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July 2009
Kroger’s new wine department kicks it up a notch
KETTERING — The newly remodeled and reopened “Fresh Fare” Kroger store at 530 E. Stroop Road promises to kick the competition for wine and beer sales up a notch in Dayton’s south suburbs.
The store has plenty of well-entrenched wine competition nearby, including Arrow Wine & Spirits’ Far Hills Avenue store in Kettering, Dorothy Lane Market stores in Oakwood and Washington Twp., and Trader Joe’s in Kettering. But Kroger seems to have made a decision to compete more aggressively for a larger slice of the grape, judging by its larger wine department, new tasting bar and ambitious tasting schedule.
Dean Breeding — who opened the store’s original wine department when the Stroop Road Kroger first opened in 1989 and went on to help open wine departments in Kroger stores in Springboro and Englewood — has returned to oversee the “Fresh Fare” Kroger store’s wine shop, and he seems genuinely stoked about the resources that the Cincinnati-based grocer has committed to the effort.
“This is not your Daddy’s Kroger,” Breeding said.
The Kettering store now has an attractive new tasting bar, and Breeding said he’ll host occasional wine dinners in the store’s new Bistro and will offer wine tastings twice weekly. Here’s the tentative tasting schedule:
— Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., when the emphasis will be on wines priced $12 and under and the cost will be $2 for four samples, and
—Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., when the focus will be on wines priced $15 and up, and the cost will be $5 for four samples.
— Thursday is beer night, with a tasting of microbrews or imported beers scheduled for every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The reopened Kroger has about 2,600 wine selections, Breeding said. It is particularly deep in California wines, although its European fine-wine selections appear to lag behind most of its competitors. Here’s a sampling of some of the high-end Californians in the grocery store’s reserve room:
— Stag’s Leap Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $91.
— Heitz Cellars Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, $105.
— BV Vineyards Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $120.
— Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, $121
There is a bit of deja vu to all of this. I recall when Kroger opened this Kettering store in 1989, the wine department’s shelves were filled with high-quality wines, and Kroger folks were touting the new wine department. But either the wines didn’t sell or when they did sell they weren’t reordered, because the wonderful selection gradually dissipated, and fine wines were slowly replaced by much cheaper ones.
I asked Breeding: Why should we believe the same thing won’t happen again?
“Well, I’m here,” he replied. Kroger has provided many of the amenities that Breeding has been advocating for, and he is determined to make this wine department succeed. “I won’t recommend a bottle of wine that I haven’t personally tried,” he said.
The weakness in the store’s selection of French, Italian and German wines will hurt Kroger in the eyes of many serious wine enthusiasts, but the tasting bar, the new weekly tastings, the opportunities for more interaction with winemakers and winery representatives, and the addition of another venue for wine dinners are all encouraging news for wine lovers. And at the end of the day, more people will be exposed to the wonders of the grape, which should help all wine retailers.
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Wines from sea to shining sea — and all for us
This luminous list of wine tastings, beer tastings, special dinners and other events comes to Uncorked courtesy of a Dayton-based wine listserv which compiles it, quietly and efficiently, week in and week out. Now that , my friends, is public service.
Frankly, I think the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce should use this list as a selling point for luring businesses and jobs to the region, don’t you agree? Click on “continue reading” if the events do not appear immediately below, and cheers!
P.S. don’t forget to tell us your Restaurant Week experiences and read about ours here. For most restaurants participating in the promotion, tonight’s your last chance (7-31-09) to get the $20.09. three-course meal deal.
Jay’s Kitchen Door
Friday, Jul 31, 2009 4-8 pm NV Taittinger Grand Francoise 2006 Chehalem Pinot Noir 2006 Sassetti Pertimali Rosso 2005 Chateau Potensac 2005 Chateau Paveil DE Luze
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 1-6 pm St Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2007 2007 IL Brucitao Baby Guado 2007 Flowers Perennial Red 2005 Cakebread Cabernet
RSVP 222-2892 for all Luncheons and Dinners
Crabfest Luncheon Saturday August 15, 2009 12:30PM $65 Sweet Corn Crab Soup with Curry Oil Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce Alaskan King Crab, Dungeness Crab and Jonah Crab Claws steamed with Summer Vegetable Ragout Lemon Souffle with Blueberries
Lobsterfest Luncheon Saturday September 19, 2009 12:30PM $65 Lobster-Corn Fritters with Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce Watermelon-Feta Salad with Roasted Lemon Vinaigrette Whole Steamed Lobster with Roasted Potato, Vegetables, Steamed Mussels and Shrimp in Garlic Butter Carrot-Pecan Cake Roulade
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 11-4 pm 2008 New Age White “Tinto” Cocktails 2007 Selby Russian River Chardonnay 2005 Silverado Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Gougenheim Merlot 2007 Mas De Guiot Grenache Syrah 2007 Tait “The Ball Buster”
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood
Friday, Jul 31, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm St. Christopher ‘08 Gewurztraminer Stoneburn ‘08 Sauvignon Blanc Domaine Anne Gros ‘05 Bourgogne Amano ‘07 Primitivo Creta ‘06 Ribera del Duero Robert Foley ‘07 Charbono Brown Bag
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 2-6 pm Santa Margarita Prosecco Sketchbook ‘07 Chardonnay Domaine Drouhin ‘06 Pinot Noir Cetamura ‘07 Chianti Luca ‘07 Malbec Croix de Beaucaillou ‘03 St. Julien Bonus Bottle
DLM Washington Square
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 5-8 pm Chateau Nadeau Bordeaux Blanc 2007 David Girard Viognier Roussane 2007 Louis Jadotr Santenay 2005 Creat Ribera del Duero 2006 Encore Wine
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 12-5 pm Sant Florentina Torrontes 2008 Darby & John Chardonnay 2008 7 Daughters Red NV Selene Cabernet 2005 Termes 2006 Robert Sinsky SLD 2005 Encore Wine
All Chablis tasting on Thursday August from 5 to 8 PM
Dorothy Lane Springboro
Friday, Jul 31, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm 2008 Selbey Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Selbey Chardonnay 2006 Selbey Pinot Noir 2006 Selbey Merlot 2006 Selbey Cabernet Sauvignon
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 12-5 pm 2007 Vinum Cellars Viognier 2007 Soter North Valley Pinot Noir 2006 Orzada Malbec 2006 Orzada Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Orzada Carmenere 2005 Peter Franus Red Blend
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161 Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday noon - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net
Wines for Friday, Jul 31 - Aug 5, 2008 Stoneburn 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Il Cuore 2007 Chardonnay Domaine Lafond 2008 Rose Chateau de Roquefort 2008 “Corail” Rose Capitoso 2003 Tempranillo Manousakis 2004 Table Wine Burgess 2004 Cabernet
Beer: Ayinger Dopplebock Saturday Food: TBA
July 30, 2009 5:30 pm ‘til close RICK FANNIN: folk guitarist
Focused Tasting: Tuesday Aug 4, 5-7 pm Vintner Select offers the new vintages of our favorite value priced (under $12) Spanish wines fresh off the boat! Cheese and meat small plates will be available
Wednesday Sandwich Night, Aug 5, 2009 Sausage Surprise Sandwich
Arrow Centerville
Saturday Aug 1, 2009 11 am - 5pm Wine Tasting! 2005 Schramsberg Blanc De Blanc. 2007 Kunde Sonoma Chardonnay. 2007 BV Napa Chardonnay. 2006 Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir. 2006 Bouchaine Sonoma Syrah. 2006 Moon Mountain Cab Sauv. 2005 Silverado Napa Cab Sauv
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com
Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009 5-7 pm 2006 MARC TEMPÉ Riesling Alsace Zellenberg 2007 ELIZABETH SPENCER Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino 2007GUARDIAN PEAK Frontier Red South Africa
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 11-4 pm Value Wines!
Wednesday, Aug 5, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Tangent Viognier 2008 Walnut City Wineworks Pinot Noir 2007 Cupcake Vineyards Petite Sirah 2007 David Girard Mourvedre 2006 Cuatro Tatos Bierzo 2007
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 8am - 2 pm Value wines!
