Wine guide

WINE WINE G G

U U

i i

D D

2013

E E

A Publication of Capital Newspapers

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Capital Newspapers

FAWN CREEK WINERY: We’re growing and know we couldn’t do it without you! New to 2013 is our 30 x 60 foot Pavilion perfect for those special events such as, Sunset weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette and birthday parties, retirement galas and company picnics. Our new pavilion houses two U-shaped tasting bars, each large enough to provide tastings to 15 guests at once, 6 foot round tables large enough to seat 8 guests per table

and the country charm surrounded by hanging flower baskets, Sugar Maples, Norway Pines and large Red Oaks.

wines or try one of our awesome microbrews locally hand crafted by Tanner at Port Huron, share an appetizer and listen to our live music every Saturday and Sunday Memorial Day thru mid-October.

our website at www. fawncreekwinery.com and see just what you’ve been missing! You’ll find a list of our summer line-up with incredible Want to soak up some musicians from all over sun? Another addition the Midwest, special we have added this events including our summer is a new expansive sun drenched Have a hard time sitting incredible Blues Fest (June 29, 2013), Hawaiian deck that sets between still? Challenge one of Luau (August 10, 2013) our guests or someone the winery and our in your party to a game and our traditional pavilion. Decorated and very popular Fall with old fashioned picnic of checkers on our life Fest (October 5, 2013) tables and wrought iron size outdoor checker with free hay rides for board or play a nine tables, it is the perfect the young and old, hole round of disc golf. place to hang out with pumpkin patch, gourds Our course is currently your friends, share a for sale locally grown under construction, bottle of one of our 12 and crafters that have being designed by a the Christmas season professional team of in mind! And most designers, and will be importantly a new wine ready to go this fall.

So much to do and you to be released just in time for all of you apple can do it all at Fawn Creek Winery! We offer pickers, a crisp semisweet Green Apple complimentary wine Riesling. Like us on FB tasting daily 11 am to and you will receive a 5 pm seven days a special invitation to our week April 1st thru famous “coming out” December 31st, with parties when a new extended hours every wine is released, you Friday and Saturday Memorial Day thru Labor won’t be sorry!

Day 11 am to 7 pm.

Do we have your We are available for attention? Please call private parties year Susan Hanson (Events round and are open for Planner) to book your business January thru next exciting event. Do March Friday, Saturday you own a business and and Sunday 11 am to want to carry our wine?

5 pm.

Please call Dan Hanson and let him know your Want to find out more needs. Have a great about what is going on 2013 and we look at Fawn Creek Winery?

Like us on FB or log onto forward to seeing you!

Saturday, June 15 | 2:00pm

Me and My Fat Uncle Sunday, June 16 | 1:00pm

Me and My Fat Uncle Saturday, June 29 | 11:00am

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, August 10 | 11:00am

Hawaiian Luau Pig Roast | 3:00pm Jeff Hamilton & Brian Kasprzak Sunday, August 11 | 1:00pm

Me and My Fat Uncle

Sacre Blues

Saturday, August 17

2nd Annual BBQ and Blues Sunday, June 30 | 1:00pm

Pam Ross

Sunday, August 18 | 1:00pm

Sunday, July 7 | 1:00pm

Saturday, August 24 | 12:00pm

Saturday, July 13

Saturday, August 24 | 4:00pm

Saturday, July 20

Sunday, August 25 | 1:00pm

Saturday, July 27

Saturday, August 31 | 2:00pm

Sunday, July 28 | 1:00pm

Sunday, September 1 | 2:00pm

Eric

Madison Malone Eric Eric

Me and My Fat Uncle Me and My Fat Uncle

Madison Malone Eric

The WhiskeyBelles

Sunday, September 8 | 1:00pm

Me and My Fat Uncle Saturday, September 14

Rod Kinny

Sunday, September 15

Rod Kinny

Saturday, September 21 | 2:00pm

Jeff Hamilton & Brian Kasprzak

Sunday, September 22

Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo Madison Malone The Tinker Trio The Tinker Trio

C

Saturday, September 7 | 2:00pm

Me and My Fat Uncle Sunday, September 29

Tilley’s Village

Saturday, October 5, 2013

3rd Annual Fall Fest Visit our website for more information www.fawncreekwinery.com

omplimentary Wine Tasting

Fawn Creek Winery invites you to come enjoy a glass of our fine wine while savoring the peace and quiet of the woods on our outdoor deck overlooking the seven-acre vineyard We also have a micromenu featuring artisan cheeses and a gift shop containing many wine-related items including Woodwick™ candles.

3619 13th Avenue Wisconsin Dells

(608)253-4400 Open 7 Days A Week April 1- Dec. 31 11am-5pm

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Capital Newspapers

Where Is It From?

A look at where different wines originate

While nearly every wine is made from the same basic type of grape that was cultivated thousands of years ago, local variations of that grape — along with different soil, sunlight and climate — mean the same types of wine can taste noticeably different depending on where they come from.

Argentina produces more wine than any other South American country. The vast majority of its production is in the central part of the nation, where Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay thrive.

Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône, Champagne, the Loire and Alsace. It also has some of the strictest laws and most longstanding traditions regarding the production of wine.

Germany, with its northern European climate, seems like a far from ideal place to grow wine, but one particular kind thrives here: Riesling.

Like France, Germany has strict laws about labeling and grading wines.

