Commitment at Cave Winery Runs Deep

Marty and Mary Jo Strussion have begun a new chapter in their lives.  Their retirement has given them the chance to discover a new love - wine-making.  I have met a few vintners who are truly passion about the wines they create, and I have to add Marty to that short list. He and his family are dedicated to producing quality wines; it is no less than a labor of love for them.

The Wine Girls were fortunate to meet Marty during our recent trip to Ste. Genevieve. When we finally arrived at Cave Winery, we were treated, by him personally, to a VIP tour [more like a class] on the nature of good wine production and where things can go wrong.  We even got to taste a few "wines in the making" right out of the barrel, an experience we truly treasure.


Cave Winery offers some very nice dry reds - a Chambourcin, a smooth, medium-bodied dry red, and a 2009 Norton, a delightfully complex, full-bodied dry red.  We enjoyed them so much that we purchased each.


Keep an eye on Cave Winery, the 2010 Norton we barrel-tasted already had amazing flavor and complexity as well as a long, smooth finish.  Just wait until they release that one in a couple years!


Thanks, Cave winery, for a wonderful visit. You are a first class act! The Wine Girls will be back!

WIne Girls Invade Ste. Genevieve! [Part 1]

The Fall Wine trip took The Wine Girls to Ste. Genevieve this year. We were overwhelmed by the incredible Winemakers' Dinner at Crown Valley Winery where we experienced great wines paired with 5 courses of delicious foods. The main course was an amazing home grown Bison Filet wrapped in bison bacon with a Norton reduction demiglaise. It was paired with the Crown Valley Museum Collection Norton. Perfection!

We stayed in one of the available houses and enjoyed a tasty breakfast at Crown Ridge Restaurant.Then it was off to the Crown Valley Champagne House.So many good wines; so little time! From a Cabernet Franc to a bubbly Muscato, the Wine Girls sipped super wines seriously! The Cab Franc was earthy and complex. Those dry reds are a Wine Girl favorite. On the way out I was able to snare a 2003 bottle of their Limited Edition Norton, just in time for the holidays.

The next day we finished our weekend with a visit to the main winery, deli, and gift shop. This was followed by a quick visit to the Crown Valley Brewery & Distillery to pick up a few brews and some Crown Valley vodka to take to the folks back home.

Thanks, Crown Valley, for being a major factor in our amazing Fall wine trip. Your hospitality and generosity were top rate and will not be forgotten by any of the SSWG!

More to follow ...

A Wine for All Palates

One of the Wine Girls embarked on a camping trip last month. Along the way to and from Wisconsin, she loyally stopped at wineries and returned with multiple bottles of North Midwestern wine delights.

An intriguing wine was Naughty Girl from Von Stieglitz Winery. Sporting a provocative ruby red color, the nose has a hint of cherry with a misleading sweetness. A sip of Naughty Girl releases sassy berry tones which flow over your tongue and  fill your mouth with a seductive, semi-dry taste. But then she casually leaves you with a dry lingering finish. This red wine is made from 80% grape wine and 20% raspberry wine with a grape brandy added.After a few tastes, it is clear she makes a powerful impact on those who partake of her multidimensional richness.

Crown Valley Shiraz

Want a sassy, spicy experience?  Fire up the grill, get you favorite meats sizzling, and wrap your hands around a  bottle of Crown Valley Shiraz.This wine is rich and full flavored - fruit tones, spice, oak, and a lingering finish. Made from Sonoma County grapes and aged in French and American Oak barrels for 24 months, it is a marriage of California produce and Midwestern know-how. This bold dry red is another sensual wine from Crown Valley Winery in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.  The wine girls can handle this much flavor and spice. Can you? www.crownvalleywinery.com.

Stone Hill Norton

On a recent trip to Branson, I was able to taste and purchase the Branson-grown Norton from the Stone Hill wineries. It had a gentle fruit-forward taste that  evolved into a subtle dark berry flavor with a touch of smoke and a smooth, dry finish. This is a nice dry red wine that is suitable for sipping as well as pairing with red meats, smoky cheeses, and chocolate. Reasonably priced, this Norton is a nice purchase and a pleasant sipping wine.

The Quest for a Great Norton

I love Norton wines. They have heart and complexity.  They vary greatly from one vineyard to another. Some more full-bodied; some more spicy. Some with a smooth finish; some with an uncomfortably bite on the end. Dark cherry, berry tones, fruit forward, oakiness?

