Wine List: Toledo Wines and Vines Tasting at At Corks August 12 -13 -- Don't Miss This One!

Here it is. We've put our heads together with wine manager Mike Gregg and have a great lineup for our first public wine tasting, to be held 6:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday and Friday, August 12 and 13, at Corks Wine & Liquor,Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. There may be a couple changes for Friday to make it a lucky Friday the 13th.

Anne Amie ‘09 Muller-Thurgau (Oregon) - Crisp, fresh, and dry.  From chicken to shellfish, this wine is a versatile match for mildly spicy foods like Thai, Creole, or Mexican. Thomas Houseman, the winemaker for Anne Amie, visited the Toledo Museum of Art for a winetasting. We were excited to try their Pinot Noirs (for which they are well known), but Thomas said his favorite was the the white Muller-Thurgau. We were knocked out by it.


Hugel Gentil ‘07 (Germany) — This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition that wines assembled from noble grape varieties were called "Gentil". Gentil "Hugel" allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Sylvaner. This is an outstanding blend of Alsacian whites we sampled a few months ago.

Cascade Cliffs Goat Head Red NV (Washington) — A blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel and Barbera. Named after a goat that used to wonder the cliffs above the vineyard this easy drinking red wine is designed to enjoy without deliberation. Light and fruity with a clean finish. It's a pizza, pasta, burger wine! OK, we love Washington wines. This is a very tasty red we tried at a previous Corks tasting.

Las Rocas Vinas Viejas ‘07 (Spain) — 100% Old Vine Garnacha (minimum of 45-year-old). Polished, elegant and layered with lush fruit. Aged in American and French oak. We were rocked by the Las Rocas Garnacha -- now Mike is breaking out the special reserve Garnacha. The older the vines the more we like.

Ampelos Syrache ‘06 (California) — Syrah, Grenache blend full of bright fruit flavors, especially cherried. Perfectly balanced with acidity and tannins and notes of earthiness and pepper. Two of our tasting team members sampled Ampelos wines at a special VIP tasting and then shared some samples with the rest of the crew. We love Ampelos and this is a cool blend.

Seghesio Barolo Viigneto La Villa ‘05 (Italy) — What a beautiful nose, with flowers, licorice, ripe fruit and fresh leather. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful ripeness of fruit, yet this is balanced and structured. Very polished. We were introduced to Barolo at a Corks tasting and fell in love with the king of Italian wines. This is liquid elegance.

See you at Corks!

Photo by Robert Donovan

TWAV Invites You To Our First Public Wine Tasting August 12 & 13

Can't make it to Colorado for the Aspen Food and Wine Classic? Economy cut short your flight to Paris?

No worries.

The hottest wine tasting will be taking place right in your own backyard as Toledo Wines and Vines takes over Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford, (419) 872-6800, on Thursday and Friday, August 12 and 13, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, for its first public wine tasting.

We're busting out a special selection of  favorite red and white wines chosen by the TWAV tasting team with the help of a nervous Corks wine manager Mike Gregg.

Corks has a great selection of wine and an excellent set-up for wine tastings. Mike often rolls movies on the flat panel screen that tie in with the theme of the tasting. The tastings run from $1 to $3 per sample and you can try the whole flight or just selected samples.There are no rules for this tasting -- only wine that rocks.

You'll have a chance to chat with members of our tasting team and you can share any suggestions or comments you have about the blog (while enjoying some outstanding wine).

Be a part of history -- or maybe infamy -- at the first Toledo Wines and Vines wine tasting at Corks!

Photo by Jenny Downing

  

Surviving Snowmaggedon With Wine

When "Snowmaggedon" hit the Toledo area, most people headed to the grocery store to stock up and maybe to Home Depot for a shovel -- not your Toledo Wines and Vines tasting team. We had been planning to go to the Sonoma County Pinot Noir tasting at Aficionado with Sax Man and Wine Chick, but the snow began falling in earnest. A brisk wind made the flakes shoot across horizontally. Luckily for our readers, neither snow, nor wind, nor common sense could deter us from the wine tasting -- in fact we also decided to go to the Cork's tasting of blended wines as well.

