

Technorati Tags: wine,Ohio,Toledo

Cat In The Hat Wine Dinner Benefits Humane Society

A lively crowd enjoyed a tasty Italian feast accompanied by wine at Sebastiano’s Italian Restaurant on Monday, November 9, at the  Cat in the Hat benefit for the Toledo Area Humane Society.
Four wines were served with the dinner: Fat Cat Chardonnay, California; Little Black Dress Cabernet, California, House Wine Red, Washington; and Lunetta Prosecco, Italy. Wine was provided by Glazers distributors.

The Fat Cat was snappy, but wasn’t our favorite selection. The Little Black Dress Cab is a smooth and tasty selection. This wine is a crowd pleaser.

Also accompanying the delicious pasta entree was House Wine Red. This is from the Magnificent Wine Company in Washington that makes some terrific wine. Don’t be put off by the label, which looks like it was hand drawn. This is a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Any wine that includes Malbec AND Cabernet Franc is a winner in my book. It is an opulent wine from the Columbia Valley with a taste of complexity and smokiness.

The final wine was Lunetta Prosecco from Italy. This wine  is produced in northern Italy’s Trentino region by Cavit.  It is a sparkling and fragrant with aromas of apple and peach. We had just sampled this and felt it wasn’t as crisp and dry as we liked when we made a pleasant discovery. It paired very nicely with the chocolate mousse dessert and countered some of the sweetness of the wine.

Adding to the enjoyment of the evening was entertainment by a youthful troupe that performed a number from the Cat in the Hat musical. Guests also were able to capture the memory of the evening through Photoboothlive. If you haven’t done this before, it goes beyond photography and is a fun activity in itself. Photo subjects pick props from a large assortment and then pose in front of the screen. After you click to take your pictures, they are displayed as a photo slide show and you can later order them online.

“Hats off” to the organizers of this enjoyable event.

IceRocket Tags: wine tastings,wine

Wine Affair at Levis Commons Nov. 20

One of the top wine events in the region is drawing near. The 18th annual Wine Affair fundraiser to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio will be held 6:30 p.m. Friday,  November 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. The event, titled “Through the Drinking Glass,” will be hosted by Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV.

Austin Beeman of Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee is overseeing the wine. He relates that there will be 13 tables full of wine to sample. Black tie is optional, but not expected.
The honorary chairman is Robert LaClair, President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank of Northwest Ohio. All of the proceeds will stay in northwest Ohio to help the Foundation empower patients to manage kidney disease through patient assistance programs.

Grazing stations will feature appetizers from top area restaurants including Kotobuki, LaScola Italian Grill, Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, Poco Piatti, Beirut, Byblos, The Melting Pot and Wixey Bakery. Silent and live auctions will also be part of the evening. Artist Robert Schira will paint and frame watercolors which will be sold during the auction. Musical entertainment will be provided by pianist Gayle McClellan.

Funds raised during the Wine Affair will help continue patient assistance programs such as dialysis transportation, temporary financial assistance with renal medications, proper renal nutrition, medical supplies as well as help during emergency situations.

Tickets are  $95. For tickets or more information call (419) 329-2353 or e-mail sevans@kfnwo.org.

IceRocket Tags: wine tastings,wine

Photo by Sam Catchesides

Fishin’ For Wine at Bonefish Grill

A trip to Columbus for a presentation found my wife and I at the Bonefish Grill. We were staying in the Polaris area and originally stopped at Eddie Merlot’s. That restaurant had a packed parking lot and a wait of an hour – quite a surprise for a Thursday evening.

Seafood sounded good so we opted for the Bonefish Grill. The Bonefish Grill is an upscale seafood chain and did not disappoint.

Green Dragon ordered the Lobster Thermador Dorado, which has lobster and Mahi Mahi. I ordered the Norwegian Salmon with sautéed spinach  and gorgonzola cheese.

To go with my salmon I had the Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This New Zealand wine is fruit forward and crisp – a classic example of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc. It is light gold in color with a citrus aroma and flavor of grapefruit. Although a good match for salmon, the sharpness of the gorgonzola almost overpowered this glass.

For my second glass, I tried the 2006 Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is 50% oak aged and 50% stainless steel tank. This reduces the oaky flavor. The wine has flavor notes of pear and apple with a touch of spiciness. It has a nice round flavor and full finish.

Green Dragon enjoyed the Martin Codax Albarino from Spain. This white wine is food friendly and dry. It had flavors of apple, apricot and lemon. This wine was acceptable, but nothing special. On this night in a head-to-head comparison with the Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, it came up short. It lacked complexity and had no finish.

We finished our meal with a delicious chocolate crème brulee. Outstanding!

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Gala Sumptuous Success

Wine, elegance and altruism blended beautifully at the 22nd Annual Mobile Meals of Toledo Wine Gala held Saturday, November 7, at the Stranahan Great Hall. Tastings were offered of 89 different wines, a sumptuous meal was served and awesome auctions entertained the crowd.