Trader Joe’s in Kettering.
Tastings Thursday 6:00-8:00 and Sunday 4:00-7:00 Charles Shaw Australian Chardonnay (2008) South Eastern Australia. Joseph Handler Riesling (2008) QbA Pfalz, Germany. Rootstock Sauvignon Blanc (2007) AVA Lake County, California. Chateau Tour Bigorre (2007) AOC Cotes de Castillon, France. Joseph Handler Sweet Red Dornfelder (2008) QbA Rheinhessen, Germany.
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org
This week’s wines: Montinore Borealis Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc Picket Fences Chardonnay Gazela Rose David Girard Grenache Urban Red Wine Carson Peak Cabernet
August 3 6:30 - 8:30 pm MEET THE WINEMAKER of Row Eleven Wines. August 13 7 - 9 pm Italian Wine tasting. Introducing Sun Wines August 14 8 - 10:30 pm LIVE music with Cary Noble August 27 - South African Wine Tasting
Bruning’s Wine Cellar
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 3-6 PM 2007 Tangent Riesling 2007 Tangent Viognier NV Spann Betsy’s Backacher Red 2005 Spann Merlot 2005 Spann MoZin
Wednesday, Aug 5 5-8 PM and Saturday, Aug 8 3-6 PM: 2007 Mercer Estates Riesling 2007 Mercer Estates Pinot Gris 2006 Bergevin Lane Calico Red 2007 Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Owen Roe Ex Umbris Syrah
The Culinary Company Cross Pointe Center
Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 12-6 pm Wines and Beers Beer from Southern Tier Crème Brulee Stout Jah-va Coffee Stout Heavy Weizen unfiltered wheat ale
Wine from Smoking Loon Pinot Grigio Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir
Cork and Vine, York Commons Blvd
Week of Jul 31, 2009 White Flight: Columbia Crest Grand Estates Riesling, Columbia Valley Washington State Hogue Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, Washington State, 100%Pinot Grigio Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 100% Sauvignon Blanc Estancia Chardonnay, Monterey 99% Chardonnay, 1% Viognier
Red Flight: Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma 97% Pinot Noir, 3% Syrah Robert Mondavi Private Selection Red Meritage, Monterey Rosa Del Marchese Barbera,D’Alba, Piedmonte 100% Barbera Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark Horse Tavern 209 Byers Rd . Miamisburg , tasting
Friday Jul 31, 2009 5 - 8 pm
The Melting Pot 453 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Centerville
Wednesday August 26, 2009 7 pm, Wine Dinner RSVP at 567-8888 $59 Wines from Rodney Strong and Davis Bynum with Winery rep. Liz Rutherford
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar, Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807
Thursday 6pm - 8pm and Saturday 11:30pm - 6pm Restaurant Week Menu http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/498807/2ef81cb845/1525001270/d154ef67fd/ Ca’ Ronseco Pinot Grigio Rosa del Marchese Barbera Mondanela Chianti Sariz
The Village Wine Cellars 48 East Mulberry Lebanon, Ohio 45036
Friday, Jul 31, 2009 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Wine Tasting
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, Jul 31, 2009 4:30-7:30 & Saturday, Aug 1, 2009, 3-6 pm Washington State Wines 2007 Syncline Subduction Red 2006 Mercer Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
Jungle Jim’s RSVP 513 674 6008
Saturday, Aug 8, 2009 1 - 3 pm $20 Don’t Blush…It’s Just Rose Wines
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Dayton’s Ohio WineFest canceled for this year, may be resurrected in 2010
The Ohio wine festival that has been held at the National City 2nd Street Market annually for the last six years — and which had been postponed this spring — has now been canceled altogether for this year, and its prospect of being resurrected for 2010 are uncertain.
“There won’t be a festival this year,” said Val Hunt, spokeswoman for Five River MetroParks that oversees the Second Street market. “These events cost money, and we had difficulty finding sponsors. It’s hard in this climate to pull an event like this together.”
MetroParks and Ohio Wine Producers Association (OWPA) officials are exploring the possibility of bringing back the festival in 2010, but there are no concrete plans yet in place, festival organizers said.
When MetroParks officials first announced the postponement in March of the festival that had been scheduled for June, they said they were “actively planning” for a fall 2009 festival instead. But several winemakers said privately at the time that a fall festival could conflict with harvest and would likely reduce wineries’ participation.
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Wine label nymph a tad too naked for Alabama regulators
Check out this USAToday.com story entitled “Alabama liquor agency says no to nude nymph on wine label”.
And of course, as a public service, you can view the label itself on this cyclesgladiator.com page.
I’ve seen the label before, probably on local wine shelves, and didn’t give it a second thought. Silly me.
Isn’t it refreshing to find a state other than Ohio serving as the laughingstock of the nation when it comes to prudish, quasi-wacko behavior?
So is it “offensive,” or is it “immodest,” or both?
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These 4 tactics can help restaurants sell more wine
Check out this press release from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Center for Hospitality Research that details four strategies restaurants can use to sell more wine, and tell me what you think. You can click here to view the executive summary of the report and to find a link to download the entire study entitled “Wine List Characteristics Associated with Greater Wine Sales”.
Here’s an excerpt from the Cornell press release:
The research found that the following four wine-list tactics were involved in higher wine sales: (1) Including the wine list on the food menu; (2) Listing prices without a dollar sign; (3) Listing wines from certain wineries known for their quality; and (4) Including “reserve” wines or another special section. A fifth tactic, however, was connected with lower sales, namely, using wine style as an organizational category on the list (e.g., sweet, bold, dry).
Listing prices without a dollar sign makes a discernible difference? Really? The human mind works in mysterious ways … .
The executive summary of the report by Sybil S. Yang and Michael Lynn notes that the study was “based on design and content attributes extracted from 270 wine lists from restaurants in several major metropolitan areas across the United States.” Among its findings: “For casual dining restaurants specifically, higher wine sales were related to extensive wine lists that have a length of approximately 150 bottles of wine as compared to lists with fewer or more bottles, and with wine lists that offer more low-cost wines. Neither of these factors showed any effect in fine-dining restaurants.”
Any theories about why researchers found meaningful impact of wine-list length on diners at casual restaurants but not at fine-dining restaurants? And why could grouping wines by styles be a turnoff, or at least be associated with lower wine sales?
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Guess who just turned 75?
Arrow Wine & Spirits, that’s who. The wine shop has tied its anniversary in with some special tastings and events throughout the year, some of which have been held already, but the Kettering-Moraine Chamber of Commerce and Kettering city officials formally recognized the milestone today with a proclamation. Here’s Mayor Don Patterson (left) with Mike Frank and his son Mif. Congrats to Arrow!
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Wine tastings to usher in Restaurant Week
What better way to work up an appetite for Restaurant Week, which begins Sunday night, July 26, than to check out this weekend’s wine tastings?
I mean really … what better way?
You might want to start your Saturday at Arrow Wine & Spirits’ Centerville store, where local folks Juan and Nola Palomar will be pouring their Spanish wines. Here’s an email I got from Dr. Palomar:
Nola and I will be doing a wine tasting/presentation at Arrow Wine in Centerville Saturday the 25th from 1 to 5 pm. Our winery and our wines have received 23 medals in the last two years both in Spain and in the United States and some of our products are among the best QPR (Quality/Price Ratio) in the country. I hope you have a chance to join us and taste some of the wines Juan M Palomar, Bodega Dominio Buenavista, VELETA WINES, the flavor of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Granada, Spain, www.dominiobuenavista.com
The following wine tastings and events list comes to Uncorked via the truly heroic efforts of the Dayton-based wine listserv that compiles it. For that, we are thankful.