Where can I find a good Norton?  I found one this weekend at Chaumette Winery in Ste. Gen. Made from a blend of 2008 and 2009 grapes, the Chaumette Norton has great body, flavor, and finish. Selling for $28.00 may seem a little pricy, but for this quality, I think it is a reasonable cost.

Where have you found a great Norton lately?

Sugar Creek is a Sweet Experience

Ken and Becky Miller are kind and thoughtful people.  Becky's son Chris Lorch is their vintner.  A person need only to get Chris into a discussion of his vines and wines to get a taste of his passion for wine-making.  His dedication translates to quality in Sugar Creek wines. 


Sugar Creek, located on Hwy 94 in Defiance, MO, has a red blend named after their grandfather. In 1912 Michael Belmoynte from Italy inspired the tradition of wine-making. Michael's Signature Red is a medium bodied dry red that has fruit forward berry tones to a touch of smoke and a slight spiciness, ending with a flavorful finish.

If you head out toward Augusta, make time for a visit to Sugar Creek.  Offering both good wines and a nice view, you will not be able to resist lingering on the patio with a bottle of Cynthiana and enjoying the live music and the Miller's hospitality.

Recently I went to a wonderful wedding in Carrollton, Illinois. At the reception, I was able to try a red wine blend called Dawg House Red from Alto Pass Winery. It was listed as a semi-dry and exhibited nice plum flavors with a touch of tobacco.  The finish was smooth and dry.

When I contacted the winery, I received a quick, friendly email reply.  I learned they had been producing Dawg House Red for a little over 3 years. The vintage I tried was a "blend of Chambourcin and Croix Noir grapes from Southern Illinois." However, they are currently working on a new vintage that will include several varieties of grapes including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a nice red wine from Southern Illinois.

It'a that Augusta Norton again!

On March 8th I made an entry about the berry rich Augusta 2007 Norton, vowing to open the other bottle in the future.  This week I had reason to uncork the second bottle. It did not disappoint! Those rich berry tones came through and the Norton exhibited a richness that was reminiscent of creaminess.

Interestingly, I asked a wine expert about grabbing the 2007 rather than the 2008. He said I should have gone with the 2008.  Apparently 2008 was a better year for the August Norton.  However, I have to say the 2007 got better with each hour it was open and finished impressively on the third day. 

This just underscores my sentiment that this winery has consistently good wines.  I know I can rely on Augusta Winery to produce quality wines every year, even when conditions are less than optimal. I have a 2008 on my wine rack, as well as an amazing 2006.  Can't wait for a good occasion to open these!

Balducci Table Wine

Balducci Winery sits gently near the crest of a grassy slope overlooking the sleepy hills of Augusta. Of the wines Balducci produces is a nice white table wine called Sonata. It is a semi-dry white with flavors of pears and apples, and a touch of citrus. Sonata is a blend of white varietals: "Vidal, Seyval, Rayon, and Chardonel. Aged in stainless steel, it has a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness." For wine enthusiasts that prefer dry wines, it has minimal sweetness, nice flavors, and a smooth finish.

A Light, Silver Moon

 Wine enthusiasts don't get very far into wine history without hearing the name George Husmann.  Husmann was a German immigrant who used his horticultural talent first in Missouri, then in California, to begin the American wine industry. "Oak Glenn Winery stands on a site once owned by internationally renowned horticulturist George Husmann, a founding father of the American wine industry." [www.oakglenn.com]

The Oak Glenn Winery sits majestically on a hillside overlooking the Missouri River near historic Hermann, Missouri.It was here a few years ago I encountered my first white port wine. Wine Night this week included a bottle of Oak Glenn's Silver Moon, a non-vintage, dry white wine labeled simply as a "Missouri White Table Wine." Silver Moon is a blend of Chardonel and Vidal Blanc and has a light, citrus flavor ending with a smooth dry finish. Slightly chilled, this very pleasant white wine is at its best.