Italy produces more wine than any other country, including France. Since its local varieties are often less elite, meant for ordinary Australia shares many “New World” wine table meals, it doesn’t get as much attention traditions with the United States, but its location as France. Wine is grown in 20 different regions in the southern hemisphere means harvest covering the entire nation, making it one of the happens six months earlier. The most popular most diverse wine producers, too. grapes grown in Australia are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Semillon. New Zealand is a small country, although its wine output is quickly growing. It is best Austria has produced wine since the Celtic known for Sauvignon Blanc, but it also exports times, even before the Romans invaded.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon Grüner Veltliner is most closely associated and Merlot. with it.

Portugal is most famous for its Mateus label California is the center of the winemaking and selection of Port wines, and today it culture in the United States. The first winery in exports a large amount of wine for such a Napa Valley dates back to 1861, but it didn’t emerge as a global-scale wine producer until small nation. It also produces Chardonnay and Merlot. the 1990s.

Chile, with its vineyards protected by the Andes Mountains, has an excellent climate for growing grapes. Bordeaux wines are most successful.

South Africa has an excellent climate for growing wine, and all the popular varieties are grown here. It has a unique hybrid, Pinotage, that was created in the 1920s.

France has long been the world capitol of winemaking, a tradition that continues today.

No other country has shaped wine culture as much as France, with the world’s most beloved wines all carrying the names of French regions:

Spain has one of the world’s oldest winemaking cultures, but it become more European in style with the influx of French settlers in the 1700s. Today it has more than 4 million acres of vineyards.

Open Nightly Until Mid-October at 4pm Featuring Twin Cold Lobster Tails for $45

Featured On The Cover Of The Wisconsin Supper Club Book!

Located just minutes from the Wisconsin Dells, Ishnala Supper Club is nestled in the middle of beautiful Mirror Lake State Park. Entrance to the property includes a beautiful winding drive through hundreds of acres of meadow and forest. Our relaxing dining room offers a breathtaking view of tranquil Mirror Lake. Ishnala joins fine dining with nature to create a truly memorable experience.

In the language of the Winnebago Indian, Ishnala means “By Itself Alone.” The name is symbolized by the point of rock extending into the peaceful water of Mirror Lake. Long before the arrival of the first settlers, Ishnala was a ceremonial ground for the Winnebago.

Pioneer settlers purchased Ishnala from the Winnebago tribe in 1826 and constructed a log cabin trading post. In 1909, the Coleman family purchased the cabin and built their dream home. The original stone fireplace, log walls and staircase still remain as part of the restaurant’s archetecture. In 1953, the Hoffman brothers purchased the land and built Ishnala as it is today.

The Hoffman brothers took great care in rebuilding the restaurant into nature rather than over it. The dining room floor is composed of seventy-six tons of flagstone from a nearby quarry, and live Norway Pines grow right through the roof. Every seat in our dining room provides a magestic view of beautiful Mirror Lake and its surrounding bluffs.

I began working as a busboy at the Hoffman House in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1973.

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work directly with the Hoffman brothers in eight of their restaurants. Now, I am fortunate enough to be the owner of Ishnala Supper Club. It has been a privilege to continue the outstanding tradition that they began in 1953.

Today Ishnala remains - as it has and always will - “By Itself Alone.” No other restaurant can offer you a more relaxing and enchanting dining experience. We welcome you and hope the only thing overlooked in your dining experience is Mirror Lake. Enjoy!

(608) 253-1771 Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted Menu subject to change

Fine Dining in the Woods

Only 1 mile from Great Wolf Lodge and 4½ miles from Ho-Chunk Casino. Go west on Gasser Road past the Great Wolf Lodge entrance, then left on Ishnala Road ¼ mile to the Ishnala entrance.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Con Amici - With Friends: There are things you notice right away upon entering Con Amici.

There are large tables for gathering with friends. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the jazz music is not too loud. And yes, that piano really is for people to play (20 minutes will get you a drink).

What is not immediately evident is that this place is sustainably managed. Practices such as sourcing many of their offerings locally, using cloth napkins and towels rather than disposables, and furnishing with previously enjoyed furniture are not only green, they actually add to the comfortably elegant feel of this unique place.

Cheese and wine are perfect pairs, and the cheese here is top notch—it’s Carr Valley cheese.

Create your own board of bread, cheese, and seasoned olive oil for dipping and you have the ideal complement to your glass of wine.

Owners Mark and Laura HamdanKrause have been enjoying wine for about a dozen years. “There is so much to learn about wine!” said Laura. “People think we’re wine experts—we’re not! We’re experts at enjoying wine, and we can help others enjoy it too.”

It’s easy to get overwhelmed reading the menu—there are well over 100 different wines to choose from. If you don’t feel like choosing just one you can order a “flight”— three small glasses of different wines—and enjoy comparing them.

No TVs!!! Mark said he and Laura wished there was a place to go out and visit with friends—where TVs didn’t dominate the décor and distract from the conversation.

“People notice right away that we have no TVs here, because they’re everywhere!” Hamdan-Krause says.

“And sometimes it’s nice to get away from that.”

For non-wine drinkers there are Wisconsin craft beers, and if Scotch or Cognac is more your style, those are available too.

Whether you’re already a wine aficionado or just beginning to learn about wine, this is a great place to visit.

