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!