Wine Tasting at Catch 22

There is a magical quality about good wine.  Get people together and open a bottle.  The practice of wine tasting is a great way to become familiar with your wine likes and dislikes, but it also coaxes out the friendly, social side of people.  Any awkwardness fades as we enter into the shared experience of the distinct tastes and complexities of this classy beverage. The love of good wine enhances culinary experiences, fosters pleasant conversation, and provides memorable sippings of handcrafted wines. Nice Wines are not just something to drink before, during, and after dinner. Enjoying wine is a unique form of self-enrichment and a celebration of the artfulness involved in creating a fine wine.

Occasionally wineries get out and about for wine tastings around the area.  This past Thursday The Wine Girls were treated by Brian and John, both passionate, knowledgeable employees of Crown Valley, to a wine tasting at the new Catch 22 Restaurant in Belleville, Illinois.  We ordered several different appetizers that paired nicely with the wine choices of the evening. If you enjoy seafood, the staff at Catch 22 can tantalize your taste buds!
 

Crown Valley is a large enough winery that is can offer both wines made from locally grown grapes and wines that are made from grapes grown in other regions. Among the wines we tasted, were a Meritage and a Norton.  The Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”) was an impressive dry red made from a blend of five different grapes brought in from other areas of the country; The Norton wine was made from grapes grown at Crown Valley and aged some 55 months in French & American Oak barrels. Both excellent reds. With their extraordinarily long list of available wines, one can visit any one of their tasting rooms and sample new wines every time.

Crown Valley’s main winery sets regally overlooking a vineyard and a herd of buffalo (yum!) not far from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.  It is picturesque and inviting, offering guests a gift and wine shop, a grand tasting bar, and tables inside and out.  Enjoy live music from a variety of artists most weeks and try a homegrown buffalo burger from the snack bar!

Thanks to Crown Valley Winery and staff for a great evening and some wonderful wines!

New Winery, Fine Wines!

The new kid on the block is Nobeleis Winery near Augusta, MO.  I was able to not only taste a very nice Chambourcin, but also tour the facilities. Nobeleis had a rough start.  Shortly after opening, they lost their roof in one of those unusually intense storm events in the Midwest this spring.  They have done a great job of repairing and continuing to produce some very nice wines. 

I was happy to hear they are incorporating Missouri Oak barrels into their aging process. I really appreciate wineries that celebrate our Midwestern heritage and take advantage of what we have here "at home" rather than becoming dependent on "imports."


I would like to offer a special thanks to Michael for a great tour and his obvious passion for creating good Missouri wines. If you have not been to Nobeleis, make time for a stop at their tasting room on your next visit to the Augusta area.Also, check out their website for further information and times. www.noboleisvineyards.com

Another Cabernet Franc!

There is something earthy and complex about a good cabernet franc.  It is a unique wine that entices dry red wine lovers.  The Cabernet Franc from Rustle Hill Winery in Cobden, Illinois, is a fruit-forward wine with nice dark berry tones. It has a good balance of tannins and a long, soft finish.

An Amazing Chambourcin

Produced "primarily from 25 year old vines" and aged in oak barrels, the Chambourcin from Blumenhof winery is a great medium-bodied dry red. I tasted the 2009 vintage at Laumeier Sculpture Park on Mother's Day. I was struck by the rich berry tones and smooth finish.  I thoroughly enjoyed my glass of Blumenhof's Chambourcin as I perused the wonderful art at Laumeier.

Even though this wine is fairly young, it received a 2010 silver medal from the American Wine Society. Blumenhof Winery can be found in Dutzow, MO, not very far west of Augusta.

Robller Winery - Great View; Nice Wines!

Situated nicely on the crest of a hill over looking the vineyard, is the family owned Robller Winery of New Haven, Missouri.  Robller can be found a few miles outside of Hermann. Enjoy the picturesque Mssouri countryside on your drive to the winery and a nice, hillside view from the tasting room porch. You may also encounter some great live music and festivities during summer weekends.

The Wine Girls stopped by Robller for lunch and a tasting of their wine offerings on their way back home from a great wine trip weekend. We sampled many fine wines and experienced great hospitality. A special thanks goes to Jerry for not only a quality explanation with each wine poured but also his obvious passion for wine-making and vested pride in the wines Robller produces.

Fine Illinois Apple Wine

Pomoma Winery deep in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois specializes in fruit wines made from locally grown fruits.  If you have never experienced the unique beauty of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee Forest, this is a nice opportunity to enjoy the countryside and have a fun wine trip at the same time.

