Uncorked Cincinnati» Ohio River Valley Archives – Blog Title

Grapes of the Ohio River Valley

Bryan — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:16 +0000

I love the quizzical look on people’s faces when I mention the Ohio River Valley Wine Region and Midwest wine in general. Few people know about the rich wine region here in Ohio and the surrounding area, and even fewer realize the diversity of grapes actually grown.

Photo by Batega

The Ohio River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), is the largest viticultural area in America at more than 16 million total acres (yes…bigger than California, Washington, Oregon, etc.). Within all that real estate grow some amazing grape vines, a few of the most popular ones locally being:

Whites

Chardonnay: Probably the most popular of the white grapes, this wine can translate to a nutty, buttery flavor or even fruity. Meranda-Nixon Winery makes a great Chardonnay locally.
Riesling: Usually associated with a fruity, sweet flavor but Riesling can also be very dry. The 2008 Kinkead Ridge Riesling was a Best of Appellation Double Gold winner.
Seyval Blanc: Crisp and clean often with a hint of grapefruit. Harmony Hill’s 2008 Woodwind is 100% Seyval Blanc.

Reds

Cabernet Sauvignon: Among the world’s most recognizable red grapes, this varietal is also popular locally. Cab Sauv grapes are known for their flavor and complexity. Kinkead Ridge’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon won Silver Medal at the American Wine Society 2009 competition.
Cabernet Franc: Cab Franc is the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon and has a lighter, often fruitier characteristic. Harmony Hill leaned on Cab Franc in their 2006 Rhapsody and 2007 Refrain.
Chambourcin: A full-taste grape that can range from berry to nutmeg flavors. Meranda-Nixon has a 2007 Chambourcin with berry aromas and flavors of cherry chocolate.

These are just a few examples of the many grapes grown and produced into fantastic wines by wineries throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The soil conditions in the Ohio River Valley AVA are perfect for growing top quality grapes, so next time you’re in a wine shop ask for something from the Ohio River Valley!

Tasting Tips for the Annual Ohio River Valley Barrel Tasting Tour

Bryan — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:30:20 +0000

The Ohio River Valley Annual Barrel Tasting Tour happens tomorrow with five Southern Ohio wineries opening their cellars so you can taste unreleased vintages and award-winning wines. Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery (Bethel), Kinkead Ridge Estate Winery (Ripley), Burnet Ridge Winery (Cincinnati), Henke Winery (Cincinnati) and Woodstone Creek Winery (Cincinnati) will all take part in this unique and wonderful event which is a traditional event in California and Oregon. With the Thanksgiving Holiday here it’s a great way to celebrate our local wine and wine culture with friends and family while touring and tasting at Greater Cincinnati wineries.

Tasting wine out of a barrel is a bit different than regular wine tastings, including the tools you use and what you’re looking for in the taste. To ensure you get the most out of the Ohio River Valley Barrel Tasting Tour tomorrow, our favorite wine show, In Wine Country, gives us a behind the scenes look at barrel tasting.

If the video does not work please use this link.

A Wine Renaissance in the Ohio Valley

Bryan — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:37:04 +0000

There’s a wine renaissance occurring in the Ohio River Valley, and two local vineyards are helping to lead the way.

Harmony Hill and Kinkead Ridge Wineries were recently profiled on America’s Heartland, a magazine-style, half-hour series highlighting the U.S. agriculture world. The feature highlights these local gems as being leaders in the renewed Ohio wine efforts.

Check out the segment to get a closer look at Harmony Hill and Kinkead Ridge and their efforts to push the Ohio River Valley wine region forward.