Bringing a little of the big city to our beautiful small town…

With over 110 wines to choose from, Flights served Monday-Thursday, Wisconsin Craft Beers, And a comfortable atmosphere, this place will soon be one of your favorites!

126 3rd Street, Downtown Baraboo www.conamiciwine.com

Capital Newspapers

Matching The Flavors Pairing craft beer with food can be rewarding

Many people are familiar with wine pairings — the process of choosing foods and wines that complement one another’s flavors — but that same principle can also be applied to beer selections for a rewarding, classy dining experience.

Craft beers, in particular, are perfect for pairing with food because they come in such a wonderful variety of flavors and can be part of a learning process for you and your guests. Introducing and exploring new, locally brewed beer can be a lot of fun over dinner.

The trick is knowing how to find the right combination.

Capital Newspapers

WINE GUIDE

MATCH INTENSITY Beers with a strong flavor profile, such as India pale ale, doppelbock or imperial stout, can easily overpower bland or mild food. It’s best to find dishes with big, bold flavors to mesh with the beers, such as a spicy curry chicken with IPA or roasted beef with Scotch ale. Some, like barley wine, are so strongly flavored that it’s best to serve them with intensely flavored cheeses instead of a meal.

On the flip side, it’s good to pair light beers with more delicate foods. Blonde or cream ale pairs well with chicken, salmon or a salad, while witbier is a classic with seafood. A medium-bodied porter can bring out the flavor of barbecue or roasted meat, as can a weizenbock or dark lager.

NOTICE SWEETNESS When picking the food to pair with beer, be especially careful about using sweet dishes.

While a sugary side dish might be perfectly fine with a sweet stout or helles, many beers have an inherent bitterness that can become unpleasant with sweet foods. In general, the more bitter your beer, the less sweet your food should be to keep the beer’s flavor in balance.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Dorf Haus: Try a Libfraumilch, Zeller Schwatz Katz, or Piesporter Michelsberg Spatlese on your next visit to the Dorf Haus, Roxbury (near Sauk City). These three popular German favorite wines, on the extensive Dorf Haus Restaurant wine list, join local favorites from the nearby Wollersheim Winery.

The Dorf Haus, in hamlet Roxbury, combines an award winning Germanstyle supper club with dinner theater, banquet facilities (featuring a wooden dance floor), omp-pa-pa bands, wedding receptions and more. The 54 year old family –owned business seats 450

people. Sip on a Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese , which is German for “selection” with a Friday fish fry—the Dorf Haus recently won Madison Magazine’s Fabulous Fish Fry contest.

Enjoy the Bavarian Smorgasbord –first and third Mondays of the monthwith your favorite German Reisling, Wollersheim wine, German bier or cocktail.

The Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is also award winning quality! Check out menus, hours, special events, wine list at www.foodspot.com/ dorfhaus (608) 643-3980 for Gemuetlichkeit at its best.

German & American Dining

Dorf Haus

Come for the food...

Stay For The Experience Winner of Madison Magazine’s Fabulous Fish Fry Award!

Dining Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Friday- Saturday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Serving Local And German Wines!

8931 Hwy. Y Sauk City, WI 53583

Featuring a Bavarian Smorgasbord First Monday of Every Month Year Round.

First and Third Monday June-October.

608-643-3980 E-mail: dorfhaus@chorus.net www.foodspot.com/dorfhaus

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Capital Newspapers

The Low-Down on Merlot A look at the world’s most popular red wine

Its fresh, fruity flavor has helped Merlot explode in popularity since the 1990s, becoming the biggest selling red wine in the world. Some of the most exclusive and expensive wines are Merlotbased, too.

And here in America, Merlot has emerged as an incredibly popular drink that is grown extensively in Washington State and California, among other places.

Fortunately for wine lovers, Merlot can also have a wide variety of flavor profiles depending on where it comes from and how it is made.

The Merlot grape dates back to very early in France’s history, but it wasn’t officially recognized as a distinct variety of grape until the 19th century.

Merlot is most closely associated with the Bordeaux region of France, and today it is grown more than any other grape in the country.

Why all the popularity?

Much of it stems from a scientific study that reported the health benefits of red wine in the 1990s.

Because Merlot is among the most approachable of red wines, with its easy-to-love taste, it was the While all Merlots are based on the variety of choice for wine lovers flavors of red fruits such as cherries, who wanted the heart benefits of plums or raspberries, they can take drinking red wine after the study on tones of spice, vanilla, cedar or was publicized. smoke when they ferment in oak.

In fact, because they have such a pleasant, fruity flavor, Merlots are among the best selections for people just starting to explore red wines. Their medium body and low tannin content makes them ideal for most people.

Food Pairings The same traits that make Merlot so popular to drink also make it easy to pair with dishes.

Like most red wines, Merlot works well with red meats such as beef, but it’s also flexible enough to be used with poultry or pork. Salads and pastas are commonly paired with Merlot to let its fruity flavor shine through.

History Merlot is actually a newcomer to the wine lover’s spotlight.

WE WILL Viking NOT BE WISCONSIN’S LARGEST Liquor UNDERSOLD!

WISCONSIN’S LOWEST LEGAL CIGARETTE PRICES!

1625 East Main St. • Reedsburg, WI • 524-3880

All products may not be available at all locations. We are not responsible for typographical errors.