Aficionado was crowded. Apparently being surrounded by wine and friends is a fun way to flaunt the advice of "Blizzard" Bill Spencer, the Channel 13 weatherman.

We opened with the 2007 MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinor Noir. This is a classic Pinot with rich aromas of red fruit, but it seemed like it could use a bit more time in the bottle. Certainly a nice wine, but our least favorite of the evening.

The 2007 Taft Street Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was a popular pick, not only with our gang, but other tasters as well. This is very reasonably priced at $19.99. It has a big bouquet with a woodsy flavor. I've noticed Taft Street featured at some top restaurants across the country and now I know why. This is also a great QPR (Quality Price Ratio).

The 2007 Schug Sonoma Coast Pinor Noir is a delicate Pinot that is steel fermented. It has cherry and spice in the mouth. This is well balanced and a great wine.

The grand finale was the 2006 Scherrer Sonoma County Pinot Noir. This is priced at $39.99 and is on a different plateau than the other Pinots. Only 360 cases of this gem were produced. Upon swirling and enjoying the wine visually, great "legs" were evident. These little runners down the inside of the glass are taken by some to be a mark of quality for red wine, although I understand it has mostly to do with the alcohol content. This is a harmonious wine with a cola and lightly toasted oak taste. It has a central fruit element as well. In short, this was the crown prince of the evening, with Taft Street coming in a close second.

Outside the storm was getting worse, so we did the logical thing and headed for Corks.

Featured for this evening were wine blends and we started with a 2008 Eric Ross Marsanne-Roussanne from the Russian River Valley in California. This is a rich, North Rhone style blend. It is light straw in color with a rustic flavor.

Our next glass was the Chateau Virgile 2007Costieres de Nimes Rouge. This red is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. This is a tasty wine with staying power.

Next up was the Newton 2005 Napa Valley Claret. Claret is an old English term applied to red Bordeaux blends. This is a wine that is casual yet sophisticated.  It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. It has flavors of black cherry and blackberries. This was the most enjoyable wine of the evening at Corks. It costs about $17.

Rounding out the evening was D'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie 2006, a Shiraz Viognier blend from Australia. The vineyards and bushlands around the D'Arenberg winery are full of the the unique native Australian bird, the Kookaburra, famous for its distinctive laughing call. Two daughters of the winemaker began calling the birds "the laughing magpies" and the name stuck -- to the birds as well as the wine. This wine has a rich fruit aroma and a lush mouthfilling flavor of cranberries, blueberries and cherries. The 2006 vintage is said to be one of the best for this wine. D'Arenberg also makes the well-known "The Stump Jump" wines and the high end "The Dead Arm" Shiraz. The Laughing Magie was nice, but a tad too fruit-driven for my liking.

Warmed by the fruit of the grape, we headed back out into the swirling snow...

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Jan. 18, 2010

Wednesday, January 20
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. Italian wines. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, January 21
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Pay per flight or pay by the sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Call in the Reserves. Ever wonder what it means when ’Reserve’ is scribbled on a wine label? Does it mean anything at all? Stop  in and find out. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Friday, January 22
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Montaribodi, Piedmont, Italy. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines. 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco, 2. Allegrini Valpolicella, 3. La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo, 4. Bricco Riella Moscato d’Asti. $10 tasting.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Call in the Reserves. Ever wonder what it means when ’Reserve’ is scribbled on a wine label? Does it mean anything at all? Stop  in and find out. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 23
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines. 1. Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco, 2. Allegrini Valpolicella, 3. La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo, 4. Bricco Riella Moscato d’Asti. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Re-examining Australian Wines. Pay by the flight or the sample.

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

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Jan. 11, 2010

Wednesday, January 13
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, January 14
The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting.  5-7 PM. Closeouts Galore: 1. The Originals- 2006 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley; 2. 2005 Emilio Moro- Ribera del Deuro; 3.  2003 Martin and Weyrich- Etrusco, Super Tuscan-like blend; 4. 2006 Yangarra Park – Grenache. $5.50 per flight or pay by the sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting, 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. California wines will be featured. 6-8 PM, $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sacrebleau! Ahhh, vive la France! Drop in and find out why this is the greatest winemaking country in the world. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. -"Vino 100 Live" Calen Savidge 7:30-10:30 PM. Acoustic Guitar.