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, Jul 24, 2009 4-8 pm 2006 Domaine Buisson-Charles Vielles-Viegnes Meursault 2006 Verget Pouilly Fuisse 2004 IL Poggione Brunello 2005 Justin Isosceles 2005 Grand Barrail
Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 1-6 pm 2005 Domaine Bouchard Pere Fils Meursault 2001 Domaine Arlaud Morey Saint Denis 2006 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel 2005 Chateau St George Trilogy
RSVP 222-2892 for all Luncheons and Dinners
Crabfest Luncheon Saturday August 15, 2009 12:30PM $65
Lobsterfest Luncheon Saturday September 19, 2009 12:30PM $65
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 11-4 pm 2007 David Girard Rose 2008 Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2006 David Girard Grenache 2007 Evodia Garnacha 2005 Sierra Cantabria Rioja 2008 Permutations Pinot Noir
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, Jul 24, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm Mas de Gorgonnier ’08 Rose Fortress ’07 Sauvignon Blanc Errazuriz ’07 Wild Fermented Chardonnay Ledgewood ’06 GSM Rio Maggio ’07 Telsiano Steltzner ’06 Claret Brown Bag
Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 2-6 pm Special Wine Tasting, Saturday, July 25, 2:00-6:00, Guest: Rebecca Loewy of Old Bridge Cellars, importer of Australian wines including D’Arenberg, Penley, John Duval, Leeuwin and more. Kilkanoon ’05 Mort’s Riesling Leeuwin ’05 Siblings Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon D’Arenberg ’08 Stump Jump Lightly Wooded Chardonnay D’Arenberg ’07 Stump Jump Grenache/Shiraz D’Arenberg ’05 Custodian Grenache Penley ’06 Condor Shiraz/Cabernet Penley ’07 Phoenix Cabernet John Duval ’06 Entity Shiraz D’Arenberg ’04 Coppermine Cabernet John Duval ’05 Eligo Shiraz
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Jul 23, 2009 5-8 pm Domaine Lafond Rose 2008 Domaine du Manor Muscadet 2008 David Girard Grenache 2006 Mas Carlot Les Enfants Terribles 2006 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-dyu-Pape 2007 Encore Wine
Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 12-5 pm Mas de Gorgonnier Rose 2008 Nontemaro Pinot Grigio 2008 Domaiane Serene Evenstad Pinot Noir 2006 96 Points Shiraz 2007 Molino Di Sant’Antimo Rosso di Montalcino 2004 Three Doves Cabernet 2005
Dorothy Lane Springboro Special Silver Oak Tasting Thursday, 23, 2009 5-7pm 2006 Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2007 Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2006 Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2002 Twomey Merlot 2004 Twomey Merlot 2004 Silver Oak Alexander Valley 2000 Silver Oak Napa 2004 Silver Oak Napa
Friday, Jul 24, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm 2007 Cinque Terre Blanc 2008 Domaine du Manoir Muscadet 2005 Concannon Petitie Sirah 2007 Piccolo Cru Red 2007 Clos de los Siete
Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 12-5 pm 2007 Flowers Chardonnay 2006 Box Car Syrah 2006 Luca Syrah 2005 Mosen Cleto Crianze 2004 Goose Ridge Vireo Red
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161 Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday noon - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines for Friday, Jul 24 - July 30, 2008 Sake2Me Ginger/Mango & Green Tea Bricco del Sole 2008 Moscato Dopff & Irion 2007 “Crustaces” Chateau de Roquefort 2008 “Corail” Rose Alfredo Roca 2008 Pinot Noir Buzzard Tree 2005 Zinfandel Beer: Ayinger Dopplebock Saturday Food: Spanish Style Pulled Beef
July 30, 2009 5:30 pm ‘til close RICK FANNIN: folk guitarist
Focused Tasting: Tuesday Jul 28, 5-7 pm Organic Wines Cheese and meat small plates will be available
Wednesday Sandwich Night, July 29, 2009 Funky BLT
Arrow Centerville Saturday Jul 25, 2009 11 am - 5pm Wine Tasting! Dr. Juan Palomar, owner of Veleta Winery of Southern Spain will be presenting and discussing the following Veleta wines: Cava Brut… Cava Blanc de Noirs… 2007 Chardonnay… 2007 Rose… 2007 Vijriega… 2005 Nolados… 2006 Tempranillo… 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Gold Medal
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com Tuesday, Jul 28, 2009 5-7 pm 2008 BODEGAS LA CANA Albariño Rías Baixas 2008 BODEGAS SHAYA Verdejo Old Vines 2005 FRITZ Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 11-4 pm 2005 Watershed Unoaked Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia 2004 Tarantino Primitivo, Corato, Italy 2002 Curatolo Nero d’Avola - Syrah, Sicilia, Italy 2005 Four Sisters Merlot, South Eastern Australia 2007 Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, DO Maipo Valley, Chile
Wednesday, Jul 29, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm 2008 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, Martinborough, New Zealand 2006 1316 Grande Reserve Bordeaux Superior, France 2003 Maison Louis Latour Le Bourgogne de Louis Lator, France 2003 Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz, McClaren Vale, Australia 2004 Reynolds Family Winery, Persistence, Red Wine, NAPA Valley, Ca.
Thursday, Jul 23, 2009 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM Beer Tasting Beer Tasting with High Gravity Beers
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 8am - 2 pm Value wines!
Trader Joe’s in Kettering. Tastings Thursday 6:00-8:00 and Sunday 4:00-7:00 Venetian Moon Pinot Grigio (2007) California. Honey Moon Viognier (2008) California. Tuscan Moon Sangiovese (2008) California. Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) California. Les Pierres Fines (2007) AOC Morgon, France.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays in the bar. July 29, 2009 4-8 pm domaine chandon Brut, Napa Valley, NV Two Hands “gnarly dudes” Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2007 Sterling Merlot, Napa Valley, 2005 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org This week’s wines: Norman Pinot Grigio Norman Chardonnay Norman No Nonsense Red - Meritage Buzzard Tree Zinfandel Norman Conquest - Cabernet Sauvignon
July 23 - 7-9pm French Picnic - Lauren Wiethe will be helping us learn about French Wines that will pair perfectly for a picnic.
Bruning’s Wine Cellar Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 3-6 PM 2007 Boomtown Pinot Gris 2007 Boomtown Chardonnay 2004 DiStefano Domenica 2004 DiStefano Meritage 2004 DiStefano Cabernet Sauvignon Czechvar is this week’s featured beer!
The Culinary Company Cross Pointe Center Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 12-6 pm Wines and Beers Layer Cake Shiraz Layer Cake Cotes du Rhone Rosenblum Viognier Clos du Bois Chardonnay
Beers: Audacious Apricot Ale Haywire Hefeweizen Thunderhead IPA Crystal Wheat Ale
Dark Horse Tavern 209 Byers Rd . Miamisburg , tasting Friday Jul 24, 2009 5 - 8 pm Wines from Toasted Head, Blackstone, Hogue.
The Melting Pot 453 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Centerville Wednesday August 26, 2009 7 pm, Wine Dinner RSVP at 567-8888 $59 Wines from Rodney Strong and Davis Bynum with Winery rep. Liz Rutherford
Miami Valley Wine & Spirits 943 W. Main St. Tipp City 667-3614 Saturday Jul 25, 2009 2-9 pm Wine Tasting Moon Mtn. Cab. Sauv. Moon Mtn. Sauv. Blanc Moon Mtn. Chardonnay Canaletto Salento Rose Sebastiani Pinot Noir
Kroger Marketplace in Englewood Wine Tasting 2-6pm each day Thursday July 23, 2009 casillero del diablo Friday July 24, 2009 Belle Valle Saturday July 25, 2009 termonttie wines Sunday July 26, 2009 bolla wines
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar, Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807 Thursday 6pm - 8pm and Saturday 11:30pm - 6pm Frank Family of wines! Frank Family Chardonnay Frank Family Zinfandel Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon Lonen Cabernet Sauvignon
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, Jul 24, 2009 4:30-7:30 & Saturday, Jul 25, 2009, 3-6 pm South American Surprises
Jungle Jim’s RSVP 513 674 6008 Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 1 - 3 pm $75 Top Rated Wines: 95 Points and Higher
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A children’s book about … winemaking? Yes, and it just won a prize
This is one of those “I-swear-I’m-not-making-this-up” entries:
A Spanish children’s book about winemaking — yes, winemaking — has won the prize for best illustrated wine publication at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2009, which took place in Paris earlier this month, according to this story from Decanter.com headlined “Children’s wine book wins prize”.
