A few noteworthy new releases…

I’ve rated Concannon Conservancy Wines in the past and I’m particularly impressed with John Concannon’s fifth addition to his portfolio.  Crimson and Clover is his first Petite Sirah blend sourced from 100% Livermore Valley grapes consisting of 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel.  I had the privilege to taste a pre-release bottle this past August and have to rate it A+!  Crimson and Clover upholds the Concannon Winery history of world class Petite Sirahs while adding deep rich berry flavors and softness. Concannon describes the wine, “as having the aroma of currants, cloves and vanilla, the fruit flavors of black berry and a spicy soft and long finish.”  In part, due to the varietal blend and 18 months of aging in French and American oak but more due to the depth and structure of Petite Sirah.  Crimson and Clover is available nationally at a suggested retail of $15.00.  I wouldn’t wait too long to purchase some.  With only 10,000 cases produced and a noteworthy 90 points from Wine Lines and an 88 points from Wine Enthusiast, this ruby gem won’t last long on the shelves.

 Another noteworthy late summer 2011 release is from our friends at Octavin Home Wine Bar.  Octavin combines a 3 liter octagon shaped box, vacuum-packaging and special spot to prevent air from coming in contact with their wine.  Once opened, their 21^st Century packaging technology keeps their wine fresh for at least 6 weeks. Allowing you to enjoy some highly regarded artisanal wines, a glass or two a day, without being concerned about unfinished wine in glass bottles. 

South African winemaker Pieter Carstens and Adam Richardson, Octavin’s international winemaker have joined forces in producing Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay.    These Herding Cats winemakers were artful in blending authentic South African varietals with globally known varietals.  The result is a medium bodied, bright fruit flavored wine.  Pieter Carstens describes it this way, “In this lovely wine, we have herded together the ever so popular South African Chenin Blanc with the ever so flavorful Chardonnay to achieve and aromatic white with hints of green apple, bright citrus and a crisp clean finish.”  Pieter is “spot on”!  This is a very food friendly and versatile wine.  At a suggested $24 for the 3 liter Octavin Home Wine Bar cask, Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay delivers an outstanding value.

 If you are interested in tasting these wines and several hundred more, I strongly encourage you to spend the weekend in Grand Rapids for the 2011 International Wine, Beer & Food Festival November 17 – 19.  In addition to being invited to sample from more than 1,000 wines, beers and spirits from around the world, 5 of Grand Rapids’ finest restaurants will prepare, present and serve exceptional multi-course meals with considered wine.  Chefs and winemakers will share their knowledge and insights about their selections in an elegant, yet relaxed, sit down atmosphere.  For more information about the festival, log on to http://www.showspan.com/GRW/Home.aspx .

If you would like to comment on our selections or share you own opinion email Supermarketsommelier@oakpress.com.  Remember, you don’t have to pay a lot to enjoy a great bottle of wine.  Look, Smell, Taste, you decide.

‘Toast the Season’ with the Wineries of Leelanau Peninsula

(LEELANAU PENINSULA, Michigan) – In what has become a Northwest Michigan holiday tradition, the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association will hold the 2011 Toast the Season wine tour. Once again, two consecutive weekends of tasting and touring will be offered, November 5 & 6 or November 12 & 13. The self-guided tour includes a gift bag featuring local food items, and you may visit up to 8 wineries each day in any order you choose between the hours of 11am to 5pm Saturday, or noon to 5pm Sunday.

“Toast the Season is lots of fun, giving you a chance to experience the Leelanau wine trail, enjoy a great gift bag, taste some great wine and sample our food pairings,” explains Lucie Matthias of Chateau Fontaine. “It’s also a good time to get a start on your holiday shopping in our tasting rooms and at all the unique shops & stores in Leelanau’s villages. Deer hunting season starts on November 15th this year, and we see a lot of ‘deer widows’ too, who are looking for something fun to do while their husbands are away at deer camp!”

The tour features a special wine & food pairing at each of the 19 Leelanau Peninsula member wineries. At your starting winery you will be given a commemorative glass, an LPVA holiday ornament, a souvenir wine key and a holiday gift bag featuring local food including fair trade coffee from Higher Grounds Trading Company of Traverse City, cocoa-coated chocolate covered almonds from Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire, and (of course) Michigan cherries from Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor!