Friday, January 15
* Special Event * Wine by the Glass Winemakers Series, Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bonny Doon, Central Coast California. Enjoy four wines, light snacks and a view of glassmakers working in the Hot Shop. Cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Fireside Merlot. 1. Santa Ema, 2. Four sisters, 3. Rancho Sisquoc, 4. Markham. $10 tasting.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sacrebleau! Ahhh, vive la France! Drop in and find out why this is the greatest winemaking country in the world. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 16
* Special Event * Vineyard Adventure: Polar Opposites, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway, Arctic Encounters Pavilion, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and socializing. Cost $35 per person for members, $40 for non-members. Tickets are limited. Must be 21 or over. Reservations can be made by calling (419) 385-5721.

* Special Event * Wine and Cheese Party Benefit for Perrysburg Area Historic Museum, Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, 502 E. 2nd St., Perrysburg, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Stella's (104 Louisiana Ave.) or Biaggi's in Levis Commons. Help fund renovation of the Spafford House, which will be site of the organization's museum. Michael Gregg, wine manager at Corks Wine and Liquor, will discuss what makes a good wine as well as which ones to avoid.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Fireside Merlot. 1. Santa Ema, 2. Four sisters, 3. Rancho Sisquoc, 4. Markham. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Joseph Voillot 2002. Volnays and Pommards. Premium tasting. Will be a bit more expensive than normal. Pay by the flight or the sample.

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

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Jan. 4, 2010

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

Thursday, January 7
The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Nominal charge.


The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Talmadge Road 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sippin' on some Southern Hemi: Sure, we all wish we were down there right about now, but let's face it: We're in Ohio! Well I say nuts to that! Time to drink like we're in Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand.Cost $1 to $3 per sample.


Friday, January 8
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Chardonnay: Burgundy vs. California. 1. Larochette Macon Morizottes, 2. Morgan “Highland,” 3. Bouchard Bourgogne, 4. Rombauer. $10 tasting.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Sippin' on some Southern Hemi: Sure, we all wish we were down there right about now, but let's face it: We're in Ohio! Well I say nuts to that! Time to drink like we're in Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand.Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Saturday, January 9
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Chardonnay: Burgundy vs. California. 1. Larochette Macon Morizottes, 2. Morgan “Highland,” 3. Bouchard Bourgogne, 4. Rombauer. $10 tasting.


Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Great Closeout Values (Whites and Reds). Pay by the flight or the sample.

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Dec. 21, 2009

Wednesday, December 23
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Christmas Cabernets. Join us in the wine shop as we taste through five fantastic cabernets so you can find the perfect bottle for your holiday celebration! All day event. (Store hours 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Thr Procrastinator's Tasting. Hey, I'm talking to you! Wine makes a great gift for just about anyone. It's also fun to drink. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.


Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Special hours: The wine shop will be open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. The wine bar will be open 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas 


Saturday, December 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Sparkling Wines and Champagne. 1. Argyle Brut, 2. Mumm Napa Cuvee M, 3. Roedere Brut Premier, 4. A. Margaine Premier Cru Demi-Sec. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Noon to 5 PM. Customer Appreciation Tasting. Special pricing. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.

Technorati Tags: wine

Washington Wine: A Dash Of Taste

The wines of Washington were center stage last week at Cork’s as Dave Pirwitz of DJP Selections sampled a selection of fine Evergreen State wines.

Featured wines included:

Thurston Wolfe PGV – A 2008 blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Pinot Gris.  Crisp with flavors of orange and tropical fruit. Should be nice with chicken and seafood dishes.

Alexandria Nicole 2008 Shepherd’s Mark -- We like the wines from this boutique winery. This wine is named after markers, still standing, left by sheepherders in Horse Heaven Hills along the  ridge line the  Destiny Ridge estate vineyard. This

is a  Rhone Blend of Rousanne, Marsanne and Viognier. A tasty white with layers of fig, lemon and baked apple. Complex flavor with a refreshingly finish.

