Michigan By The Bottle

Podcast #49: Cascade Winery 2010 Traminette

Grapefruit, gouda and giggles, oh my! We have some fun tasting through a 2010 Traminette from Cascade Winery in Grand Rapids (but what you don't see is the usually red-leaning Shannon polishing off the bottle afterward).

This Thanksgiving, Dine Like a Winemaker

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the obligatory article about recommended wine pairings, right? But this holiday, we asked Michigan winemakers and winery representatives to take it a step further and share their favorite recipes as an added bonus. So if you're looking for ideas for what to put in your glass AND on your plate this Thanksgiving, take a peek at what's being served by our wine friends throughout the state.

Podcast #38: Cascade Winery 2010 Merlot

In the third episode of MBTB's fall podcast season, we celebrate a little athletic accomplishment by donning race gear with dorky enthusiasm while sampling Cascade Winery's 2010 Merlot, a wine made by a vintner who puts us to shame with his own athletic endeavors. (We're not sure why we're a bit pixellated and bathed in strangely golden hues — maybe the flip cam was blinded by our race bling? — but we're working on alleviating the technical difficulties...)

Michigan toasts to wine milestone | wzzm13.com

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM&AP)-Wine makers in Michigan are toasting to a milestone.

For the first time, U.S. wine sales have topped the wine-loving French. That's according to the Wine Institute in San Francisco, California. Last year, the U.S. sold 330 million cases of wine; that's nine million more cases than France. Although many U.S. drinkers switched to cheaper wines during the recession, wine consumption grew, thanks in part to a new generation of drinkers.

The owner of Cascade Winery in Grand Rapids says Michigan's sweet wines are also gaining ground.

via www.wzzm13.com

See Cascade Winery owner Bob Bonga pimping Michigan wine!

2010 Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival

Relive the fun (if you were there) or check out what you missed (if you weren't) at the 2010 Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival! It's a foodie/wine-lover dream, with tons of booths representing wines from throughout the world, along with food samples and special seminars! We focused on the Michigan section, of course... Can't wait to go again next year!

 

What Wine Are You Pairing With Easter Dinner?

It’s almost Easter, and that means another great opportunity to select a wine or two to go with a colossal feast! I decided to ask a few Michigan winemakers and winery owners what they were eating for Easter dinner and what wines they planned on serving.

 

Cornel Olivier (2 Lads Winery): I’m not a big fan of ham so therefore I am picking a leg of lamb — slowly roasted, covered with fresh herbs and a Pinot Noir sauce, served with some greens on the side and my mother’s favorite fried potatoes. Serving 2 Lads 2008 Pinot Noir or our 2007 Stainless Steel Cab Franc. Both these wines are very fruity with hints of spice: black pepper, cinnamon, clove. The slightly higher acidity will just cut its way thru the little fat layer on the lamb melting in your mouth.

 

Michigan Winemakers Recommend Wine for Thanksgiving

I asked 16 Michigan winery winemakers/owners/representatives what wines they would recommend for Thanksgiving. Here is what they are pairing with their feast. Notice that there are recommendations for every palate.

Doug Welsch, Fenn Valley Vineyards: I would recommend our Edelzwicker, which is a blend of 60% Traminette and 40% Riesling. The spicy character of the Traminette and the bare hint of sweetness from the Riesling allow this wine to pair well with the traditional Turkey. Turkey is a strong flavored meat, and the strong fruit character of the wine stands up to the turkey, dressing, and other flavorful foods served at Thanksgiving.

Silvio Ciccone, Ciccone Vineyards: We always recommend our Gewurztraminer it is a semi-dry white wine with nice spice and floral qualities and our 2007 vintage has a nice citrus touch. These characteristics go well with the poultry, your casseroles and mashed potatoes! 

Edward O'Keefe III, Chateau Grand Traverse: Without a doubt, I would recommend the Chateau Grand Traverse 2008 Semidry Riesling wine to be paired with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  It displays expressive fruit and wonderful acidity to match with the abundance of flavors in the meal.  It’s Semidry style will also make it an appealing wine for most wine drinkers whether they are dry or sweet wine fanciers. It will certainly be the bottle of wine we will serve at our own Thanksgiving dinner.

Ralph Stable, Mackinaw Trail Winery: Cranberry Blyss is a staple with any turkey dinner. Riesling is a sure pleasure with either Ham or Turkey.

Popular Pours at the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival

Representatives from Michigan wineries talk about which wines were most popular during the second annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival, held Nov. 12-14, 2009. This is the second in a two part series from the event. Please check out the video archive page to see the first part.

Grand Rapids International Food & Wine Festival - Video Report

This is part 1 of a 2 part video report from the Grand Rapids International Food & Wine Festival held November 12-14th. 

From my perspective, the show was a huge success. We had a blast tasting not only Michigan wines, but comparing them to their worldwide counterparts. I am happy to say that the local wine held up very well. I was particularly blown away by the number of young people at the show. This really excites me, as I am a huge advocate of getting the 21-30 something crowd more involved with wine.

I was really impressed that at every Michigan booth, there was representation from the winery -- most of the time it was the actual owner or winemaker. At the non-local booths, the distributor or winery reps were absent. They left it up to a volunteer from the show to talk about their wines. At first, it struck me as odd, but then I realized that most of the reps were probably in the Michigan section, tasting some great wine!

Cascade Winery Video Report

Yes, Grand Rapids has a winery. Yes, they make the wine on site. Yes, you should stop by and try it. I have been repeating this mantra to almost everyone since I visited Cascade Winery a few weeks ago.

Situated in Kentwood, just outside Grand Rapids, in an industrial building off a busy road, Cascade Winery has given "Urban Winery" a new meaning.

Once you step inside, you know you are in the right place. The tasting room looks like the sixty other tasting rooms in Michigan with wine racks, accessories, and medals surrounding the room. There is even a grape vine mural on the wall behind the tasting counter.

Cascade Winery owner Bob Bonga started making wine as a hobby 15 years ago, and developed it into a business in 2003. They moved into their current building in June of 2008 and are working hard to fill it with wine. They estimate production of 3000 cases this year.

Bob's son Roger is the winemaker and in my estimation is doing a great job. They are building the business little by little and are expanding as necessary.

Bob has organized several recurring events at the winery to encourage new customers. They host a Friday night pasta night, a Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate event the last Saturday of the month, and even cooling classes with local chef Jason Van Dam.

All of the white wines are made from grapes from Michigan. The reds include Michigan grapes and grapes from across the country. The Cabernet Franc is made with 100% Michigan grapes.

Most of the wines run from $10 to $15. "I feel strongly about giving value," Bob proudly shares. The Ice Wines run closer to $30, still a bargain for Ice Wine.

As usual, my favorite part of the visit was the tasting. Here are some of my favorites:

• 2008 Cabernet Franc - the fruit really comes through on this and makes it an easy drinker.
• 2007 LaSeyval - a dry, crisp white that would pair well with a salad.
• 2008 Cascade White - a little fruitier and sweeter, but a good all around white.

Other interesting wines offered:

• 2008 Deleware - this is the first Deleware I have seen in Michigan.
• Traditional Honey Mead
• Jalapeno Wine - I would recommend cooking with it instead of drinking it.
• Raspberry Chocolate Silk - It is time to start drinking your dessert.

Bob and Roger are two of the friendliest vintners in the state. I assure you, they take the pretension out of wine, and will welcome your questions. If I lived in Grand Rapids, I would make it a point to stop by every week to add to my cellar.