We shared a bottle of Pomona's semi-dry apple wine made with Jonathan apples.  This light-bodied wine was crisp and tart - not too sweet or fruity.I found it well-balanced and surprisingly pleasant -- a very well-made apple wine.

A Dry Rose from Stone Hill

A winery rich in history, Stone Hill sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking the town of Hermann, Missouri.  If you enjoy learning about the development and re-emergence of the wine industry in the Midwest like I do, make sure to check out their website -- www.stonehillwinery.com.

In its tasting room, Stone Hill staff lead guests through their sampling of an array of wines. On a recent visit, we experienced a new wine, a dry rose. Made with a combination of St. Vincent and Chambourcin grapes, the dryness of this rose was pleasing to my palate.  I purchased a bottle before I left.  A week later I served it chilled to our group of wine enthusiasts. We found it nice for sipping and great with Baklava. This will be a great summer wine for those who enjoy dry reds but need something a little lighter to get them those hot summer evenings.

Tasting Missouri Wines More Rewarding Than Ever!

Wine and Gifts! What more could a wine lover want?  A new program offered through the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, the Winery Passport and Tasting Journal is a terrific way to get wine enthusiasts to "kick it up a notch" when it comes to visiting wineries.  So this is the year to expand our favorite vineyards list by traveling and tasting the wines at some of the other 95+ vineyards spread across our 4 AVA's in Missouri.

Not only is this a great marketing idea, but there are nice prizes for the effort.  For every few stamps you collect on your passport,you can receive a token of appreciation for your patronage [after the first 4 stamps, you receive a nice bar towel; after the next 4, a nice corkscrew]. To see all prizes, go to www.missouriwine.org. [a very nice website!]  I have already received the first two gifts and my third is on the way. I am impressed with the quality of the items and love being greeted by a surprise in the mailbox.

The vintners I have visited with in the last month are already noticing the increased traffic to their tasting rooms because of the passports. I urge all wine lovers to get a passport (available at all wineries) and make the most of the next few months before the program ends..Also, I encourage everyone to be thoughtful and make sure to purchase something from each vineyard as a thank you to them for participating in this fun give-away program! A toast to a great program!

Adam Puchta Winery Experience

Tim Puchta tells us people stay so busy that " we often forget to just stop and reflect on our lives and our upbringing." Adam Puchta is the oldest Missouri winery that has been owned and maintained by the same family. The winery has been operating since 1855 and has a rich heritage. Slightly southwest of Herman near Frene Creek, the winery sits on a hillside and offers tastings, a gift shop, and a shaded picnic area.

Congratulations to Puchta Winery for receiving two awards from attendees at the Drink Local Wines 2011 Conference. Held in St. Louis this year, the conference arranged for participants and media to taste wines from 21 of Missouri's wineries and rate them.  Puchta Winery won awards for the Best Red Wine and the People's Choice Wine at the year's Twitter Taste-Off. The Best Red was Adam Puchta's Norton and the People's Choice was Adam's Norton Port.

I have to add my approval for the Adam Puchta Signature Port. This is a rich, smooth port that is full-bodied and not too sweet.  [I do not like sweet port wines.]  Just right for relaxing, sipping, and yes, Tim, reflect on our lives.

An Illinois Vignoles

Bella Terra Winery in Southern Illinois is located southeast of Marion, Illinois, among ponds and trees. We were treated this week to a bottle of their Diamante wine.  Diamante is a non vintage Illinois dry Vignoles with 12% alcohol. It has a floral perfume aroma and has floral flavors forward but that is replaced by a mostly honey taste.  The finish is dry yet smooth.  This was a very pleasant dry white wine.It paired well with vegetables and dip.

Drink Local Wines 2011 Conference Summary

What a great experience this past weekend at the third annual DrinkLocalWines.com conference, this year held in St. Louis, Missouri. We were treated to the insight of local vintners, authors, wholesalers, fellow bloggers, and well-known wine and food critics in morning sessions.  Then after a fine lunch, we entered a large meeting room to find 21 Missouri wineries, each offering 2 of their best wines for sampling.  It was our solemn duty to taste every one of them before voting for best red, best white, and the Media’s Choice award. After a short break, we were on to appetizers and more great conversation. What an amazing day! – great Missouri wines, wonderful conversation, and an especially unique camaraderie with others who shared our love of good wine.

