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Friday, November 6, 2009
Rival Michigan trumps Ohio in the vineyards — this time
Woody Hayes might just be rolling in his grave.
Even though it’s been a glorious 2,176-plus days since the University of Michigan Wolverines beat the Ohio State Buckeyes on the football field, it’s a whole ‘nother story in the vineyards.
Michigan handily defeated Ohio in the 2009 Ohio vs. Michigan Wine Clash held last month in Columbus and Ann Arbor.
Eleven top wines were chosen from each state and judged in both Columbus and Ann Arbor by panels of wine lovers, writers and professionals. (I was one of the writers who served as a judge in Columbus.) Michigan reigned supreme by having the top-scoring wine of the 22 — Longview Estate Bottled “Winter Ice” 2007 — and four of the top five wines based on the aggregated judges’ scores. The wines were tasted “blind” — judges didn’t know the identities or the origins of the wines.
Ohioans can take consolation in the fact that its top 5 finisher — 2007 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Franc from our friends Ron and Nancy down near Ripley — was half the price (or less) of any of the four top Michigan wines. The third-ranked Kinkead Ridge costs $17.95, while the Michigan-produced cab franc that finished second, 2 Lads Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007, retails for $40, and the first-place ice wine costs $60 — for a half bottle.
So let’s declare Ohio the winner on value.
The Ohio-Michigan wine clash is organized by Andrew Hall, a Columbus-area wine enthusiast and member of the Columbus chapter of Slow Food Nation, an organization formed in response to the negative effects of fast food on people’s lives. Slow Food Columbus is the primary sponsor of the “wine clash” as part of its Taste Education program and support of local agriculture and artisanal food industries, Hall said.
Hall also wanted to bring some exposure to the excellent wines being produced from homegrown grapes in both states, and timed it not-so-coincidentally just before The Game between OSU and UM. This year’s was the second clash (click here for 2008 results.)
“The take home message from this tasting is that both states produce quality wines which deserve a place on the table, especially if you are interested in local ingredients and foods,” Hall said. “There are dedicated winemakers in both states who have really raised the bar and shown what can be done, despite the challenges.
“I think the results show that restaurants with a local focus should make an effort to offer local wines and consumers should give them an honest try.”
Hall’s right. The red wines, in particular, were a revelation to taste — collectively the best red wines I’ve ever sampled from Ohio and Michigan, thanks in part to a long, warm growing season in 2007 that allowed red grapes to ripen fully in the upper midwest.
“2007 was a remarkable vintage in both states,” Hall said. “When conditions are right, we can produce really great wines here. And from all I hear and taste from barrel samples, 2008 looks to quite strong as well.”
Hall chose the “starting team” of 11 wines from each state after tasting extensively across Ohio and Michigan earlier this year. He also used other wine competitions such as the Ohio Quality Wine program, the Ohio Wine Competition and Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition to help nominate potential finalists. And he assembled tasting panels to help him narrow down the final lists of 11. Price was not a consideration.
“The selection process was very hard and rigorous this year with so many quality wines from both states,” Hall said. “Any of the entrants would be welcome on my table.”
My scorecard nearly mirrored the overall tasting panel’s: I placed the Michigan ice wine first, although I had the Kinkead Ridge second in my rankings rather than third. (For a bit of the Michigan perspective, click here to read Ann Arbor Chronicle wine writer Joel Goldberg’s column on the clash.)
Here are the results, in order of the full panels’ aggregate ranking, with number of first place votes in parentheses:
Longview Winter Ice 2007 (Dessert Wine) Leelanau Peninsula MI, $60 (4)
2 Lads Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007 (Dry Red) Old Mission Peninsula MI, $40 (2)
Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Franc 2007 (Dry Red) Ohio River Valley OH, $17.95 (2)
Gill’s Pier Cabernet Franc-Merlot 2007 (Dry Red) Leelanau Peninsula MI 2007, $35 (1)
Wyncroft Avonlea Pinot Noir 2007 (Dry Red) Lake Michigan Shore MI, $45 (1)
The Ohio-born-and-bred Raven’s Glenn White October 2008, made in Ohio from Chardonel grapes, placed sixth, by the way, and also cost just under $18.
Before anyone goes out to Dayton-area wine retailers searching for the Michigan winners, be forewarned: you’ll likely strike out. Hall said he doesn’t believe any of the top-scoring Michigan wines are available at Ohio retail wine shops, and he took a few shots at the Ohio laws that he said are “stacked against consumers” because they create barriers for small wineries.
“The distributors in Ohio have shown little interest in carrying small-production, high-quality wines from the neighboring states,” Hall said. “Many of the wines sell out directly from the winery’s cellar door as well, so the producers don’t have an incentive to deal with the bureaucracy and mandated cut to the distributor that selling across state lines would involve.”