Thurston Wolfe 2007 Doctor Wolfe’s Family Red – Something different for us, this is a unique blend of Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Lemberger.  Spicy, fruity and full-bodied.

Elegante Cellars 2007 Sangiovese – Another pick from a Walla Walla Valley boutique winery. Tasty but not the favorite.

Five Star Cellars 2006 Merlot – This was the winner of the evening. Lush mouth feel with black cherry,  pepper and spice. An extended round finish with subtle oaking.

Dama Syrah 2007 – Dama is a high-end winery by two women winemakers. Only 290 cases were made of this great smoky and spicy Syrah. This wine is an excellent buy.

Make The Dash Count Icicles 2006 Riesling Ice Wine - This is a nicely balanced ice wine with floral and cinnamon aromas. Intensely sweet with flavors of honey and ripe apricots. Sales of the wine benefit the Make the Dash Count Foundation which educates youth in the responsibilities of community leadership and charitable giving. 

While enjoying the great tasting, the topic turned to the the inspirational poem, The Dash. The Dash is an poem by Linda Ellis and refers to the dates on a gravestone. The key message is it’s not your birth date or date of death that matters, but what you do with your life (represented by the dash between the two dates).

It’s a heavy thought best pondered with a glass of nice wine…

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Dec. 14, 2009

Wednesday, December 16
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, December 17
The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Nominal charge.

The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Talmadge Road 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Badass Wines. So you think wine is for book groups, knitting circles and Sunday school? WRONG. We dare you to drop in and tremble before a wine lineup that’s way tougher than you are. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Friday, December 18
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Christmas Cabs. 1. Canyon’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Stag’s Leap Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Steltzner Cabernet Franc. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Badass Wines. So you think wine is for book groups, knitting circles and Sunday school? WRONG. We dare you to drop in and tremble before a wine lineup that’s way tougher than you are. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Saturday, December 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Christmas Cabs. 1. Canyon’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Stag’s Leap Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Steltzner Cabernet Franc. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Noon to 5 PM. Plumpjack/Cade Winery (and special holiday tasting). Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.

Technorati Tags: wine

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Dec. 7, 2009

Monday, December 7
Gil and Jen Evans will host an Old World wine tasting at their restaurant Pasta Fina, 5931 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, (419) 866-0670. The event is from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Six wines will be paired with Pasta Fina dishes and appetizers. This event is casual. Tickets are on sale now, or at the door. Reserving your seats now could be a good idea, as space is limited.

Wednesday, December 9
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, December 10
The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Nominal charge.

The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Talmadge Road 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wow, Wow Washington. Washington state has been tearing up the wine scene for decades and right now wines from the Evergreen State are better than ever. Join special guest Dave Perwitz of DJP Selections as we pour some delicious Washington gems. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100 Shop, Wine Bar and Lounge, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Vino 100 Live Music. John E. Cash. Guess what they'll be playing. See you there! 7:30 – 10:30 PM.

Friday, December 11
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Shiraz. 1. d'Arenberg "Stump Jump" Shiraz, 2. Layer Cake Shiraz, 3. Marquis Philips Shiraz, 4. Hope "The Ripper" Shiraz. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Wow, Wow Washington. Washington state has been tearing up the wine scene for decades and right now wines from the Evergreen State are better than ever. Join special guest Dave Perwitz of DJP Selections as we pour some delicious Washington gems. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Special Event: Tannenbaum Trail. Self-driving tour of 13 Northeast Ohio wineries.

Saturday, December 12
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Red Blends. 1. Palo Alto Reserve, 2. Bangin Red, 3. Mary Hill, 4. Rancho Sisquoc River Red. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Noon to 5 PM. Burgundy and Bordeaux with Krystal Di Matteo. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.

Special Event: Tannenbaum Trail. Self-driving tour of 13 Northeast Ohio wineries.

Special Event: Holiday Open House at Sandhill Crane Vineyard, Jackson, Michigan.

Sunday, December 13

Special Event: Holiday Open House at Sandhill Crane Vineyard, Jackson, Michigan.

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Nov. 30, 2009

Monday, November 30
 Vino 100 Shop, Wine Bar and Lounge, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Meet the Artist Night-Introducing Jorge Gallardo. Help us Welcome Jorge as he introduces us to his style of Art. A flute of sparkling wine, a glass of white wine, along with cheese and bread will be offered for only $10! Starts at 7:30 pm.