We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Viking Liquor in Reedsburg is home to Sauk County’s largest beer, wine and liquor selections. With over 20,000 bottles of wine in-stock every day, you’re sure to find a new favorite every time you visit.

The space currently occupied by Viking Liquor Superstore was actually the original location of Viking Village Foods. Once the new grocery store was built across the street, Viking Liquor moved into its new 20,000 square foot home at 1625 E. Main Street, right on the corner of Main Street and Viking Drive on the bustling east side of Reedsburg.

Become our fan on Facebook

935 8th St. • Baraboo, WI • 356-6969

SUMMER WINES ARE HERE! Plastic Bottles Are Perfect For Picnics, Tailgates, Boating, BBQ’s & More!

Viking Liquor is proud to feature hundreds of varieties of wine from around the country. Don’t see the one you’re looking for?

Our friendly staff will be happy to try and order it for you from the long list of vendors that we work with.

Good wine doesn’t have to be expensive, and here you’ll find something for every budget. From budget-friendly brands like Arbor Mist, Flip Flop and Wild Vines to the new line of Skinny Girl wines and Dom Perignon champagne that is perfect for your special occasion, Viking Liquor Superstore carries them all!

Check our weekly ads for information about our wine sampling events that are held in our special tasting room several times throughout the year.

New this year is the perfect wine lovers’ accessory-wine purses!

Wine purses make the perfect gift for your favorite wine drinker and are great for outings and events. They are colorful, stylish and available in a wide range of styles and patterns.

WINE PURSES!

The Perfect Accessory For Every Wine Lover

You’ll be amazed at our huge selection of liquor and ready-todrink cocktails. We feature over 50 flavors of vodkas perfect for all of your cocktails plus many varieties and brands of bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, scotch, brandy and cordials. There’s also a newly expanded whiskey selection featuring more premium brands.

Viking Liquor Superstore also features a newly expanded beer section, with coolers full of over 500 new import and craft beers, chilled to perfection and ready for summer! If you’re new to microbrews, try our “Mix & Match 6 Pack” and choose 6 different bottles of beer for just $9.99. Our beer selection features beers from around Wisconsin and around the world. There’s also a case full of gluten-free beers!

What better to pair a great beer with than a nice cigar?

Viking Liquor Superstore features a custom built, walk-in humidor. Perfect for bachelor parties or just an afternoon on the local lakes, stop in today and take a minute to browse our vast selection!

Hosting a party? Check out our selection of novelty items perfect for bachelor, bachelorette, retirement, over the hill and birthday parties. You’re sure to find accessories perfect for your festivities!

Chilled Wines Ready For Every Occasion

Our Own Tasting Area!

You won’t find a better selection than what’s available at Viking Liquor Superstore & Viking Express Market!

10

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Capital Newspapers

Daley’s: Since 1979, Daley’s Beverage Mart has offered all liquor, beer and wine products and more. We pride ourselves on small town service. We are a familyowned business, with the entire family, Dan Daley, wife Chris, and two daughters, Laura and Erin all working at the store.

all the new “malt” items, Lime-a-Rita, Straw-berRita, Sprecher Hard Root Beer and Malibu in a Can.

Daley’s began with a small stand-up cooler with 20 to 30 types of beer, and we now carry over 600, with 500 types of wine from all over the world. We take pride in our huge selection of We specialize in hardlocal and Wisconsinto-find wines and made wines. Can’t find liquors. When we first opened, there was only a certain liquor? Let one flavor of vodka and Daley’s help! At Daley’s we appreciated your rum; now there’s too many to list and Daley’s business in 1979 and still has them all. We carry do today!

Cheers!

If you are having a party or planning a special event, let the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Daley's help make it easy and stress free.

We carry a wide selection of: Beer, Domestics & Imports; Fine Wine from local Wineries & around the World, Flavored Vodkas, Rums, Whiskey & Malt Beverages.

Best Selection of Fine Wines in the Area.

Great Selection of Craft Beers.

Everything you need for your next party or get-together.

“Serving the area for over 34 years”

Daley’s Beverage Mart

1623 New Pinery Rd., Portage • 742-4651

Corks vs.

Screws A look at wine tops

It’s a ceremony as old as wine itself: popping the cork on your favorite bottle.

While natural corks are certainly the most traditional way to seal a wine bottle, they’re not the only one.

DRAWBACKS The big downside of using natural corks is that they can sometimes cause the wine to spoil. A chemical called trichloroanisole (TCA) occasionally occurs, making the wine smell like mold and ruining the entire bottle.

Fortunately, there are solutions.

The wine industry has increasingly been looking to technology to solve this ageold problem.

Synthetic Corks One solution is using synthetic corks that don’t produce TCA, and hence won’t cause the wine to spoil.

The upside is that you can still pop the cork on the

Capital Newspapers

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 11

bottle, which always feels like the right way to open a wine.

But synthetic corks have their problems, too. Some types of them can be very difficult to pull and even harder to put back into the neck. Some are made of material so dense that it’s tough to get a corkscrew pushed into them.

The good news is that synthetic corks are improving all the time. Newer materials are getting closer to mimicking the properties of natural cork without risking spoilage that can happen with the real thing.

Screw Tops Some daring wineries are even experimenting with a new type of top: the screw-on variety.

While, admittedly, this takes away some of the traditional pomp and pageantry of popping the top on a bottle of wine, it is incredibly convenient and seals the bottle perfectly. It’s a tried-and-true way to deliver a proper drink.