Day 2 brought a narrated VIP tour to three local wineries.  Sugar Creek Winery was our first stop where Ken, Becky, and Chris gave us a thoughtful tour while treating us to cheese, crackers, chocolate, and a yummy port. Following an engaging Q & A session, we were escorted to the cleverly decorated tasting room where we were “schooled” in Sugar Creek’s wines and history. After making our purchases we traveled on to Montelle Winery for tasty lunch, a gorgeous view of the valley, and an fascinating presentation by Tony (back from the wedding of his son the night before) – and several Montelle wines. Nice wines, good music, and a great gift shop!  Lastly, we rolled into Augusta and to Mount Pleasant Winery.  We were ushered through the gate, passed the old Water Tower, to a serving room where Chuck treated us to the story of Mt. Pleasant -- a glass of  the historic Tawny Port. Nice! Next, we descended to the original cellars, used to age their ports and various other estate wines. We ultimately surfaced near the tasting room for several fine samples and for a few more purchases before we had to board the bus to return to St. Louis. All along the way Joe and Ann Pollack, famous food and wine critics, provided us bits of local history.

I am sure all attendees will raise their glasses and offer a toast to Jeff Siegel and Dave McIntyre for arranging a great conference!  And to all panelists and vintners for sharing their stories, their wisdom, and their wines! I do have one complaint, however, it wasn’t long enough! ;-)

American Fruit Wine

Those of us who live along the mighty Mississippi River know the majesty and strength of that great rolling river.  Many interesting and historic towns dot the banks of this river as it meanders from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Grafton is one such unique stop, enticing locals and tourists to cruise up the River Road and stay long enough in Grafton for food and drink Recently, another winery was added to visitors' choices. The Grafton Winery and Brewhaus offers an impressive second story view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers along with good food and interesting wines.  (thegraftonwinery.com)

We sampled their Springberry wine - made of American blackberries and blueberries.  Chilled to about 50 degrees, this fruity table wine was bursting with rich berry aromas and flavors. It was sweet, but not too sweet.  Springberry was a very enjoyable fruit wine and was great with chocolate cake.

If you have an occasion to travel the Great River Road, make sure your trek takes you through Grafton, Illinois -- great views, fun shops, and nice wineries.

Balducci Chiaretto

On Highway 94 just passed Augusta and perched on a grassy hilltop with a wonderful view of the rolling Missouri hills is the Balducci Winery tasting room. Balducci Winery is one of the few wineries that still allow customers to bring in picnic baskets.We applaud that kindness on behalf of wine lovers who have limited budgets.

The Chiaretto is a semi-dry red wine with a rich ruby color and strong berry flavors that end in a pleasant finish.We enjoyed our bottle of Chiaretto and found it pared nicely with cheese and crackers. The Chiaretto is "aged in stainless steel and made from Chambourcin and St. Vincent grapes" (www.balduccivineyards.com).


Yet another delightful reason to visit the winery is the way Balducci provides visitors a taste of their port wine -- they serve it is a glass that has had the rim dipped in chocolate. A lasting marriage is that of a good port wine and chocolate.

A Wine Night to Remember

In beautiful Ste. Genevieve County, there are several wineries a person can drive to and have a nice wine experience. But with Crown Valley Winery, wine lovers really drive through it as well as to its many stunning properties. Not this week. Crown Valley came to us.  Referencing this blog, the Wine Girls were invited to a Crown Valley wine tasting held in Illinois.  Those who attended were treated royally to Merlot, extracted from the barrel earlier that day.  Made from 100% Merlot grapes, this wine was aged 30 months in French Oak. Talk about Barrel-select! Full-bodied, dark berry tones that give way to an appropriately dry but smooth, lingering finish. This wine would be great with a good steak.

Believe it or not, it got even better! Also fresh out of the barrel for the Wine Girls, was Crown Valley's reserve 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.One year in Stainless, then a full 3 years barrel-aged. Rich, smooth, exceptionally pleasing to the palette! We all went back for more.

Many thanks to Crown Valley for a wonderful evening and the fantastic wines!  Brian, you were awesome!