The charity, of course, is a most worthy one. Not only is this a sensational evening of wine and Mobile Meals home-delivered meal program is designed to enable the elderly, ill, disabled, homebound, the convalescing and all those who need assistance with diet and meal preparation to remain in their own homes and retain the dignity and independence they treasure. More than 600 clients are served daily and more than 500,000 meals are delivered annually.

To give you a flavor of the event, here is a list of each of the distributors participating along with two of the wines they provided (most provided six):

• 55 Degrees: Ormond Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and La Fiorita Rosso Laurus, Montalcino.
• Berman Wines: Hayman & Hill Interchange White and Genesis Syrah.
• Bowling Green Beverage: Guntrum “Firewine” Kabinett and Schild Estate Shiraz.
• Cutting Edge Selections: 2006 Foxen  Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, CA, and 2002 Eyrie Reserve Pinot , Willamette Valley, OR.
•     DJP Selections: 2005 Five Star Cellars “Stellar” Red Bordeaux Blend and 2006 DASH “Icicles” Riesling Ice Wine.
• European Wine Imports: La Fleur Mondesir Bergerac Rose and 2005 Chateau Vergnes-Beaulieu.
• Glazers: Lost Angel Mischief and Volteo Tempranillo.
• Heidelberg: Folie a deux Zinfandel and Napa Cellars Merlot.
• Natural States Wines: Ledgewood Creek Three Clone Chardonnay and Willow Glen Port.
• Solera: 2008 Kiona Riesling, WA, and 2006 Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee, CA.
• Tramonte and Sons Inc.: Maryhill Winemaker’s Red Blend and Castillo de Monseran Garnacha.
• Vanguard Wines: Joel Gott Relative Red Blend and Joel Gott Dillian Ranch Zinfandel.
• Vintage Wines: Lucien Albrecht Pinot Blanc, Alsace, and Ravenswood Teldeschi Vineyard Zinfandel.
• Wine Trends: Pillar Box Red and Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Malbec.
• Wines LLC: 2007 Taft Street Winery Russian River Chardonnay, Sonoma, and 2008 Ascheri Moscato d’Asti, DOCG, Piedmont, Italy.

The dinner menu featured a one-half apricot glazed Cornish game hen with a sliced pork tenderloin served with a medley of sweet potatoes, butternut squash and onions. Table wine was 2008 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier and 2005 Heavyweight Red Cabernet Sauvignon.
The live auction included an eye-popping assortment of wines. One lot of “sensational Cabernet Sauvignons” included a 1975 Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown, a 1990 Sterling Vineyards Diamond Mount Ranch and 10 other prized bottles.

The pinnacle of the auction was the featured lot, which included three bottles: 2001 Chateau Latour, 2001 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and 2001 Chateau Mouton Rothschild. The wines, valued at $1,650, were donated by Bob Bennett and Holly Jensen.For those with somewhat

more modest budgets, there was a plethora of silent auction items.

Congratulations to Honorary Chair John Graham, General Chair Dr. Joanie Barrett, Executive Director Maureen Stevens, Associate Executive Director Carolyn Fox and all the volunteers, staff and sponsors who contributed to this outstanding success.

TOP PHOTO – Ryan Roos and Erika Heindorff enjoying the Gala.
BOTTOM PHOTO – Executive Director Maureen Stevens and the featured live auction wine lot.

Technorati Tags: wine,wine gala,mobile meals

Vino 100 Wine Bar A Hot Spot

On Friday the tasting team from Toledo Wine and Vines paid a visit to the newly opened Vino 100 Wine Bar, located at 3355 Briarfield Blvd. Suite C, in Maumee. This is right next door to where the Vino 100 Wine Shop was formerly located.

Owners Diana Whitman and George Burk made a short move that has paid off handsomely. The attractive wine shop now serves as the foyer for the wine bar, which is located in back.

We weren’t sure what to expect. The wine bar was open for only two days prior to our visit. We walked in and found the place abuzz with activity.

The wine bar is tastefully decorated in muted colors and low lighting. There was a hip, sophisticated vibe with plenty of energy, but not too noisy to have a good conversation with friends. George and Diana were hustling back and forth to keep up with the hungry and thirsty visitors. According to Diana, the turnout on opening night was almost too much to handle. You could tell by her smile that dealing with success is a pleasant problem indeed.

My wife and I had eaten, but Glorious T and Spiderman had not, so they were ready to test the culinary “chops” of the interns from Owens Community College. The food menu is tapas style – an assortment of small dishes – just right to accompany your wine. We ordered a pesto and red pepper cheese dip plate while our companions ordered the Greek Salad and the scallop plate (which came with a small salad of greens).

For my first glass I chose the Wild Rush Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Chenin Blanc is the main grape in Vouvray wines from France, which Green Dragon and I really enjoy. While wines from Argentina and Chile have received much play, South African wines are hard to find in the Toledo area. This wine is a winner with a straw yellow color and crisp citrus palate.