Wineries in Australia and New Zealand have been the quickest to adopt screw tops, while American wineries have been more cautious.

European wineries have largely been resistant to change, sticking with tradition instead.

explore a world of wines Take your palate on a world-class tour of fine wines from every region. Our prix-fixe tasting flights make it easy and enjoyable to sample new and exciting varieties!

Wines from Around the World & Local Wineries Wine Tastings Local Entertainment Appetizers Wine Flights Over 30 Different Beers Crafts & Domestics Call To Schedule Your Private Party With Us! Coming Soon: Morning Gourmet Coffee, Martinis & Cordials Bring your friends and relax in one of our cozy lounging areas!

205 DeWitt St. • Portage 608-742-2058

12

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Capital Newspapers

been bred to be more winter hardy. Most wine grape varieties cannot withstand the extreme cold temperatures in the Midwest region.

The biggest challenge breeders overcame was finding an earlymaturing wine grape that will tolerate the extreme cold and short growing seasons. Marechal Foch, a wine grape from France, was the first selection to meet those two requirements.

Concord type grapes have been found growing in the Midwest for over a century. These vines are winter hardy and produce grapes that are used to make jams, jellies and juice for home table use. Wine production in the Midwest, using locally grown grapes, has been limited to concord type grapes until recently.

Grapes grown in warmer climates, for wine production, have now

Frontenac Gris

Marechal Foch

Frontenac Gris was developed from a mutation of the Frontenac cold climate grape and has muscat-like characteristics. This winter hardy, late season, heavy bearing vine produces coppery-peach colored grapes in a loose cluster with peach and apricot aromas.

Marechal Foch is the earliest maturing, cold climate red wine grape grown in the Midwest. A French variety, the vine has small berries on tight, medium-sized clusters and ripens in mid-September. The character of the wine produced from this grape is dependent on the age of the vine.

Frontenac Gris produces a wine that is very fruity with dominant peach and pineapple flavors and a hint of honey.

The color ranges from pale gold to amber. A very versatile wine, Frontenac Gris is used to produce semi-sweet to dessert wines and dry to off-dry table wine.

Frontenac The Frontenac red wine grape was developed by the University of Minnesota. This vigorous grape is a FrenchAmerican hybrid chosen for its loose clusters of dark blue-black berries and fruity aroma. The fruit matures in late September or early October.

Frontenac produces a dry wine of a deep garnet color with an aroma of cherry and other red fruits with a palate of blackberry, black currant and plum. Frontenac grapes are also used in blush wines as well as a fortified wine in the port style.

Marechal Foch is a versatile grape.

Picked early it can produce a light and fruity Nouveau, a cousin to Beaujolais.

Left on the vine to ripen more fully, it produces a dark, red, full-bodied, dry table wine. It has strong acidity, and aromas of black fruits and in some cases, toasted wheat, mocha, fresh coffee, bitter chocolate, vanilla bean and musk. Grapes from older vines are made into an oaked, dry red aged wine and it is also used for sweet-fortified, port-style wines.

Cold-hardy wine grape breeding took a great leap forward, when the University of Minnesota developed a new cold climate wine grape breeding program in 1985. In 1996 Minnesota introduced Frontenac, which is now planted in the Midwest, New England, and Quebec.

Elmer Swenson, a Wisconsin native, working in conjunction with the University of Minnesota, worked on breeding cold climate grapes.

The grapes that were released from these breeding efforts are the backbone of today’s growing viticulture and wine industry in Wisconsin. semi-sweet table wine. It has flavors of apricot, peach, citrus and pineapple and sometimes muscat. It has a wellbalanced, rich palate and lingering finish.

St. Pepin St. Pepin wine grapes make a fruity white wine similar to Riesling.

These earlyripening grapes grow in medium to large-size loose clusters of white grapes with a golden color. It ripens early and is cold hardy.

St. Pepin wine is very refreshing with well-balanced acids, a sparkle, slight apple or nutty flavor and intense floral aroma. St. Pepin is also used as a base for blending. The fruit holds well on the vine and is used to produce some Wisconsin ice wines.

Edelweiss

Edelweiss has green-white La Crescent medium-sized fruit La Crescent in large, heavy cold climate wine clusters, sometimes grapes grow in weighing more loose, mediumthan a pound. sized clusters. This This white grape very productive grape is harvested develops a delicate floral aroma. The in mid-September, fruit ripens in late August and the vine if used for white table wine. La Crescent’s tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and cold climate. acidic structure makes it desirable for dessert or late harvest wines.

Edelweiss produces a Riesling-like semiLa Crescent white wine has a crisp flavor due to high acidity and is made into a

dry, semi-sweet or sweet white table wine. The wine is white to amber white

to amber in color and has the aroma and flavors of sweet peach, pear, honey and pineapple. It is also blended with Frontenac to produce a flavorful blush wine.

Marquette

Marquette is the newest cold climate red wine grape. Marquette has more characteristics of a vitis vinifera than other cold climate grapes as it has Pinot Noir in its ancestry.

The vines have open, orderly and upright growth, which makes it desirable for efficient vineyard management.

Marquette wine has a deep red color and desirable flavors and aromas of cherry and black currant. It also has more complex notes of blackberries, pepper, plum, tobacco, leather and spice.

It is a medium-bodied red table wine.