Augusta Norton 2007

I had an occasion to purchase a couple bottles of the 2007 vintage of the Norton from Augusta Winery in Augusta, Missouri. I was in luck as the rest of the bin at Costco had the 2008 vintage. I love a find and had to grab the two bottles of the older vintage (not to show any disrespect for the 2008). I took one of the bottles to regular meeting of the Wine Girls.

We found the 2007 Norton to have a wonderful deep ruby color and offer a smoky berry flavor (more a berry tones with a touch of smokiness in the background) and a smooth dry finish. We ran the wine through an aerator as we were anxious to enjoy this full-bodied wine.  However, as time passed, we noticed the bouquet getting even better and the wine even smoother. Aerators are great when wine-lovers are in hurry to enjoy the wine, but real-time breathing for a wine is still superior. It wasn't long before the bottle was empty. Glad I have a second one on my wine rack!

A Most Unique White Wine

Just north of Jefferson City, Missouri, perched on a bluff overlooking a lake and a stone's throw from Highway 54 is the Summit Lake Winery (www.summitlakewinery.com ).  The dark red building near Holts Summit beckons as motorists travel along the highway. Its hard to resist the urge to pull off for few minutes when you see the winery with its white porch and stone patio. 


Among its offerings are a nice menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and soups, punctuated with a special or two. They also offer non-alcoholic beverages and beers for those who do not drink wine [they don't know what they are missing] or have been chosen as the designated driver that day [God bless them, everyone!].

For those who do drink wine, however, are several nice choices, including one of the most unique white wines I have ever sampled.  The Callaway Bluff is a blend of Vidal Blanc and Muscat grapes. So this semi-dry white wine offers a crisp, clean taste in which you may detect floral aromas and citrus flavors. Nice!

But wait! As you are enjoying the crisp, clean taste, here comes the light finish with a touch of sweetness.  Wow! Now, I have long since learned that I cannot do much sweetness.  I have to have my semi-dry and dry [and maybe super dry] wines.  But I am glad the nice young lady at the tasting counter explained Callaway Bluff and gently enticed me to try it.  The touch of muscat that only joins the party at the end, is delightful!

If you are headed to the State Capital, leave yourself an extra hour or so to experience the Lake Summit Winery and their wines.

A Semi-Dry Wine Made from Blueberries

Interstate 44 meanders in a southwesterly direction from St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri. Just north of Springfield is a family-owned winery with Norwegian influence -- Oovvda Winery. THe owners are glad to visit with guests and discuss their heritage and their wine-making.

Uniquely, the vintner enjoys making fruit wines with varying degrees of sweetness.  So, Oovvda doesn't just have Blueberry wine, this winery has semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet Blueberry wines. 

This week we tried a bottle of the semi-dry Blueberry wine that I had purchased during my annual visit to the area. We learned that in addition to red wines, some fruit wines need "breathing" time. Once the blueberry wine had been open for awhile, it was quite enjoyable.The wine had nice berry aromas with a touch of cinnamon. In fact,  pairing it with Italian cheese, really brought out the flavor of this wine.

Small Winery, Big Choices

Among the rolling hills of southern Missouri, the Ste. Genevieve area offers the wine enthusiast many nice wineries to enjoy, some large, some small.  Off Highway WW, down a quaint gravel road that runs beside a country stream, and atop a gentle hill is the Charleville Winery and Microbrewery. [www.charlevillevineyard.com] One of the owners might sit down with you and engage in comfortable conversation as you sip on one of their thoughtfully crafted, low volume wines. The view from the outdoor patio adds to the great experience.

This week we sampled a bottle of the Charleville 2006 Norton, a Missouri dry red wine. According to the notes on the bottle, this Norton was aged in oak for 12 months.  It had a rich, thick ruby color.  It was strongly oaky with flavors of plums and currants.  The berries gave way to a spicy smokiness, ending with a surprisingly smooth finish. This Norton would pair well with steak or other beef.

Severe Ice and Snow in Midwest - Softened by a Great Chambourcin

It was reported that the blizzard that hit the Midwest this week was over 1000 miles long and several hundred miles wide.  A dangerous mixture of heavy snow and ice, this storm caused airports, colleges, and a military base to join the list of closings that traveled across the bottom of our television screens for several days. Now we are getting frigid temperatures and treacherous refreezing. Ironically, on Groundhog's Day Punxsutawney Phil heralded an early spring.  Let's hope!