Andrew Hall pours brown-bagged samples at the Columbus-area judging for the 2009 Ohio vs. Michigan Wine Clash, held at the Twisted Vine wine shop in Grandview.Tweet
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In every corner of southwest Ohio, wine tastings abound
If someone were to stack every bottle of wine offered at Dayton-area wine tastings over the last 30-plus years (and yes, Dayton WAS among the trailblazers in drop-in wine tastings) end-to-end, how far would the stack reach? Hundreds of miles? Thousands? Just wondering …
Here’s the finest and most comprehensive list of wine and beer tastings, dinners and other events to contemplate, and it comes to Uncorked via the heroic efforts of a Dayton-based listserv that compiles the irresistible information. Click on “continue reading” if the list doesn’t appear immediately below, and enjoy!
Jay’s Kitchen Door 225 E. Sixth St. in Dayton’s Oregon Historic District, RSVP (937) 222-2892 http://www.jays.com Friday, Nov 6, 2009 4-8 pm 2007 Olvena Chardonnay 2006 Mazzoni 2005 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 Gaja Magari 2004 IL Poggione Brunello
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 1-6 pm 2006 J Drouhin Puligny Montrachet 2003 Domenico Clerico Pajana Barolo 2003 Elio Altare Barolo 2001 Chateau Haut Bergey
There will be no wine luncheon, Saturday, Nov 7!
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, Nov 7, 2009, 11 - 5 pm 2008 HANDLEY GEWURZTRAMINER 2007 FRANCISCAN NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2005 CHATEAU VERGNES BEAULIEU BORDEAUX 2007 MOUNT VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 MAZZONI TOSCANA 2007 CATENA MALBEC
Dorothy Lane Markets Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, Nov 6, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm Meranda Nixon ‘08 Traminette Pierre Andre ‘07 Bourgogne Blanc Selby ‘06 Pinot Noir Merrian Rouge ‘03 Medoc Peter Franus ‘06 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel Uccelliera ‘02 Brunello di Montalcino Brown Bag
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 2-6 pm Greg Norman ‘08 Sauvignon Blanc Selby ‘07 Russian River Valley Chardonnay Lemelson ‘06 Thea’s Selection Pinot Noir Wild Horse ‘06 Merlot Villa Antinori ‘04 Toscana Cht. La Grande Roche ‘06 Cabernet Bonus Bottle
Wednesday, November 18, 5:30-8:30 pm Beer Tasting Special Guest: John Bission, North Coast Brewing Co. Red Seal Ale, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Blue Star Wheat, Pranqster and more.
DLM Washington Square - From George Punter Thursday, Nov 5, 20009 5-8 pm No tasting!
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 12-5 pm Wines from South America!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, Nov 6, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 12-6 pm
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161 Tuesday - Thursday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday 11:30 - 8 pm Saturday 11:30 - 7:30 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines for Friday, Nov 6 - Nov 12, 2008 Adelsheim 2006 Auxerrois 41st Ave 2008 Chardonnay Stump Jump 2008 Shiraz Loma Larga 2006 Quinteto Seghesio 2008 Sonoma Zinfandel
Beer: Rogue’s Ale Saturday Food: Smoked Duck Salad w/Warm Peach Chutney
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 5 - close Soup Night, Vegetable Bison
Arrow Centerville 937-433-6778 615 Lyons Rd Centerville Friday, Nov 6, 2009 5-8 pm Beer Tasting The Point Brewery Handcrafted Belgian White Ale… The Point Brewery Classic Amber Ale… The Point Brewery Special Lager… The Point Brewery Burly Brown Ale… The Point Brewery Cascade Pale Ale
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 Noon-5 pm Wine Tasting Super Saturday! Mumm Napa Cuvee M… 2007 Franciscan Chardonnay… 2006 Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon… 2006 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon… 2005 Franciscan Magnificat… Castello del Poggio Moscato d’Asti
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 5-7 pm 2007 LE VIGNE DI ALICE- Prosecco Doro Brut Valdobbiadene 2008 WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS- Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2008 KINGS RIDGE- Oregon Pinot Noir
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, 424 East Third Street 937-224-WINE www.thewinegalleryandcafe.com Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 10-2 pm Brian’s Choice
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 5:30 - 8:30 pm Anniversary party, Tasting over 40 wines! Complimentary appetizer buffet being served. 2005 McNabe Ridge Zinfandel Port 2006 Black Barts Stage Coach Vineyards Syrah 2007 Vineyard 29 ‘CRU’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 McNabe Ridge Petite Sirah 2005 Quinto do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa 2008 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Domaine Juliette Avril Cotes du Ventoux 2006 Rutherglen Estates Red, Shiraz-Petite Sirah Blend 2007 Uccelliera Rossa di Montalcino 2004 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 2008 Ercavio Blanco, 100% Airen, Spain 2006 Whitehall Lane Carneros Chardonnay 2006 Monterey Vineyards Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2003 Domaine Georges Brunet Moelleux Vouvray 2007 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Ripley, Ohio 2006 Chateau Bianca Riesling, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2006 Fritz Classic Riesling, Rheinhessen, Germany 2006 JRE Late Harvest Zinfandel 2004 Cavalchina aBianco del Veneto Passito IGT Italy NV Spagp Argento Pink Prosecco NV Monmousseau Brut Etoile, France 1996 Zamuner Metodo Tradizionale, Italy NV Chocolate Egg Nog
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 9 am - 1 pm Value Wines!
