Some recent Ohio wine medal winners - The Chronicle
Published by: The Chronicle
Original Article found here
As Ohioans, you should know that in the late 1800’s, our state was America’s largest wine producer. There has been a lot of evolution in the Ohio wine industry since that time, much of it due to the increased notoriety for the quality products produced in our own backyard.
One of the ways to attain deserved recognition for fine wines, is to enter wine competitions with professional judging panels. The competition is yet another good way for consumers to find some exceptional wines.
I recently attended a tasting of medal winners from four Grand River Region winemakers, of products of which they are justifiably proud. Below are my notes from that tasting:
South River Vineyard
Semillon 2023 ($21) — Light straw gold hue. Concentration with racy acidity showing Granny Smith apple, grapefruit, long length, ripeness of fruit and good balance. San Francisco Chronicle (SFC) — Double Gold, Ohio Wine Competition (OWC) — Double Gold.
Baci Winery
Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ($28) — Moderate straw gold. Delicate nose of citrus, zesty citrus fruit with grapefruit, lemon and racy acidity with a long finish. A lot of defined flavors in this wine enhanced by the firm acidity. (SFC) — Silver.
Estate Riesling 2023 ($32) — A surprising white showing a straw-gold hue. A delectate nose leading to brilliant flavors of acidity balanced with sweet, ripe Riesling fruit. Hints of mineral complete the finish. (SFC) — Gold
Debonne Vineyards
Unoaked Chardonnay 2023 ($12) — Aged in stainless steel with lees stirring and partial Malo-lactic. Light golden hue. Balanced acidity and texture with crisp, citrusy flavors, elegance and length. (SFC) — Gold, (OWC) — Silver.
Grand River Riesling 2023 ($12) — Clean nose of Riesling fruit. Golden delicious and green apple notes on the palate. Balanced acidity with typical texture and nice length. (SFC) — Gold, (OWC) — Best of Competition/Best of Ohio Competition.
Riesling Reserve 2023 ($13) — Moderate straw gold. Bright acidity. Ripe, rich and mouthwatering with green apple and mineral in the finish balanced by a pleasant hint of sweetness. (SFC) — Gold. (OWC) — Best of Show White, Best of Show Ohio White.
Vidal Ice Wine 2023 ($35-375ml) — Clear gold hue. Citrusy style with firm acidity and pleasant sweetness. Baked apple skins, brown sugar nuances and spice in an elegant style. (SFC) — Double Gold. (OWC) — Double Gold, Best of show Ice Wine and Ohio Ice Wine.
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante.
“Star Seeker” Bubbly Blanc NV ($28) — A blend of 92 percent Gruner-Veltliner and small amounts of Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay, then force carbonated. Clear hue with effervescence. Crisp and earthy with white pepper and delicate lychee nuances. Long, crisp and mouthwatering finish. (SFC) — Double Gold.
“Signature Series” Pinot Grigio 2023 ($18) — Golden hue. Blended with 5 percent Gruner-Veltliner. Rich body and expansive texture showing light hints of orange zest and pleasant acidity. (SFC) — Gold.
Gewurztraminer 2023 ($17) — Light straw gold. Nose of spice. Strikingly dry and precisely framed with texture and mouth-feel with a long, crisp finish. Dan Berger (DB) — Best of Class, American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC) — Double Gold.
“Signature Series” Chardonnay 2023 ($18) — 75 percent stainless aged with 25 percent in barrel with Malo-lactic. Moderate gold. Citrus and light lemon notes with smooth texture, weight on the palate, balanced oak and hint of Malo-lactic creaminess for complexity. (SFC) — Double Gold.
Vidal Ice Wine 2023 ($35-375ml) — Vibrant gold. Classic nose with caramel, honey, stewed apple, apricot and brown sugar in the long finish. Excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. (SFC) — Gold.
Ohio wineries are winning abundant medals in prestigious, blind tasting competitions. Visit the numerous local wineries and try all of their wines. You will surely find some new favorites.
Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.