Now, does any one story capture the cultural difference between Europe and America when it comes to attitudes toward wine better than this one?
Imagine for a moment if you will the reaction of a publishing company here in the United States to a proposal for a children’s book about winemaking.
The concept behind the book does sound sort of, well, cute. Here’s an excerpt from the Decanter.com story:
It charts a year in a vineyard through the eyes of a wounded starling rescued and adopted by a winemaker in Rioja. The starling accompanies the winemaker, Ponciano, through pruning, budburst, sulphur spraying and harvesting. He eventually leaves Rioja to rejoin the migrating starlings on their way to Africa.
So, what do you think — appropriate or inappropriate?
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Two-Buck Chuck fizzles, but Fred Franzia rallies to gain a split decision
NOTE: The links embedded in this story have been updated, and thanks to our local “other Fred” for his help.
Our friend Peg Melnik — who once wrote for the Springfield News-Sun here in good ol’ Ohio before she abandoned us for California wine country and the The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, CA — has written a must-read story headlined “Fred Franzia won and lost” for WineTravel.com and its “Tasting Room” blog..
Basically, Melnik and other organizers of the tasting decided to call Fred Franzia’s bluff. Franzia, you’ll recall, is an owner of Bronco Wine Co., which produces dozens of labels of wine but is best known as the maker of Charles Shaw wines aka “Two Buck Chuck” that is sold by the truckload by Trader Joe’s grocery stores throughout the country, including Kettering.
As Melnik’s story pointed out, Franzia famously threw down the gauntlet in printed statements last year: “We challenge any Napa Valley winery to a blind wine tasting with consumers and we’ll win more than a majority of the time.”
Well, that’s exactly what Peg and others did, and it turns out that Franzia was half right. In a tasting, Two-Buck Chuch tanked, coming in last in both a consumers’ panel tasting and an experts’ panel tasting of six cabernet sauvignons (it was of course the cheapest of the six wines tasted). But another Bronco wine, the Napa Creek 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($13 suggested retail), fared considerably better in the panels’ rankings against some much more expensive competition.
Make sure you read the vintage Franzia spin in the story regarding a judge’s assertion that Two-Buck Chuck might be just a tad inconsistent. It’s a thing of beauty.
A fine idea for a wine competition, resulting in the best read in the wine world this week. It’s well worth checking out.
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Starbucks coffee shop and … wine bar?
Check out this story from CNNMoney.com headlined “Starbucks unveils a new drink: Booze” and also this story from Restaurants & Institutions’ ChainLeader.com entitled “Starbucks dips toe into beer and wine sales” about the folks at Starbucks opening a pilot store in Seattle that serves beer and wine and will stay open late.
Could a Dayton-area Starbucks wine bar be close behind?
Would you order a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer at a Starbucks if you could? With an espresso chaser?
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Vintner Select employee achieves rare ‘Master Sommelier’ status
Fine news from the Mason, Ohio-based wine importer and distributor Vintner Select dropped into my email in-box while I was out of the office last week: The Court of Master Sommeliers, American Chapter, has named Vintner Select sales mentor Brett Davis a Master Sommelier.
The passage rate on these exams is abysmally low: Davis becomes one of only 102 others who have earned the title of Master Sommelier in the U.S. in the last 22 years, since 1987. Click here for more on the Court of Master Sommeliers organization and click here for more about what’s required to achieve the top designation of Master. Suffice to say they set a high bar.
Vintner Select operates in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, and is responsible for bringing into this region some of the most unique and interesting wines you’ll find on local shelves. The company’s presence is keenly felt in the Dayton area: most recently, Vintner Select owners Gordon Hullar and Doris Holzheimer helped celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary on June 16 with a memorable Italian wine dinner at l’Auberge.
Here are excerpts from the news release sent out by Vintner Select:
It is with great pride that Vintner Select announces that one of its own has received the North American wine industry’s most significant honor. The Court of Master Sommeliers, American Chapter based in Napa, California, has named Vintner Select sales mentor Brett Davis a Master Sommelier. Davis joins 102 other individuals who have earned the title of Master in the U.S. since 1987. The title of Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine and spirits knowledge, beverage service abilities and professionalism in the hospitality trade.
We also want to take this opportunity to recognize our good friend and customer Scott Harper of Bristol Bar and Grill in Louisville, Kentucky who joined the ranks of Master Sommelier at the same time. Congratulations Scott! Note that Scott and Brett were study partners and were the only two of numerous candidates this year that succeeded in passing this Master Level test and achieving the title. As Brett said last week, “Out of 40 candidates, many of them from the top restaurants in New York, Chicago, Miami…etc., two “awe-shucks” Louisville boys were the only ones to walk away with Master Diplomas yesterday. As good as it feels for us personally, it feels just as good for us to proudly represent our city and the companies we work for.”Tweet
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Air Show Saturday brings a raft of wine tastings
I’m tardy with my wine-tastings list this week because I just returned from Ann Arbor. It is Art Fair week, but I was there to visit friends, so I delighted in telling folks I was in Ann Arbor despite the art fair, not because of it. And after attending portions of the fair over two days, it won me over. So did Cafe Zola, where we ate dinner Thursday night. A great town, Ann Arbor. Now if they would just get rid of that damn university … Good to be back on Buckeye soil.
Here’s the very fine wine tastings list that comes to Uncorked via a Dayton-based listserv, bless ‘em, in all its unedited glory …
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, Jul 17, 2009 4-8 pm 2007 Verget Bourgogne Blanc Grand Elevage 2006 Piazzano Ventoso 2005 Fattoria di Magliano Heba 2004 Chateau D’Aiguilhe 2003 Uccelliera
Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 1-6 pm 2006 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Chateau La Nerthe - Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 Coho Diamond Mountain Cabernet 2005 Chateau Fonbadet Pauilliac
RSVP 222-2892 for all Luncheons and Dinners
Crabfest Luncheon Saturday August 15, 2009 12:30PM $65
Lobsterfest Luncheon Saturday September 19, 2009 12:30PM $65
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 11-4 pm Sake2Me Ginger Mango Sake 2008 Borsao Rose 2006 Belle Vallee Pinot Gris 2007 Pride Of A Champion House Red 2006 Paoletti Picolo Cru Napa Valley Red 2005 Kenwood Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Thursday, July 16 5:30-8:30 Monthly beer tasting featuring Summit Brewing Co with guest Katie Jankowski
Friday, Jul 17, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm Mercer ’07 Riesling Stoneburn ’08 Sauvignon Blanc Moobuzz ’07 Pinot Noir Gregory Graham ’06 Grenache Trivento ’06 Amado Sur Mercer ’07 Merlot Brown Bag
Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 2-6 pm Tissot Cremant du Jura Torres Marimar ’04 Chardonnay Coho ’06 Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir Pillar Box ’06 Reserve Shraz Terra Elima ’03 Cerere Baron de Brane ’05 Margaux Bonus Bottle
Special Wine Tasting, Saturday, July 25, 2:00-6:00, Guest: Rebecca Loewy of Old Bridge Cellars, importer of fine Australian wines including D’Arenberg, Penley, John Duval, Leeuwin and more.
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 5-8 pm 08’Cht de Roquefort rose 06’ boudin Chablis 05’chateau de Fontenay Bordeaux 05’Albino Rocca Barbaresco Vigneto Brich Ronchi 06’Le Vieux Donjon CDP
Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 12-5 pm A selection of Toad Hollow wines.