The Secret Society of Wine Girls was scheduled to meet at the height of the storm, but didn't feel our love of wine should overshadow common sense. So a rare, but wise, call was made to cancel our gathering for safety's sake.

Later in the week I was able to dust off and open an absolutely superb bottle of Chambourcin from Augusta Winery, vintage 2004. The nose of this medium bodied red wine was pleasantly oaky with a hint of what might be cedar. Outstanding! That flavor did not overshadow a subtle, smooth  taste of berries, and the finish was smooth and lasting. The stress of the week was put aside as we enjoyed sipping this wonderfully rich  wine. Another fine wine from Augusta Winery in Augusta, Missouri.

An Enjoyable Light Red - Sweet!

It would be so easy to simply keep my focus on good dry reds [and ports] - their rich color, their complex flavor, their lingering finish. It is difficult for me to find other red, white, fruit, or bubbly wines that are more than passable. But then last Tuesday, I experienced Rosso Valentino, a light, confusing sweet red wine created by Villa Antonio.

In the rolling hills south of St. Louis not far off Interstate 55, is the inviting Villa Antonio winery and restaurant. Their wines are "hand-crafted in the Northern Italy tradition."  Among their sweet wines is Rosso Valentino.

After a few sips, however, I felt like "sweet red" might be a misnomer.  A blended wine, it first offered an aroma of sweet red grapes. This ruby-colored light red wine was sweet forward yet, as I swallowed, the sweet dissipated and was replaced by a gentle but definite dryness - at times even leaving a hint of spice. Chilling Rosso Valentino to 50-60 degrees, highlighted its goodness. It pairs well with cheeses and desserts. All in all, it was an enjoyable "sweet" sipping wine.

A Rich Cabernet Franc

Drive south on Interstate 55 and go right at the Ste. Genevieve exit.  After a short, picturesque drive, into the Missouri countryside, you arrive at the stately tasting room of Crown Valley Winery. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and roaming buffalo, a wine lover could spend a leisurely afternoon tasting an impressive array of reds, whites, sparkling wines, and ports.

Included in Crown Valley's Museum Collection Wines, is a wonderfully complex , full-bodied Cabernet Franc. [For more about Cabernet Franc, see my entry on December 16, 2010.] The nose is rich with the aromas of dark fruit -- raisin, currant -- with undertones of tobacco and a lingering, smooth finish. This wine pairs well with buffalo sausage (home grown at Crown Valley) or chocolate.

The Cabernet Franc is not listed on the main website [www.crownvalleywinery.com]. But if you are a lover of dry reds and you visit the Crown Valley Winery or the Crown Valley Champagne House in Farmington, Missouri, make sure you sample this $30 Cabernet Franc.

The Secret Society of Wine Girls

My life was immeasurably enriched last fall when I was invited to join a group of women that appreciate quality wines.  They are mild-mannered women by day, several in public service professions while caring for spouses, children, and elderly parents. Brought together by a shared love of good wines, this secret society of wine girls quietly yet faithfully meets regularly to share and critique a myriad of foreign and domestic varietals and blends. Particular favorites for the SSWG are locally produced wines of Midwest origins.

As we meander through the offerings of the evening, the conversation floats between humorous stories and shared concerns. Between speaking of the plight or fortune of friends and family is woven comments about the nose of one wine or the finish of another.

We routinely visit wineries, separately or together.If you are a local vintner, don't let our friendly, comfortable demeanor disarm you. We are seriously critiquing your wines.Given the richness of our shared knowledge about midwest wines, it seemed right that this blog be maintained to record our experience. Follow the Secret Society of Wine Girls as we sample our way through Missouri and Illinois and beyond.

A Good Southern Illinois Chambourcin

A few miles west of Centralia, Illinois, not far off of Highway 161, is a barn-like structure that houses the Crooked Creek tasting room. Of the several wines offered, worthy of note is the winery-produced Chambourcin for less than $20.

The Chambourcin grape is a French-American Hybrid with a largely unknown history. It tolerates cooler climates and so is fairly well suited for the Midwest.

The Crooked Creek Chambourcin is a medium-bodied dry red wine that begins with mild dark cherry flavors, but with an occasional tartness that catches in the back of the roof of the mouth.Overall, this chambourcin is for the most part smooth but gives way to a dry finish. It pairs well with dark chocolate.