Green Dragon selected the Tenuta Rapitala Piano Maltese Bianco, a white blend of Catarratto and Grillo grapes from Sicily. It had a elegant somewhat spicy taste.

The Stacato Malbec Cabernet blend was the selection for Glorious T and Spiderman. They liked it, but didn’t love it and perhaps would have enjoyed a richer Malbec. The good news is that with 30 wines by the glass on the menu, if you find one you don’t like, there’s always more to try.

Vina Borgia Grenache from Spain was the next glass for Green Dragon. She likes fruit forward wines and this suited her perfectly. Grenache is a grape that produces soft yet full bodied wines with deep notes of red berries. The wines aren’t particularly complex, but certainly are pleasing.

I wrapped up with the most expensive glass on the menu ($14), the Duckhorn Merlot. This Napa Valley Merlot has small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon added. It has a wonderful bouquet of plum and raspberry. The finish  is long lingering and wonderful with a taste of graham cracker.

The Vino 100 Wine Bar is open until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until midnight Thursday through Saturday. This is a great destination for wine lovers and also those looking for a light bite in a different venue. The Vino 100 Wine Shop is also open in the same location to serve your wine needs.

del.icio.us Tags: wine,merlot,Maumee

Turkey Trot Event Scheduled Nov. 14

The Wine Growers of the Grand River Valley (Geneva, Ohio, area) are offering a special progressive tasting event on November 14. Join them for an afternoon at Debonne Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyard tasting fine wines paired with dishes from your Thanksgiving dinner.

The cost for the event is $5 at each winery and includes wine  samples, food pairings and recipes. The event is scheduled from noon to 5:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Here’s a list of what is planned at each winery:

* Debonné Vineyards - Pulled Turkey Sandwich
* Ferrante Winery & Ristorante - Cranberry Tart paired with Cabernet Franc Ice wine
* Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant – Stuffing
* Laurello Vineyards - Turkey pizza with ground turkey, leeks, roasted red peppers and feta cheese
* St. Joseph Vineyard - Pumpkin Cheesecake Tarts

Bring a canned food item into each winery and receive $1 off your ticket price. The donations will go to the local food banks. No reservations necessary. For more information call Debonne Vineyards at 800-424-WINE or e-mail  info@debonne.com.

Photo by Chris Willis

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Nov. 9, 2009

Monday, November 9

** Special Event** Cat in the Hat dinner and wine tasting to benefit the Toledo Area Humane Society,  6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, November 9, at Sebastiano’s Italian Restaurant, 4448 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo. Tickets are $50, seating is limited. Includes five-course Italian dinner, four wine, live entertainment, a photo booth, raffle prizes and more. Benefits the animals of the Toledo Area Humane Society. For tickets call Patty Geld at (419) 482-7101 or order online from TAHS.

Tuesday, November 10
** Special Event ** Musical instrument drive and scholarship fundraiser. Manhattan’s Restaurant, 1516 Madison Street, Toledo, on Tuesday, November 10. To benefit the BeInstrumental Foundation and will feature an evening of music, gourmet food and wine. Tickets are $25. Instruments may be  dropped off at starting at  5:00 p.m. Wine tasting starts promptly at 6:30p.m. A jazz performance by the Damen Cook Trio is slated 7:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m . Information and reservations are available by calling Jeff Green at (567) 343-2274 or making a reservation online.

Wednesday, November 11  
 Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Ventisquero Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 12
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Around the World with Merlot, the comfort red. 1. Chateau Saint Sulpice, Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France, 2. Santa Ema Reserve merlot, Maipo Valley, Chile, 3. Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot, Sonoma County, 4. di Lenardo, Just Me Merlot, Italy. $8 per flight. Can also purchase by individual samples.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800.  Viva Espana! Tempranillo and Garnacha and Albarino, oh my! Spanish wines are always high atop the list of recommendations due to their amazingly consistent quality and value. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Special Holiday Tasting. Austin’s favorites from 2009. Two tables of some of our best wines. No reservations necessary. 6-8 PM.

Friday, November 13  
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Turkey Day Rieslings. 1. Wolf Blass, 2. Firelands, 3. Naked Winery, 4. G&M Machmer Spatlese. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Viva Espana! Tempranillo and Garnacha and Albarino, oh my! Spanish wines are always high atop the list of recommendations due to their amazingly consistent quality and value. SPECIAL GUEST: Cory McQuillin from 55 Degrees (Ohio wine wholesaler) will sample three beautifully rich Sherrys. There will also be plenty of delicious whites and reds to choose from as well. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Wine Me, Dine Me, $9.99 Me Wine Tasting. Tasting 5 wines under $10 from 12-4. $2 Wine Shop only. 
Saturday, November 14 

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Turkey Day Rieslings. 1. Wolf Blass, 2. Firelands, 3. Naked Winery, 4. G&M Machmer Spatlese. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Napa Valley Wines (with special guest).Noon to 5 PM. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.
 

del.icio.us Tags: wine,wine tasting,Toledo,Maumee,Rossford,Perrysburg