Fireroad Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Wine by Joe Pinot Gris 2007 Wine By Joe Pinot Noir 2007 Chateau Gamage Bordeaux 2005 BV RSV Dulcet 2004
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, Jul 17, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm 2007 Girard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Hoopla Chardonnay 2006 Coho Pinot Noir 2006 Frank Family Zinfandel 2005 Chateau De Fontenay 2005 Atteca Armas
Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 12-5 pm 2007 Albert Bichot Macon 2008 Montemaro Pinot Grigio 2006 Rocket Science 2008 Chateau Les Quatre Fills 1999 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161 Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday noon - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines for Friday, Jul 17 - July 23, 2008 Meyer-Fonne Grand Cru 2006 Gewurztraminer Notro 2008 Torrontes Dom Larochette Manciat 2006 Pouilly-Fuisse Pretty Sally 2004 Shiraz Treasure Hunter Diamond Mt. Cabernet 2006 Klingenfus Pinot Noir 2007
Beer: Ayinger Dopplebock Food: Pulled Pork Sandwich
Focused Tasting: Tuesday Jul 21, 5-7 pm drop-in from David Girard Winery Cheese and meat small plates will be available
Wednesday Sandwich Night, July 22, 2009 1/2 lb Chicago Dog!
Arrow Centerville Saturday Jul 18, 2009 11 am - 5pm Wine Tasting! 2007 San Pietro Pinot Grigio… 2008 Artazuri Rose… 2007 Evodia Garnacha… 2008 Castano Monastrel… 2005 Magliano Morellino di Scansano… 2005 Feather Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com Tuesday, Jul 21, 2009 5-7 pm MARC TEMPÉ 2003 Gewürztraminer Alsace Rodelsberg BELLE GLOS 2008 Pinot Blanc Sonoma County J. BOOKWALTER NV Subplot No. 22 Columbia Valley
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm 2007 Maso Canali Pinot Grigio, Italy 2007 Kali Hart Pinot Noir, Monterey County, Ca 2006 Twenty Rows ‘The Grappler’ Red Wine, Ca. 2006 Two Hands Bella’s Garden Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004 Bodega del 900 Roble, Vino Tinto, Argentina
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 8am - 2 pm FIZZ, french sparkling wine 2007 Quarte Fils Cotes du Rhone
Trader Joe’s in Kettering. Tastings Thursday 6:00-8:00 and Sunday 4:00-7:00 Albero Organic Sparkling (NV) Spain. Josefina Syrah Rose (2006) AVA Paso Robles, California. Oreana ? Cabernet-Syrah (NV) California. VinTJs Cabernet Sauvignon (2005) AVA Napa Valley, California.
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org This week’s wines: Bex Riesling Hugo - Huber Gruner Veltliner Montes Cherub Rose Ventisquero Reserve Pinot Noir Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Sake2Me - Sparkling Sake
July 23 - 7 - 9pm French Picnic - Lauren Wiethe will be helping us learn about French Wines that will pair perfectly for a picnic.
Bruning’s Wine Cellar Friday, Jul 17, 2009 5-9 PM: 1st Anniversary Party and Cruise-In Beer from Anchor Brewing, Wine from McManis and Ventana
Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 5-8 PM 2007 Boomtown Pinot Gris 2007 Boomtown Chardonnay 2004 DiStefano Domenica 2004 DiStefano Meritage 2004 DiStefano Cabernet Sauvignon
The Culinary Company Cross Pointe Center Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 12-6 pm Wines and Beers Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Concannon Winery, featuring the following: Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Merlot Pinot Noir
Beers by Samuel Adams: Hefeweizen Pale Ale Irish Red Black Lager
Cork and Vine, York Commons Blvd Week of Jul 17, 2009 Flight List White Markus Molitor Riesling Cinque Terre Vermentino Parallel 45 Cotes Du Rhone Constrada Russian River Chardonnay
Red Angoves Shiraz Carr Merlot Greg Norman Reserve Syrah Columbia Crest Cabernet
Dark Horse Tavern 209 Byers Rd . Miamisburg , tasting Friday Jul 17, 2009 5 - 8 pm Wines from Toasted Head , Blackstone, Hogue.
The Melting Pot 453 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Centerville Wednesday August 26, 2009 7 pm, Wine Dinner RSVP at 567-8888 $59 Wines from Rodney Strong and Davis Bynum with Winery rep. Liz Rutherford
Miami Valley Wine & Spirits 943 W. Main St. Tipp City 667-3614 Friday Jul 17, 2009 5-9pm Wine Tasting Norton Tardia BV Napa Chardonnay Graffigna Malbec Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Punto Nino Cab. Sauvignon
The Dock 250 W Main Street Enon RSVP (937) 864-5011 Thursday, July 16, 2009 6 pm Buffet and Wine Dinner $25.95 Wines paired with each of the following buffet items: SEARED FRESH GINGER-SOY AHI TUNA ON TOAST POINTS!! HOMEMADE APPETIZER BEEF WELLINGTONS, TOPPED WITH A GREEN PEPPERCORN SAUCE!! MUSHROOMS STUFFED WITH A CRABMEAT DRESSING AND TOPPED WITH A LOBSTER-SHERRY CREAM SAUCE!! HOUSE-SMOKED SALMON TOPPED WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS, FRESH SPINACH, & GARLIC CREAM CHEESE; THEN ROLLED IN FLATBREAD!! DEEP-FRIED SCOTCH OLIVES SURROUNDED BY ITALIAN SAUSAGE & MOZARELLA CHEESE, DUSTED IN PANKO CRUMBS, AND DEEP-FRIED!!
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar, Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807 Thursday 6pm - 8pm and Saturday 11:30pm - 6pm Chartron La Fleur Blanc Chartron La Fleur Rouge Chateau de Fontenay Chateau de Respide Chatuea Lalande-Borie 2005
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, Jul 17, 2009 4:30-7:30 & Saturday, Jul 18, 2009, 3-6 pm
Jungle Jim’s RSVP 513 674 6008 Saturday, Jul 18, 2009 1 - 3 pm Dan Frey’s Italian Tour
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Korbel owner sues own daughter for defamation
Good gosh, this story on the Santa Rosa Press Democrat web site headlined “Korbel family feud escalates over Web comments” has got to be the most bizarre, sad, twisted story to emerge from the California wine industry in a long, long time.
This goes well beyond any family feuding that Robert and Peter Mondavi engaged in, or just about anybody else for that matter.
First the Korbel owner’s lawsuit against ComCast gains notoriety because of the “slippery slope” legal issues it raises concerning judges ordering internet providers to reveal the identities of anonymous posters, and now the whole thing blows up into a series of lawsuits and countersuits between a father and his daughter. Allegations and accusations of sexual harassment, bribery, and — zebras being held hostage?
What’s next? And how long will it be before someone wants the movie rights?
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A beer dinner, plus a little wine & jazz, add sizzle to next week
Lots of fun stuff going on this weekend and beyond on our “regular” wine tastings and events list that comes to Uncorked via a Dayton-based wine listserv, starting with Jay’s king-salmon wine luncheon tomorrow (7-11). Plus, there are two NEW venues that are making their debut on this week’s list: Dark Horse Tavern at 209 Byers Rd. in Miamisburg, and The Dock at 250 W. Main Street in Enon. The more wine tastings and wine dinners the better!
And I’ve got a couple of more events to add to the “regular” list, starting with this email from Lori Yanko from Chappys Tap Room and Grille:
I just wanted to let you know that Chappys Tap Room and Grille is hosting a beer dinner featuring Goose Island Beers at Chappys on Wed. July 15th at 6:30 p.m. It is a 5-course dinner paired with 5 different Goose Island Beers. The cost is $60 and can be purchased at the restaurant at 2733 W. Alex Bell Rd. or by phone by calling 937-299-7427.
And here’s an event that was supposed to be listed in today’s Dayton Daily News Go section until we ran out of space:
ARTS CENTER PRESENTS TASTE OF WINE AND JAZZ
GREENVILLE — The Darke County Center for the Arts will present “A Taste of Wine and Jazz XVII” on Friday, July 17, at Montage Cafe in Greenville. Music will be provided by saxophonist J.T. Fedrick and his six-piece, Dayton-based band, who will perform three diverse sets. Montage owners Aaron and Michelle Cox will prepare hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; door prizes will be awarded around 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, and are available at Montage as well as at DCCA’s office on the third floor of the Greenville Public Library. Reservations also can also be made by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net.
