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