What a Norton!

I had the privilege of tasting a 10-year old Norton this weekend. What a treat!  We were at a birthday party for a good friend and she set out several wines, among them a 2003 Norton from St. James Winery in St. James, Missouri. This wine had moved from the black cherries and blackberries to rich plum and luscious fig with a touch of smoke.  It was a wonderfully complex, flavorful wine! My compliments to St. James Winery.

The Norton is one of the few United States grape varieties that can produce a good dry red wine. It is difficult to make good wine out of this "wild vine", but a well-made Norton has great depth and character. I admit it is hard to wait for a Norton to come into its own, but a well-aged Norton is a real treat.  I have put away some of my favorite Nortons to age for 8-10 years, if only I can wait! Cheers!

Whoo knew? Owl Creek Seyval Blanc a Hoot!

Southern Illinois has some beautiful countryside, nice lakes, and several up-and-coming wineries. Near Cobden, Illinois, in the Shawnee Hills is Owl Creek Vineyards, the first vineyard to take root in that region. Just a few miles south of Giant City State Park, Owl Creek has a tasting room that is open to the public most days March through December with cafe that is open on the weekends. This is one of a dwindling number of wineries that allow picnic baskets.  But if you bring your own snacks, be  classy enough to purchase a bottle or two of their wine -- its the right thing to do.

So, the Wine Girls had a bottle of the 2010 Seyval Blanc this month.  Seyval Blanc is a white French hybrid that ripens relatively early and is fairly resistant to low temperatures, making it compatible with the variable Midwest climate.

I saw "semi-dry" on the label and asked for a small sampling since I prefer (mostly) dry reds.  I was pleasantly surprised! it had fruitiness (grapefruit, green apple, melon) but also a Sauvignon Blanc-like crispness. The sweeter wine drinkers were pleased with the fruitiness, and those of us who preferred dry wines enjoyed the crispness.  The fruit was apparent at first, but quickly faded to a crisp, drying sensation.  Just as the label promises, it appealed to both sweet and dry wine drinkers. Served chilled, it has great flexibility with appetizers.  I went for a second glass!  Way to go, Owl Creek!

Walker's Bluff Winery

Near Carterville, Illinois, there is something wonderful happening. Walker's Bluff already has a general store and deli. But it doesn't stop there.  Less than a mile down the road is a gate house and vineyards that beckon to visitors to come in for a glass of wine or a tasting or both.  Make use you leave time for a tour of the facilities; there's more than meets the eye.


Walker's Bluff has been built on a family farm that has a unique topographical advantage - it is flanked on three sides by the Big Muddy River. That will moderate temperatures making it possible to try some new grape varieties. Within sight of the Tasting Room and to the right is a playground and pavilion for outdoor family fun surrounded by trees and wood carvings. Just passed the Tasting Room is The Legends, an upscale restaurant with an impressive menu. You will also see an outdoor stage for summer concerts. Plans include cabins so visitors can immerse themselves in the experience and stay overnight.

The wine offerings include some very well-chosen wines from around the world. Although their own vineyards are growing, it will be a few years before Walker's Bluff has any estate grown wines available. And because of the unique geography, wine lovers will be able to sample varietals that are not the usual for most Midwest vineyards.

Walker's Bluff is about 2 hours from the St. Louis area and well worth the drive.  If you go there, tell Jake (manager and Sommelier) that you read about Walker's Bluff on my blog. Cheers!

Off-Dry Chardonel

From the Strussione Cave Winery near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, comes a delightful non-vintage Chardonel. Chardonel is more hardy that its well known parent, the beloved Chardonnay grape. Offering tropical flavors of pineapple, citrus, and a hint of coconut, this off-dry white (chilled) is quite refreshing and versatile. Although it can be enjoyed alone, it also paired nicely with our hors d'oeuvres and a vegetable-pasta salad.

Cave Winery is a family affair.  And it is a labor of love for the Strussione family.  If you meet Marty, his passion for winemaking is very apparent -- and so is his knowledge of viticulture and vinification techniques. Congratulations for winning the Jefferson Cup for your 2009 Norton!  I cannot wait to try that 2010!

Check out their website at: www.cavevineyard.com