Now, onto the Best Damn Wine Tastings & Events List In All The Land:
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, Jul 10, 2009, 4:00-8:00 pm 2007 Verget Saint Veran 2006 Piazzano Ventoso 2005 Azelia Punto Barbera 2005 Chateau Le Boscq 2006 Bodega Numanthia
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 1-6 pm 2007 Verget Saint Veran 2006 Stoller Pinot Noir 2006 Francois Raquillet Mercurey 2006 Gerard Rapet Bourgogne 2005 Markham Cabernet
RSVP 222-2892 for all Luncheons and Dinners
Wild Salmon Wine Luncheon
Saturday July 11, 2009 12:30PM $65
Smoked king salmon cakes with spiced candied pecans, tossed with fresh greens, sun dried cranberries in a creamy vinaigrette Salmon ravioli with tomato basil relish in a saffron beurre blanc Glazed kin salmon with corn soufflé and locally grown vegetables Chocolate tart with sable crust and fresh berries
Crabfest Luncheon Saturday August 15, 2009 12:30PM $65
Lobsterfest Luncheon Saturday September 19, 2009 12:30PM $65
Arrow Wine & Spirits Far Hills — Kettering
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 11-4 pm
2008 Corail de Roquefort Rose 2007 Mikael Bouges Touraine 2007 Bridesmaid Napa Valley White 2005 Bridesmaid Napa Valley Red 2008 Colonia Liebras Bonarda 2006 Clos Du Bois Alexander Valley Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Montes Cabernet Carmenere
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood
Friday, Jul 10, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm Four Sisters ’08 Viognier Edna Valley ’07 Chardonnay Azelia ’05 Barbera d’Alba Rombauer ’05 Merlot Kinkead Ridge ’05 Syrah Pozzan ’07 Zinfandel Brown Bag
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 2-6 pm Macmurray ’07 Pinot Gris Rochioli ’07 Chardonnay Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose Beaux freres ’07 Pinot Noir Domaine LaFond ’07 Chateauneuf du Pape Callejo ’04 Crianza Joel Gott ’07 Cabernet
DLM Washington Square
Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 5-8 pm
Concannon Rose 2008 Domaine Guffens Bourgogne “Derniers Jus”” 2007 Arcadian Chardonnay 2003 Bouchard Nuits Saint Georges 2006 Azelia Barbara d’Alba 2005 Encore Wine!
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 12-5 pm
Fireroad Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Wine by Joe Pinot Gris 2007 Wine By Joe Pinot Noir 2007 Chateau Gamage Bordeaux 2005 BV RSV Dulcet 2004
Dorothy Lane Springboro
Friday, Jul 10, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm
Alice Prosecco Ose Alice Prosecco Extra Dry Alice Chianti and others
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 12-5 pm
Single Vineyard Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Single Vineyard Coho Diamond Mountain Cabernet Four Vines Peasant GSM from Paso Robles and others…
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161
Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday noon - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net
Wines for Friday, Jul 10 - July 16, 2008
Ascheri Gavi 2008 Albecht Bichot MAcon village 2007 Norto Torrontes 2007 Villa San-Juliette Romantique Cab/Merl Naiara Reserva Malbec 2006
Beer: Troegs Summertime Beer Saturday Food: Smoked Sliced Brisket Sandwich
Focused Tasting: Tuesday Jul 14, 5-7 pm Rose! Cheese and meat small plates will be available
Wednesday Sandwich Night, July 16, 2009 Lobster Rolls
Arrow Centerville
Saturday Jul 11, 2009 11 am - 5pm Wine Tasting!
2008 Vevi Rueda. 2007 Joel Gott Chardonnay. 2008 Bielsa Old Vine Garnacha. 2004 Selene Chesler. 2007 Joel Gott Zinfandel. 2008 Reusher-Haart Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 5-7 pm
2006 EYRIE VINEYARDS- Oregon Pinot Blanc 2005 VILLA CAFAGGIO- Chianti Classico 2006 PAOLETTI ESTATES- Piccolo Cru’ Napa Valley
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 11-4 pm
2007 BV Chardonnay 2005 Lapis Luna Merlot 2007 McNabe Ridge Pinotage 2006 Shotfire Shiraz
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Red Head Ranch (RHR) Chenin Blanc, California ‘R’ Sangiovese Pioneer Hill Vineyards, Amador County, California ‘R’ Petite Sirah Salmon Vineyards, Clarksburg ‘R’ Zinfandel ‘Z’ Zinfandel
Thursday, Jul 11, 2009 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM Beer Tasting
009 Gazela Rose 2004 J Lynne Pinot Noir And other Value wines!
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 8am - 2 pm
009 Gazela Rose 2004 J Lynne Pinot Noir And other Value wines!
Trader Joe’s in Kettering
Tastings Thursday 6:00-8:00 and Sunday 4:00-7:00
Hat in the Ring Sauvignon Blanc (2007) Mendoza, Argentina. Hat in the Ring Pinot Grigio (2007) Mendoza, Argentina. Trader Joe’s Grower’s Reserve Organic Chenin Blanc (2008) California. Valreas Cuvee Prestige (2007) AOC Cotes du Rhone-Villages, France.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548
Wine Wednesdays in the bar. July 15, 2009 4-8 pm
chalk hill imagine Chardonnay, Sonoma County, 2005 cain Cuvee, Napa Valley, NV5 clos bu bois Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, 2005 Montes alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O. Colchagua Valley
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org
This week’s wines:
Menage a Trois White Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc Menage a Trois Rose Menage a Trois Red The Show Cabernet Sauvignon
July 9 - Menage & Music Mixer featuring Menage A Trois wines as A Side of Fries plays
July 23 - 7 - 9pm French Picnic - Lauren Wiethe will be helping us learn about French Wines that will pair perfectly for a picnic.
Bruning’s Wine Cellar
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 3-6 PM
Charles Smith Wines
2008 Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2007 Eve Chardonnay 2007 Velvet Devil Merlot 2007 BOOM BOOM Syrah 2006 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 5-8 PM
McManis Family Vineyards
2008 Pinot Grigio 2007 Viognier 2007 Pinot Noir 2008 Merlot 2007 Cabernet Suvignon 2007 Petite Sirah
Friday, Jul 17, 2009 5-9 PM: 1st Anniversary Party and Cruise-In Beer from Anchor Brewing, Wine from McManis and Ventana
The Culinary Company Cross Pointe Center
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 12-6 pm Wines and Beers
Beer:
Peroni Nastro Azzurro (Italy) Xingu Black Beer (Brazil) Fuller’s London Pride (England) Tecate (Mexico)
Wine:
Campogrande Orvieto (Italy) Domaine Wachau Gruner Veltliner (Austria) Chateau La Bardonne Bordeaux (France)
Cork and Vine, York Commons Blvd off of Miller Lane
Week of Jul 10, 2009
White Flight
Hogue Gewurtztraminer Nobilo Sauv. Blanc Pedres Vermentino Sbragia Chardonnay
Red Flight
Estancia Pinot Noir Ridge Zinfandel Cassillero del Diablo Carmenere Souverain Cabernet
Dark Horse Tavern 209 Byers Rd . Miamisburg, wine tasting Friday Jul 17, 2009 5 - 8 pm
wines from Toasted Head , Blackstone, Hogue.
