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.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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.
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.
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