Tickets are available online at www.lpwines.com/toast along with Toast the Season packages from a number of local lodging partners.

Food Pairings

Below are a few of the tantalizing wine & food pairings!

• Chateau de Leelanau will be serving the “World Famous Willies Chili” with Solem Farm Red.
• L.Mawby will offer Nature’s Treat dried apples slices with Black Diamond aged white cheddar, paired with the L. Mawby Consort.
• Ciccone Vinyards will feature an Italian Bruschetta with fresh ingredients straight from the garden paired with their 2009 Cabernet Franc.
• Willow Vinyards will be serving up some naughty French Vanilla Pumpkin Squares with Caramel topping, paired with their Semi Sweet Gris.
• Cherry Republic will pair a Gorgonzola, Pecan and Cherry Fondue using their delicious Cherry Bread and with their Great Hall Riesling.
• Verterra is offering different food pairings with their Pinot Gris for each weekend: 1st weekend will be Char-Grilled Pizzetta with sun-dried tomato, fresh spinach, garlic, feta & mozzarella and the 2nd weekend will feature Santa Fe Sweet Corn Chowder.
• Forty-Five North will be serving up carnitas tacos paired with their new 2010 Dry Riesling.

Tickets

Tickets for Toast the Season are $50 per person or $75 per couple (couple ticket holders receive two glasses, pours and food at each winery, but only one gift bag and ornament). Tickets are available online at http://www.lpwines.com/toast/.

The LPVA encourages using a designated driver or local transportation services when touring its wineries. Visitwww.lpwines.com for more information including lodging packages at many great area hotels, B&Bs and resorts!

LPVA was formed in 2000 with a goal to help spread the word about all the wonderful things the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer including a growing number of award-winning wineries, excellent restaurants and a rich agricultural history. Today, it is the largest and strongest of the four organized wine trails in Michigan which promote the state’s nearly $790 million grape/wine industry.
Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association
http://lpwines.com/

Cool Weather is Wine Touring Weather!

The hot, humid days of summer are slowly giving way to milder days and cool evenings. This is a wonderful time to tour Michigan wine country and attend a few tasting events. Visit www.michiganwines.com to get more details on these and all the other fabulous events throughout the year.

New Buffalo Harvest and Wine Fest — October 8
Lion’s Park, New Buffalo
The New Buffalo Business Association and the Four Winds Casino are hosting the 5th annual “New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest” from noon to 10pm. Representing all that the season has to offer, the Harvest & Wine Fest boasts an abundance of local treats including a copious farmer’s market, world-class wines from Southwest Michigan, tasty fare from area restaurants, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and more. Suggested donation at the gate is $5 per person — children 12 and under are FREE. Visit www.newbuffalo.org for more information.

Wine Country Tour — October 9
East Lansing to Southwest Michigan
Michigan State University and Lansing Community College have joined together to offer a day-long bus tour to some of western Michigan’s wineries. Visits to several Southwest Michigan wineries including Tabor Hill Winery are planned. The tour includes transportation, lunch and an experienced guide. The return trip home will include a stop to pick up food to go. Cost is $159, with lunch included. Call 517-355-4562 to reserve your spot.

Greater Lansing Wine Opener — October 20
Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath
Indulge in the finer things at Eagle Eye Golf Club and support a great cause, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Guests will sip fine wines from five different regions, including Michigan, dine on delicious local cuisine and peruse the wonderful items in the live and silent auction in a unique setting. Guests attending the VIP Reception will enjoy exclusive fare before heading into the Wine Opener. Live music and celebrity pourers complete the evening making it unforgettable for all who attend. Cocktail attire please. $60 ($65 at door) for main tasting; $100 ($110 at door) VIP Tasting; VIP tasting begins at 6:00. Visit www.ccf.org for more information.

The Big Grape Tour — November 5-6
Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
Join us for a day of wine, food, and fun as we travel by motorcoach from one Wine Trail winery to another, five in all. Each winery will be featuring one of their best wines paired with food. Following the wine and food pairings, we will check into the Marriott at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti followed by dinner and dancing. This is one event you won’t want to miss! Registration Deadline: October 5. Purchase tickets online at www.pioneerwinetrail.com.