Miami Valley Wine & Spirits 943 W. Main St. Tipp City 667-3614
Friday Jul 10, 2009 5-9pm Beer Tasting
Flying Dog - In Heat Wheat Avery - 16 Anniversary Saison Weyerbacher - Zotten Belgian Pale Ale Lagunitas - A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale Victory - Hop Devil Bear Republic - Hop Rod Rye North Coast - Old Stock Ale ‘09 North Coast - Old Stock Ale ‘08
The Dock 250 W Main Street Enon RSVP (937) 864-5011
Thursday, July 16, 2009 6 pm Buffet and Wine Dinner $25.95
Wines paired with each of the following buffet items:
SEARED FRESH GINGER-SOY AHI TUNA ON TOAST POINTS!! HOMEMADE APPETIZER BEEF WELLINGTONS, TOPPED WITH A GREEN PEPPERCORN SAUCE!! MUSHROOMS STUFFED WITH A CRABMEAT DRESSING AND TOPPED WITH A LOBSTER-SHERRY CREAM SAUCE!! HOUSE-SMOKED SALMON TOPPED WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS, FRESH SPINACH, & GARLIC CREAM CHEESE; THEN ROLLED IN FLATBREAD!! DEEP-FRIED SCOTCH OLIVES SURROUNDED BY ITALIAN SAUSAGE & MOZARELLA CHEESE, DUSTED IN PANKO CRUMBS, AND DEEP-FRIED!!
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar, Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807
Thursday 6pm - 8pm and Saturday 12 pm - 4 pm
Patarrota Sangria Don Ramon Vino Tinto Barrica Crucillon Tinto Red Wine Castillo De Fuendejalon Crianza Mosen Cleto Vrianza Red
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, Ju 10, 2009 4:30-7:30 & Saturday, Jul 11, 2009, 3-6 pm
Wines from California’s Central Coast
Jungle Jim’s RSVP 513 674 6008
Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 1 - 3 pm
Dave’s Faves
La Petit France (Evendale, OH) www.lapetitefrance.biz
Friday, Jul 10, 2009 6:30 pm “Fabulous FrenchDinner” $60 RSVP 513-733-8383
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Ditch the chardonnay: Summer is perfect time to explore osbcure wine varietals
After accepting an invitation to “guest host” a wine tasting for the Dayton chapter of the American Wine Society — a group of wine enthusiasts with a discriminating palate and a powerful thirst — I decided to have a little fun.
The theme was supposed to be “summer wines,” but when the first few wines that I identified as candidates turned out to be made from rather little-known, eclectic grape varietals, the dim little light bulb over my head brightened just a bit. I figured, why not challenge these finely honed and well-educated palates with a whole host of rare, obscure wines? I mean, who wants to taste yet another chardonnay, riesling or pinot grigio when there’s a whole rainbow of new varietal possibilities available?
I hauled two bottles each of my six chosen wines — which spanned four continents and both hemispheres — over to the Beavercreek home of Jeff and Sandy Bruce, who hosted the tasting (yes, it’s the same Jeff Bruce who is the retired executive editor of the Dayton Daily News). Before the event began, I offered to buy every future tasting for anyone in the AWS chapter who could accurately identify each of the six grape varieties as we tasted them “blind” from brown-bagged bottles. Members also voted afterward on best wine and best value.
Sadly, some of these wines were “one-hit wonders” that are no longer available in the marketplace, but if something interests you, check with your local wine purveyor. The tasting notes quoted for each of the listed wines are courtesy of Dennis Hall, local wine guru who formerly owned and operated Fairfield Wine in Beavercreek.
— 2007 Santa Isabel Torrentes, Argentina, $8: Torrentes has taken North America by storm. It’s dry, somewhat sauvignon blanc-like, refreshing and cheap, and this version did not disappoint. Dennis Hall’s tasting notes: “Very pale nearly clear; slight diesel/floral aroma similar to wines from Alsace; Tart, minerally flavor; crisp, light finish. Might make a good white sangria base.”
— 2008 Seven Sisters Chenin Blanc Yolanda, South Africa, $11: Yes, this wine is really made by a wine company operated by seven sisters, and Yolanda is one of them. The wine’s importer, Selena Cuffe, lives right here in southwest Ohio, in West Chester; she is president and CEO of Heritage Link Brands, which seeks out black-owned wineries in South Africa with the idea of introducing the wines into the U.S. And she found a great one here. DH: “Light straw color; light herbal/fresh straw aromas; rich citrus, lemony flavor; minerally, full finish. Good food wine.”
— 2008 Finca el Reposo Saint Jeannet; Argentina, $9: This wine’s importer claims there are only 10 acres of this ancient Greek and Italian grape varietal remaining in the world. We did our part for historical preservation. This wine was loved by most, reviled by some, and its grape varietal was unknown to all. DH: “Pale yellow; aromas of pear and light peach; Slightly sweet fruit flavors with mineral undertones; Hot, high alcohol finish, slightly out of balance. Very wide dispersion of opinions.”
— 2006 Lamura Grillo de Sicilla IGT Italy, $8: The grillo grape is indigenous to Sicily and forms the backbone of Marsala. This version was dry and crisp. DH: “Light straw color; Fresh green apple aromas; good acidity; flavor did not match intensity of aroma. Simple crisp finish.”
— 2008 Meranda-Nixon Traminette, Ohio, $12: Made by Seth Meranda at the winery down near Ripley within spitting distance (almost) of the Ohio River. This is his best vintage to date for the Traminette, which is semi-sweet and just a little spicy. DH: “Very floral muscat-like aroma; similar fruit flavors to gewurztraminer but without the spiciness; slight sweetness; very good balance. Good summer sipper for the patio.”
— 2006 Schloss Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner, Austria $23: The wine variety often gets shortened by tongue-tied American consumers to “Groo-Vee,” and it can be glorious. It can also be expensive. DH: “Medium straw color; Light nose hints of lemon; slight fizzante acid tingle on the tongue; crisp complex layer of fruit and minerals; very nice balance and long finish. Should work well with grilled shrimp or scallops.”
At the end of the night, the ultra-obscure Saint Jeannet won the vote as “Favorite Wine,” with the Torrentes second and a three-way tie for third among the chenin blanc, traminette and gruner veltliner. The Torrentes from Argentina won the vote for best value, with the Saint Jeannet a distant second (What a difference one dollar makes!)
A couple of well-traveled AWS members (including Dennis) did pick out and identify the torrentes, but as for going six-for-six, well — suffice to say that my future earnings were never in serious danger.
But the tasting did suggest some amazing values can be found in the fringes of the vast ocean of wine by those who have an open mind — and an open palate.
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Go Fo(u)rth and Taste Wine
The fact that July 4 falls on a Saturday wreaks havoc on the wine-tasting schedule this weekend, so as the folks who operate the Dayton-based wine listserv and who compile the following list of wine tasting and dinners point out, it would be a good idea to call ahead this weekend before heading out to your favorite wine spot.
But there’s still so much great stuff going on that it makes us proud to be Americans …
Have a great Independence Day weekend!
With Saturday being the 4th of July holiday, check the list to see if your favorite tasting venue will be open or call in advance.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Jay’s Kitchen Door
Friday, Jul 3, 2009 4-8 pm NO TASTING!!!
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 1-6 pm NO TASTING!!!
RSVP 222-2892 for all Luncheons and Dinners
Wild Salmon Wine Luncheon
Saturday July 11, 2009 12:30PM $65
Smoked king salmon cakes with spiced candied pecans, tossed with fresh greens, sun dried cranberries in a creamy vinaigrette Salmon ravioli with tomato basil relish in a saffron beurre blanc Glazed kin salmon with corn souffle and locally grown vegetables Chocolate tart with sable crust and fresh berries
Crabfest Luncheon Saturday August 15, 2009 12:30PM $65
Lobsterfest Luncheon Saturday September 19, 2009 12:30PM $65
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 11-4 pm
2008 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Charles and Charles Rose 2007 B.V. Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006 Ledgewood G.S.M. 2008 Bielsa Garnacha 2006 Bacco in Toscana Bom Ba Ba Ba
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood
Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 5:00-8:00 pm
Kinkead Ridge ’08 Viognier Roussanne Gruet Blanc de Noirs Victory ’07 Parcel 31 Zinfandel Culler ’04 Griffin Vineyard Syrah Kathryn Kennedy ’05 Lateral Liberty School ’06 Cabernet Brown Bag
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 2-6 pm NO TASTING!!!