Enjoy Wisconsin wine as you visit Wisconsin wineries.

Request Wisconsin wine made with cold-climate grapes.

211 Canal Rd • Waterloo, WI 53594 www.wigrapes.org

14

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Capital Newspapers

Take the Acid Test Find out what you know about wine’s acidity

People who appreciate wine know that the acid level is one thing that gives every wine a distinct flavor. An acidic wine will often taste “crisp,” like biting into a tart apple in the fall.

If you think you know a lot about the acidity of wine — or just want to learn more — then take this true-or-false quiz. We call it the “acid test.”

1. White wines generally taste more acidic than red wines.

True False

4. Sweetness and acidity can often balance each other out in a wine.

True False

2. After 30 seconds, the acidic flavor in a wine will get stronger, almost like an aftertaste.

True False

5. The taste buds that detect acidity are found toward the center of your tongue.

True False

3. Red wines with a heavy body tend to have high acidity.

True False

6. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is associated with a high level of acidity.

True False

7. Champagne is considered a classy drink because of its low level of acidity.

True False

Answers Can Be Found On Page 22

Burr Oak WINERY Wine Tasting

OpeN 7 Days a Week 11:00-5:00 Anytime by appointment.

WELCOME TO BURR OAK WINERY. You’ll find nationally award-winning, estate-grown table and dessert wines from our vineyards in New Lisbon WI. Since 1997, the Kennedy family has been dedicated to bringing you a wide variety of fine wines. Burr Oak Winery & Kennedy Vineyards is located in a region of glaciated soils especially beneficial for growing premium wine grapes. At the winery, join us for wine festivals, wine tasting all the great fine wines, wine tours and friendly people in a congenial atmosphere. Our family invites you.

MId-SUMMERS NIghT WALK IN ThE VINEYARdS - Friday Aug. 2nd and Firday Aug. 16th hARVEST FESTIVAL - held the weekend following Labor day. Sept. 7th & 8th 2013 Featuring a Wine/Cheese Tasting, grape Stomp at 3 pm, Food, Variety of Vendors

Contact us at 562-5271 • NEW Daily Hours: May 1 - december 31: Open 7 days a week 11 am - 5 pm (or for scheduled events after hours) January 1 - April 30: Wednesday - Sunday 11 am - 5 pm (or for scheduled events after hours)

N5873 Hwy. 12 & 16, Between New Lisbon & Mauston

www.burroakwinery.com

Lewis Station Winery

We are a very unique winery in an early 1900’s remodeled vintage gas station in the heart of downtown Lake Mills, WI. Our winery has the feel of a vintage station with the amenities of a world class micro-winery.

We specialize in small batch hand-crafted wines. Aside from being a winery, we also have a boutique wine shop featuring many Wisconsin wineries and wineries from around the globe. You’ll also find artisan cheeses, gourmet chocolates and premium cigars.

Relax with a bottle of wine and a chocolate and cheese platter on our wine patio overlooking the beautiful park in downtown Lake Mills, or stay for a live theatre show in our tasting room. Owner, winemaker, sommelier and wine educator Rob Lewis also teaches wine classes in the tasting room. Look for a class schedule at the winery website or WisconsinWineSchool.com.

The Wines

Semi-Sweet Wines: Grist Mill Red(Blackberry Merlot), AztalanZin (Pomegranate Zinfandel), Lost Pyramid Red (Cranberry Syrah), Vertical (Black Cherry Pinot Noir), Sparkling Waters White (Tropical Fruit Viognier), Rock Lake Symphony (Mandarin Orange Muscat), Crazy A (Green Apple Riesling) Dessert Wines: Knickerbocker Ice Wine, Chocolat Cerise (Chocolate Cherry Port) Dry Wines: Silver Medal Winner - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio Gold Medal Winner Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon Tastings: Free and available during business hours

217 N. Main St., Lake Mills, WI 53551 ½ hour East of Madison on Interstate 94

(920) 648-5481

Website: www.LewisStationWinery.com or www.facebook.com/LewisStationWinery Email: info@LewisStationWinery.com Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12:00-8:00pm; Sunday 11:00-3:00pm

Bring this ad in and receive a set of 2 Free Tasting Glasses with bottle purchase!

16

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Capital Newspapers

Wineries: A Growing Trend New locations opening across America America’s wine culture was once thought to be centered around one place: Napa Valley. Today, though, wineries are among the nation’s fastest growing industries from coast to coast.

Between 1979 and 2010, there has been a 1,152 percent increase in the number of wineries in America.

Yes, more than 1,000 percent!

That dramatic growth in the wine industry is evident in most parts of the country, where new wineries are opening up and small, local vineyards are offering distinct, modern takes on this very old industry.

Why all the growth?

Culture A big reason is that wine culture itself is growing.

Many people today enjoy drinking, sharing and collecting wine as a hobby. They will learn all about

different varieties of wine, grow a taste for their favorite vintage and explore the many different flavors from around the world.

It’s also popular for local or regional tourists. You might enjoy a wine tasting, exploring all the different types available in your own hometown. Some people Exploring wine is a social event, too. enjoy taking day trips, too, to see Not only do people often drink wine how wine is grown in vineyards in social settings — both big parties near their home. and small, intimate gatherings with Eat Local friends and loved ones — but they Finally, locally grown wine has can talk about wine and share become a big draw as more what they’ve learned with other Americans are concerned with wine lovers. where and how their food is Tourism produced.