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org This week’s wines: Franciscan Chardonnay Naides The Stump Jump Shiraz P15 Tobin James Chateau Le Cacheflo Cirque du Vin
November 7 - Holiday Open House 11:30 - 2:30
November 10 - Writing and Food - Wine and Cheese 6:30 - 8:30pm $30 RSVP 247-1120 or 475 - 5177 Sponsored by Word’s Worth Writing Center
November 11 - Women on Wednesday - Scrapbooking wine journals $12 RSVP
November 14 - Soups & Sippers on Saturday
November 19 - Holiday Tasting -7pm - 9pm $20.
Savona Restaurant, Centerville Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 5-8 pm Wine Tasting!
Bruning’s Wine Cellar Saturday, Nov 7, 2008 1-4 PM 2007 Bouchard Père et fils Bourgogne Blanc 2006 Bouchard Père et fils Pouilly Fuissé 2008 Owen Roe Sinister Hand 2007 Owen Roe Abbot’s Table 2006 Terraces Zinfandel
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 5-8 PM Trimbach Pinot Blanc Provenance Sauvignon Blanc Byron Pinot Noir Provenance Merlot Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon Allagash White is the featured beer
The Culinary Company Cross Pointe Center Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 12-6 pm Beer Leinenkugel Fireside Nut Brown Ale Goose Island Nut Brown Ale Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Sierra Nevada Torpedo
Wine- Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio Chardonnay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
RUMBLESEAT WINE 5853 FAR HILLS AVE. 937-938-9801 10A.M. - 8P.M. Monday Thru Saturday 10-8 Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 3:30-6:30 pm GOUGUENHEIM TORRONTES WALNUT BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC PANUELO GRENACHE/GRAZIANO PANUELO MERLOT/CABERNET ORTMAN EDDY’S CUVEE SCHIST ROCK SHIRAZ
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar, Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807 Tuesday-Saturday, all day from 11:30 to close Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday New South Africans Indaba Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc Ken Forrester Pinotage Guardian Peak Frontier Red Blend
Thursday and Saturday Nederburg Lyric White Simonsig Chenin Blanc Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon Wildekrans Pinotage Onyx Shiraz
Seats are limited for Thanksgiving Food & Wine Pairing Classes: Saturday Nov 21 from 2-4 and Tuesday Nov 24 from 7-9. RSVP.
Cork&Vine York Commons Blvd Friday, Nov 6, 2009 8-midnight Halloween Party $10 Weekly wines Thursday, Nov 5 - Nov 11, 2009 WHITE McMurry Pinot Gris Tierra De Luna Chard/Torrontes William Hill Chard St. Clement Chard
REDS Simi Merlot Cline Big Break Zin Curious Beagle Cab Blackstone Reserve Rubric
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 6-9 pm Wines that make your turkey happy
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 Holiday Wine and Champagne show 6 pm $40 a
Miami Valley Wine 7031 S. County 25A Tipp City, OH, 45371 Friday Nov 6, 2009 5-9pm November Beer Tasting! in collaboration with Wannabe’s Pizza & Deli Abita Pecan Harvest Ale (Ale Brewed with Louisiana Pecans) Great Divide Hoss (Rye Lager) Breckenridge Lucky U (India Pale Ale) Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre (Mahogany Ale brewed with Belgian Beet Sugars and Green Raisins) Weyerbacher Harvest Ale (Fresh Hopped Ale) Two Brothers Bare Tree 2008 (Barleywine Style Weiss Beer) Two Brothers Bare Tree 2007 (Barelywine Style Weiss Beer) Founders Backwoods Bastard (Scotch Ale Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels)
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069.513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, Nov 6, 2009 4:30-7:30 pm and Saturday, Nov 7, 3-6 pm Holiday Party Reds
Jungle Jim’s RSVP 513 674 6008 Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 1 - 3 pm $50 Plush Pomerols Taste the smallest sub-appellation of Bordeaux, Pomerol. Taste rare and hard-to-find reds from some chateaux that lie next to Petrus, the most expensive red Bordeaux.
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