Tuesday, December 1
The wines of South America will be featured Tuesday, December 1, at Capers Pizza Bar, 2038 S. Byrne Rd, Toledo, (419) 389-9900 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be seven wines paired with seven light courses. The event is very casual and will appeal to beginning wine drinkers as well as the aficionado. Tickets are for sale in advance or at the door.

Wednesday, December 2   
 Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Holiday Wines. $15.

Thursday, December 3
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. 2005 Bordeaux: 1. Chateau De Sales – mostly Merlot Blend – Pomerol, 2. Chateau Leoville Poyferre’ – Red Blend – Saint Julien, 3. Chateau Cantemerle – Red Blend– Haut-Medoc, 4. Chateau Talbot – Red Blend – Saint Julien. $20 per flight. Available by individual samples as well.

The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Talmadge Road 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800.  6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100 Wine Bar and Lounge, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Vino 100 Live. Join us starting at 7:30 pm as we welcome Gregg Aranda to play for your enjoyment. See you there! 7:30 – 10:30 PM

Friday, December 4
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Red Blends. 1. Palo Alto Reserve, 2. Bangin Red, 3. Mary Hill, 4. Rancho Sisquoc River Red. $10 tasting.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Champagne Tasting. RSVP (419) 351-3335.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Saturday, December 5
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Red Blends. 1. Palo Alto Reserve, 2. Bangin Red, 3. Mary Hill, 4. Rancho Sisquoc River Red. $10 tasting.

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

Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Nov. 23

Wednesday, November 25    
 Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Latest Arrival Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving: No wine tastings scheduled. Enjoy some nice wine with your turkey!
Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite C, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Closed for Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 27  
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Italian Wines 1. Maso Canali Pinot Grigio, 2. Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, 3. Felsina Chianti Classico, 4. Uccelliera Rosso. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Comfortably Numb. So you survived another thanksgiving? Way to go. Chances are you’re ecstatic that it’s over, or just plain irritable since you knw that this is only the beginning. Either way, you’re filled to the gills. Let’s wind down and relax with some lighter-bodied whites and reds. But make no mistake – wimpy wines need not apply. 6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass. 

Saturday, November 21 
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Italian Wines 1. Maso Canali Pinot Grigio, 2. Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, 3. Felsina Chianti Classico, 4. Uccelliera Rosso. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Blind Tasting of 2005 Bordeaux under $30. Noon to 5 PM. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.

The Supreme Sweetness of Spanish Sherry

Sherry is a wine that goes unnoticed by many American wine drinkers. I’m one of them. When I want to savor a wine I may go for a Malbec, Meritage or Cabernet, but Sherry is not top of mind.
This interesting wine was the focus of the weekly tasting at Corks Wine and Liquor on Friday, November 13. For some of the guests, it was their lucky day. Cory McQuillin was presenting samples of three Sherrys from Emilio Lustau, a top quality Sherry producer as part of wine manager Mike Gregg’s Spanish wine tasting.

Authentic Sherry from southwestern Spain, is considered on the of world’s best fortified wines. Sherry can range from dry to very sweet. It is fortified with alcohol, typically  brandy, which increases the alcohol content to 15 to 18 percent. Even premium Sherry is very reasonably priced.

Making Sherry is truly an art. Sherry is aged in oak casks in a bodega, which is an airy, above ground building which is very much in contrast with the dark, damp underground cellars usually used to age wine.

The Sherry is aged using the Solera system. Each wine barrel is filled about two-thirds full. To make room for the new wine, some wine is withdrawn from barrels and added to barrels of even older wine resulting in a continuous blending of new and old wine to make new Sherry.

As part of the fermentation process a type of yeast called Flor is allowed to grow in the cask. It floats on the surface of the wine to provide a barrier between the wine and the air. Flor has a big impact on the flavor and character of the Sherry.