DLM Washington Square
Thursday, Jul 2, 2009 5-8 pm Trenza Rosado 2008 Domaine Guffens Recolte “En Crazy” 2007 Vincent Girardin Emotion de Terrior 2005 Justin Issocles 2006 Encore Wine!
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 12-5 pm
NO TASTING!!!
Dorothy Lane Springboro
Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 3:00-7:00 pm
2008 Eola Hills Pinot Gris 2005 Patz and Hall Chardonnay 2006 Soter Beacon Hills Pinot Noir 2006 Stone Hedge Malbec 2005 Bridesmaid Red
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 12-5 pm NO TASTING!!!
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook 848-2161
Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday noon - 7:30 pm, Friday noon - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net
Closing early on Friday, July 3, 2009! Closed July 4, 2009 NO TASTING!!!
Wines for Friday, Jul 3 - July 9, 2008 La Cadalora 2007 Pinot Grigio Domaine Beurdin Revilly 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Olabisi 2005 Syrah Vina Zaco 2005 Tempranillo Pink Dog 2005 Red Blend
Beer: Troegs Summertime Beer Food: None
Focused Tasting: Tuesday Jul 7, 5-7 pm High End Reds Cheese and meat small plates will be available
Wednesday Sandwich Night, July 8, 2009 Italian Style Chef Salad
Arrow Centerville
Saturday Jul 4, 2009 11 am - 5pm Wine Tasting!
2008 Simi Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc… 2007 B. V. Napa Valley Chardonnay… 2006 Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir… 2006 Michael David Petite Petit… 2005 Krupps “The Advocate”… 2008 Folie A Deux Menage A Trois Rose
Rue Dumaine www.ruedumainerestaurant.com
Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 5-7 pm
LEMELSON VINEYARDS 2007 Dry Riesling Willamette Valley SOLENA CELLARS 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Grande Cuvée J.K. CARRIERE WINES 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Provocateur
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of East Third and Wayne Avenue
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 11-4 pm
Martin Codex Albarino Omrah Pinot Noir Tittarelli Tempronilla Amariniers Cote du Rhone Villages McManus Family Cabernet
Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Steltzner Claret Ventisquero Pinot Noir Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc Red Car Heaven and Earth Pinot Noir Red Car Aphorist Pinot Noir
The Wine Gallery Outlet, at the 2nd Street Farmers Market
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 8am - 2 pm
Value Tastings!
Trader Joe’s in Kettering
Tastings Thursday 6:00-8:00 and Sunday 4:00-7:00
Espiral (NV) DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal. VinTJs Sauvignon Blanc (2008) AVA Napa Valley, California. Well Red Organic & Sulfite-Free (2008) California. La Loggia Barbaresco (2005) DOCG Barbaresco, Italy.
Bonus Tasting Friday July 3rd from 3:00 to 7:00 — with Karaoke! Trader Joe’s Reserve Chardonnay (2006) AVA Mendocino County, California. Bear’s Lair Viognier (2005) California. California Wine Party Franc/Merlot (2006) AVA Paso Robles, California. Napa River Merlot (2005) AVA Napa Valley, California.
A Taste of Wine 90 S. Main St Miamisburg, OH 937.247-1120 www.atasteofwine.org
OPEN July 3 and July 4 This week’s wines:
Mosselland Riesling - (Landmark Series) Ladybug White Toad Hollow Chardonnay Rose d’Anjou Ladybug Red Zinzilla DiStefano Cabernet Sauvignon
Bruning’s Wine Cellar
Saturday, Jul 4, 2008 3-6 PM Closed
Wednesday, Jul , 2009 5-8 PM 2006 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fume Blanc 2006 Paraiso Riesling 2006 Paraiso Pinot Noir 2005 Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Rosenblum Snows Lake Zinfandel
Cork and Vine , York Commons Blvd
Week of Jul 3, 2009
White Flight Cirello White Blend Angoves Nine Vines Rose A-Mano Moscato Clos Du Bois Chardonnay
Red Flight Pedres Cannonau Di Sardegna Erath Pinot Noir Paoletti Bella Novello Toasted Head Alexander Valley Cab
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar , Springboro, OH 45066 937-748-3807
Thursday 6pm - 8pm and OPEN Saturday 11:30pm - 6pm
Slipstream Sauvignon Blanc Red Mud Chardonnay Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon Nelwood Station Bulldozer Charles Cimicky ‘Autograph’ Shiraz
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
Thursday, Jul 2, 2009 & Friday, Jul 3, 4:30-7:30 pm
Blue Fish Riesling Blue Moon Pinot Gris White Truck White California Red Truck Red California Red Guitar California Spain Red Shorts Red Lodi, California
Saturday, Jul 4 CLOSED
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San Francisco Wine Competition awards announced
The 29th annual San Francisco International Wine Competition results have been announced.
Anything you find surprising?
And does anybody else besides me remember those little gold-medal, silver-medal stickers that wine retailers slapped onto bottles as selling points? I specifically remember Arrow Far Hills doing this. And, as I recall, it worked.
Of course, that was BPS — before Parker scores.
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Drinking habits hold steady despite recession
There are some interesting tidbits embedded in this Gallup Poll story about Americans’ drinking habits.
The anecdotal stories that we occasionally hear about folks drinking more alcohol because of the tough economic times apparently aren’t borne out by the Gallup survey.
Wine — which enjoyed a brief, shining moment in the sun when it overtook beer as the alcoholic drink of choice a few years back, then slipped behind beer again in the following year’s survey — seemed to narrow the gap with beer in the most recent poll, although with margins or error and the volatility of those numbers, I suspect it’s a tad early to proclaim a trend, even for us wishful-thinking wine enthusiasts.
Here are some of the Gallup folks’ analysis of the wine numbers, quoting from the report:
When Gallup first asked Americans about their drinking preferences in 1992, beer was the runaway leader, named by 47%; just 27% named wine. Since then, the prevalence of beer drinkers has contracted somewhat, while the percentage of wine fans has grown. The sizable gender gap evident for many years in alcoholic-beverage preferences continues today. The majority of men say they most often drink beer; half of women choose wine. There is also a significant generational difference in preferences, with younger adults favoring beer and older adults favoring wine. As a result, there is a particularly wide gulf between younger men and older women, in terms of drink preferences. Geographically, beer enjoys its greatest popularity in the Midwest. On the basis of education, wine is far more popular among people with at least some college background than it is among those who have not attended college.
Your analysis — preferably, your sober analysis — is welcome. What do you make of these numbers?
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New wine bar on Far Hills to open this month
The new Rumble Seat Wine bar and retail shop that we told you about back in May is scheduled to open later this month at 5853 Far Hills Ave. next to Caribou Coffee in Washington Twp.
And it has hired a familiar face as manager: Chris Holloway, who worked for several years at Arrow Wine & Spirits’ Centerville store and more recently for the Cork & Vine wine bar and retail shop off of Miller Lane.
Chris Holloway in the new Rumble Seat Wine
Holloway spend part of this morning taking a wine shipment and is in the process of installing cable TV and phone lines.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in wine retail, you’ve got to have the Buckeye games on TV on Saturday afternoon,” Holloway said.
The new shop is scheduled to open in late July, and will have a “soft” opening for a short period before scheduling grand-opening events around the first of August, Holloway said.
It’s a spacious facility, with one side devoted to case stacks of wine that will give it a “retail warehouse” feel, and another side reserved for the wine bar, with a tasting bar and a handful of high-top tables, and wine racks for more eclectic wines, Holloway said. There will be a wine room devoted to premium wines, and another devoted to wines that cost $10 or less.
Holloway, who has taught wine classes for the city of Kettering, wants Rumble Seat to host wine classes as well. And the wine bar itself will have wines available to taste all day, every day, whenever the shop is open. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“I understand there are a lot of different wine shops around here, so I’ve got to find my niche,” Holloway said.
Rumble Seat Wines has the license to serve spirits and mixed drinks as well as beer and wine, and it plans to offer beer samples alongside the wine samples, the new manager said.
The new wine bar and retail shop is owned by Thomas E. Smith of Washington Twp.
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