Toast the Season — November 5-6 & November 12-13
Leelanau Peninsula Wineries
The tour is self guided and you may visit 8 of our 18 member wineries each day in whatever order you desire between the hours of 11am to 5pm Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. The tour features a special wine pour accompanied by holiday themed gourmet food at each of the 18 Leelanau Peninsula member wineries. At your starting winery you will be given a commemorative glass, an LPVA holiday ornament and a holiday gift bag featuring local, fair trade and organic food and more! More information at www.lpwines.com/toast.

Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival — November 17-19
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids
Over 100 wineries from around the world will provide samples of as many as 1,200 assorted wines — including some hard to find, top shelf vintages. Brewmasters and distillers will also to be on hand providing tastes of their hand-crafted beverages. Chefs from eight of the area’s top restaurants prepare and serve samples of their culinary specialties. Six select restaurants partner with distinguished wineries and breweries for special Pairings — gourmet multi-course meals served on-site in a casual yet intimate “bar top” setting. Tickets are $30-$40 each and may be purchased in advance online at www.grwinefestival.com, or at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis.

Great Macaroni & Cheese Bake-Off — November 26
Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Local restaurants have turned the classic comfort food dish of Macaroni and Cheese into culinary marvels! This rich and creamy fare is paired with wines from Old Mission – Rieslings, Pinot Grigios, Chardonnays and more. Taste what our local chefs have come up with this year! Tickets are $40 and will be available online at www.wineriesofoldmission.com.

Michigan Wines Receive Prestigious Awards

Michigan Wines Receive Prestigious Awards

Michiganwines and wineries have been in the spotlight throughout the summer; and it’s not just inMichigan, it’s happening across the country. The reason?Michiganwines have been winning a significant number of top awards at regional, national and international wine competitions.

In January, Chateau Grand Traverse won a Best of Class award at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for their 2009Lot49 Riesling. This off-dry wine was produced from grapes harvested from a single vineyard — located on a steep, west-facing slope onOldMissionPeninsula, in northernMichigan.

Judges evaluated more than 2,000 wines from around the world at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition, held inSan Bernadino,Calif., in April, and declared a tie for Best Gewurztraminer: Tabor Hill Winery, in Buchanan, for their 2009 vintage, and Chateau Fontaine, onLeelanauPeninsula, for their 2010. Chateau Fontaine went on to win Grand Champion honors as Best White Wine of the competition.

Tabor Hill also garnered several top awards at other international competitions, including Best White Wine at the International Eastern Wine Competition, held inCorning,N.Y., for their 2010 Traminette, a hybrid variety similar to Gewurztraminer. Fenn Valley Vineyards, in Fennville, won Best of Class Riesling at the same competition, which accepted more than 1,400 entries in 2011.

Pinot Blanc is a relatively new varietal forMichiganvintners. Left Foot Charley, inTraverse City, is doing an outstanding job of producing wine from this sister grape of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The winery received a “Sweepstakes” award of Best White Wine at the Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition for their 2010 Pinot Blanc, Island View Vineyard. TheLong Beachjudging is one of the top international wine competitions in theUnited States.

With more than 3,000 entries from 15 countries, the Indy International Wine Competition, held inIndianapolisin August, is the largest independent wine competition in the nation. The 2011 judging was a gold mine for threeMichiganwineries — from three different regions of the state. Best Vidal was awarded to Sandhill Crane Vineyards, inJackson; Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs won Best Chancellor; and Leelanau Cellars onLeelanauPeninsulawonBestFlavoredPortfor their Raspberry version of this dessert-style wine.

Michigan’s wine industry continues to enjoy steady growth, with sales of Michiganwine outpacing sales of all wines in Michiganfor eight consecutive years. Five new wineries opened in 2011, bringing the total number to 86 wineries using predominantly Michigan-grown grapes and other fruit. To learn more about the wineries and vineyards of Michigan, visit www.michiganwines.com or call 517-241-1207 to request Michigan Wine Country magazine, with maps and information about the wineries ofMichigan.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry inMichigan. It is housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, which is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting and protecting the food, agriculture and agricultural economic interests of the people of the state ofMichigan.

Thanks to Karel Bush / bushk9@michigan.gov / 517-241-4468 for this contribution!