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.