We worked our way through a nice sampling of wines before we were ready for the Sherry. Other Spanish wines on the sampling list were: 1. Familia Oliveda Cava, 2. Alberino Ver Diniar 2008 a nice Rias Baixas white, 3. Naia 2006 Verdejo, 4. Atteca Grenache Old Vines 2007, 5. Tito Pesquera 2006 DOC Grenache and a bonus wine 6) Las Rocas 2006 Granacha. Of these, our favorite was the Tito Pesquera.

We were then ready for the Sherry. I told Cory that we were heading into an uncharted sweetness territory for my wife and I. We started with the Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Sherry, “Los Arcos.” The last time I heard about Amontillado, someone was being bricked up in a wine cellar in an Edgar Allan Poe story.

This Sherry is made from the Palomino Fino grape varietal. It is dry (apparently as Sherry goes) and soft. It is nutty and raisiny. In fact raisin, fig and prune flavor predominate Sherry – at least in my initial experience. This was nice to sip and is suggested as a warming aperitif.

Next was the Deluxe Cream “Capataz Andres.” This was a deeper, tea-color amber. Again, it exhibited the raisin and fig flavor and has a creaminess to it. This is a blend of Paolomino Fino and Pedro Ximenez grapes. It has a whopping 20% alcohol content. Of the three Sherry, this was most to our liking.

The grand finale was the Pedro Ximenez “San Emilio” Reserve Sherry. This is not for the faint of heart. It is almost black in color with a thickness of warm maple syrup. The taste is off the sweetness charts. Green Dragon compared the flavor to prune juice – something that may not help market it to the young generation.
 
This is an acquired taste. We also found that pairing our sips with chocolate covered almonds or blue cheese cut the sweetness.  This Sherry is usually served with sweet desserts or on its own as a dessert wine. It is also used as the sauce for on of the famous desserts of the Jerez region of Spain: vanilla ice cream with Pedro Ximenez Sherry.

Technorati Tags: wine,sherry,wine tasting

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Nov. 2, 2009.

Wednesday, November 4 
 Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Port and Dessert Wines. $15.

Thursday, November 5
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM.

The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

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

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800.  No tasting this week. Mike is out of town.
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.

Friday, November 6  
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Winery of the Month "Franciscan" 1. Chardonnay, 2. Merlot, 3. Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Magnificat. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. No tasting this week. Mike's out of town.

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.

Saturday, November 7 
** Special Events ** Mobile Meals Wine Gala will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Stranahan Great Hall in Toledo. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with wine tasting from 14 area distributors and appetizers followed by a sit-down dinner. After dinner, the live auction begins which features more than 30 groupings of wine -- some from private cellars. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Wrapping up the evening, there will be dancing to the tunes of the band Touched. Tickets are $125 and patron tickets are $150. The event is black tie optional.If you wish to attend, please call Carolyn at (419) 255-7806 or visit the Mobile Meals Web site.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Winery of the Month "Franciscan" 1. Chardonnay, 2. Merlot, 3. Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Magnificat. $10 tasting.


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—Super Tuscans and non-traditional Italian wines.
Noon to 5 PM.
 

Technorati Tags: wine tasting,Toledo,Maumee,Perrysburg,Rossford

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Oct. 19, 2008

Wednesday, October 21

   Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, Wines with scary names.

Thursday, October 22
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM.

The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 5-7 PM, Wines with scary names.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. King Cab. All hail the King of the grapes! Celebrate the majestic wines made from this oh-so prestigious grape. Sample bottlings from Washington, Australia, Bordeaux and, of course, Napa County.  6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

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.

Friday, October 23
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Cotes due Rhone Reds. 1. Delas Cotes du Rhone, 2. Segries Cotes du Rhone, Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, 4. Cuillas Visan. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. King Cab. All hail the King of the grapes! Celebrate the majestic wines made from this oh-so prestigious grape. Sample bottlings from Washington, Australia, Bordeaux and, of course, Napa County.  6-9 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

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.

Saturday, October 24
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Cotes due Rhone Reds. 1. Delas Cotes du Rhone, 2. Segries Cotes du Rhone, Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, 4. Cuillas Visan. $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— Premium Priorat (with special guest). These are highly rated wines (90++). The special guest will have photos and maps of the region. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Noon to 5 PM.

Technorati Tags: Wine Tasting,Toledo,Maumee,Perrysburg