Another big reason for wine’s Instead of relying on heavily resurgent popularity is that it processed foods made by multimakes for great tourism. national companies, many people Wineries have become major tourist destinations across America, which is great from a business perspective.

If you have friends or relatives coming from out of town, there’s a good chance you might spend time at a local winery. And those out-of-town dollars add up.

are turning to local farmers in an attempt to eat more wholesome foods.

The same thing applies to local wines. When you know where the wine came from, and perhaps even the person who created it, that makes the experience even richer.

Orchard Country Winery & Market Tour • Taste • Shop • Enjoy

Winery • Farm Market • Bakery • Orchards • Vineyards • Playground

Since 1955, the Lautenbach family has been planting, harvesting and producing quality fruit products in Door County, Wisconsin.

Situated on 100 acres of blossoming orchards and lush vineyards, the family estate is home to a winery, cider mill and farm market.

Established in 1985, the winery resides in a restored dairy barn and produces most of its award-winning wine from fruits grown on the property. Estate-grown fruits include cherries, apples, grapes, raspberries, and pears.

Enjoy complimentary wine and farm market food tasting daily!

Guided Winery Tours May - October (Daily) 11 am • 1 pm • 3 pm

Experience the healthy taste of Door County tart cherries year-round.

Several styles of wine are offered for complimentary tasting and purchase, ranging from dry to sweet, pure fruit and grape varietals, plus sparkling and spiced.

A spacious farm market offers hundreds of Door County and Wisconsin-made products, featuring the tart Montmorency cherry.

Also available is fresh bakery, artisan cheese, jam, salsa, wine accessories, and more.

local fruit...local flavor • Door County, WI TM

9197 Hwy 42 Fish Creek, WI 54212 • 920.868.3479 • orchardcountry.com

tWo great Wineries

Winery DOOr COUNTY

Hours To confirm hours, please call (888) 932-0044 or visit door44winery.com.

Winery DOOr COUNTY

Vineyard & Winery GrEEN BAY ArEA

May 1– Oct 31 Daily ...........9am–5pm NOv 1– March 31 Seasonal hours may vary, please check our website.

Also open by appointment.

Location Door 44 Winery is conveniently located on Hwy 42/57, just north of Sturgeon Bay. 4020 hwy 42/57, Unit 2 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

tour our vineyards and production facility at Parallel 44.

P

ositioned at 44º North Latitude are many world renowned grape growing and wine making regions, such as Tuscany, Bordeaux, New York, and Oregon. Follow this line through Wisconsin, and you will find two wineries, Parallel 44 and Door 44, both specializing in wines made from grapes grown in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. At Parallel 44, you can stroll our vineyard, tour our production facility, and taste our wines. At Door 44, you can view our barrel aging room and taste our wines. Each winery offers an unparalleled taste of the region. We invite you to visit both and experience a Taste of the Tundra!

parallel44.com / 888.932.0044

SPECIAL EVENTS HOURS

Only at Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery, Just East of Green Bay

VINEYARD & WINERY GREEN BAY AREA

To confirm hours, please call (888) 932-0044 or visit parallel44.com.

APRIL 1– DEC 31 M – Sat ...........10am–5pm Sun ................Noon–5pm JAN 1– MARCH 31 F, Sat, M .........10am–5pm Tu, W, Th ........Closed Sun ................Noon–5pm

“Tunes at the Tundra”

Outdoor Summer Concert Series 2013

Select Saturdays:

June 22 & 29, July 6, 13, 20. 27 Aug 3 & 10 4–6 pm FREE ADMISSION

LOCATION

Harvest Fest

Parallel 44 is conveniently located off of Hwy 43 and 42, just east of Green Bay, north of Milwaukee, and south of Door County.

Live Music, Grape Stomp, Wine Tasting, Food and More Sat, Sept 7, 2013 12–6 pm FREE ADMISSION

N2185 Sleepy Hollow Rd. Kewaunee, WI 54216

FREE TOURS JUNE 1– OCT 30 - Sat:10:30am–3:30pm (every hour) Sun:12:30pm–3:30pm (every hour)

MAY - Sat:10:30am–3:30pm (every hour)

Holiday Open House Nov 29–Dec 1 and Dec 6–Dec 8 12–5 pm FREE ADMISSION

Frozen Tundra Wine Fest

Outdoor Wine Festival Sat, Feb 22, 2014 12–6 pm $12/person

Visit parallel44.com for more details!

parallel44.com / 888.932.0044

20

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Wollersheim Winery: Just across from Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, the Wollersheim Winery sits on a scenic hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River. This national historic site was first selected for vineyards in the 1840s by the Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy. In 1972, Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim purchased the property with the intention of restoring it to a working family winery.

Today, the vineyards are comprised of 27 acres of grapes and the winery produces regional and

varietal grape wines as well as a 100% Wisconsin brandy. The winery has received numerous awards for its premium wines such as its famous Prairie Fumé, and has gained recognition as being one of the leading wineries in the Midwest, including being awarded “Winery of the Year” at the San Diego International Wine Competition in 2012 and awarded “2013 Wine of the Year for its Dry Riesling wine.

The winery is open for tours and tastings from 10 am to 5 pm daily, year-round.

Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

Capital Newspapers

A Barrel of Flavor Why the container matters when aging wine

After the grape variety chosen, perhaps the biggest factor in a wine’s taste is the barrel it is aged within.

Barrels are also a major part of a wine’s complexity, adding overtones of flavor that don’t exist from the wine on its own.

While the majority of wine barrels are made of oak, that’s where the similarities end. And everything about that barrel — from the way it is constructed, to the temperature it’s stored at, to the length of time wine is allowed to age in it — will impact the flavor of the finished wine that reaches your table.

You should also know that barrel making is a true art. The people who make them, called coopers, not only have to painstakingly shape the wooden staves to be liquid-tight, but they also have to heat or “toast” the wood perfectly for the right flavor. The longer it is toasted, the more of those toasty flavors of maple, vanilla or spice will be transferred into the wine itself.

Wood Type The first factor that affects wine is the type of wood the barrel is made from.

Where the oak comes from can have a significant impact on the taste it imparts to the wine. American oak, for example, tends to add slightly more bitter flavors to the wine like dill or sometimes coconut.

French oak, in comparison, is more likely to add notes of spice or vanilla. Their popularity and “Barrel” Continued on Page 22

Just 25 miles northwest of Madison

wollersheim.com v

W8896 County Hwy. A, Delavan • (608)883-2100 Check out our hours at www.stallerestate.com

SHIPPING AVAILABLE

Complimentary Wine & Cheese Tasting

• New Wine Flights • Delicious Picnic Platters • Wine & Chocolate Pairings

Gift Giving Made Easier!

RELAX in our new gazebo and sunroom with some friends, a glass of Award Winning Staller Estate Wine and Enjoy a beautiful view of the vineyard

We offer music every Saturday afternoon in the summer starting at noon. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy out in the vineyard or try one of our picnic platters and wine and chocolate flights!

Founded in 2007, Staller Estate’s vision is to create a multi-satisfying experience exemplifying our regional Wisconsin wines. Our vision was to build a family farm winery due, very simply, to our love for family, passion for farming and appreciation of the wine aesthetic. Both our educations are based in biological and chemical sciences from the University of WisconsinWhitewater and UC- Davis. Our practical experience stems from our amateur winemaking and grape growing experience, in the process accomplishing numerous international awards.

These experiences are also accompanied by significant industrial experience. We hope that we will be able to provide a relaxing and educational wine experience for all of our guests at Staller Estate. We are located near Lake Geneva, Delavan, Whitewater and Lauderdale Lakes, Wisconsin. We look forward to pouring you a new wine experience!!

-Joe & Wendy Staller

22

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Capital Newspapers

“Barrel” - Continued from Page 20

distinctive flavor is one reason French oak barrels often command twice the price of American oak.

Size & Shape The physical dimensions of a barrel will also impact the flavor of a wine.

Aging The age of the wood itself, along with how much time the wine is allowed to remain in the barrel, is the last major factor that impacts the flavor of wine.

Some wines will ferment up to three years in a barrel, adding stronger aromas and more intense notes.

Traditionally, wine barrels will hold about 60 gallons, Others can age as little as 10 months. The difference which is the amount two people can carry depends on the type of wine and how heavy a reasonably. It’s also the size that offers the right amount of surface area for most wines to taste right. flavor it has.

The age of the wood matters because new oak Smaller barrels will have proportionally more wood tends to impart more flavors than old oak. It has in contact with the wine. Larger barrels will have more substances that leech into the wine, and proportionally less surface contact. those substances are eventually used up. Wine barrels are often used more than once, but they can’t be used forever as they lose their effectiveness for adding the right notes during fermentation.

1- True, 2- False, 3- False, 4- True, 5- False, 6- True, 7- False

ACID TEST ANSWERS (From Page 14)

Capital Newspapers

WINE GUIDE

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

23

Ho Chunk gaming:

Journey Through the Flagship Enterprise Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells is the Ho-Chunk Nation’s largest gaming property and the flagship of the Nation’s five premier gaming facilities. This renowned entertainment destination provides yearround entertainment, gaming, food, lodging and fun, located in one of America’s favorite family vacation destination resort towns.

are dazzled by the theme integrating the Ho-Chunk culture throughout the facility.

The exterior features rock structures similar to those that made the Wisconsin Dells famous, along with picturesque waterfalls.

Inside, a 45-foot high atrium is the focal point and the circulation hub of the entire complex, leading to the convention center, hotel The philosophy of the and casino. It contains flagship enterprise is to the most spectacular promote all of the areas features of the Wisconsin within the facility as an Dells, including rock inclusive entertainment formations illuminated destination, unifying all by ever-changing multidepartments to keep the colored lights, waterfalls, guest on-site and provide pine trees and wildlife. them with all they need. A soaring bald eagle The Ho-Chunk people carries a fish in its talons. are well known for their A 100-foot wall mural by hospitality, so it seems Ho-Chunk artist Harry fitting that the hospitality Whitehorse illustrates industry is a large tribal life through the source of the business seasons. enterprise’s revenue.

The resort hotel highlights Ho-Chunk people tribal themes and has have been welcoming been voted favorite people to their areas for casino hotel with the hundreds of years. most comfortable The design of the complex is an architectural tribute to the scenic Wisconsin Dells bluffs homeland of the Ho-Chunk. It contributes to, and creates, the ambience one feels here. Guests

rooms and best hotel amenities by the readers of Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine.

The unique hotel was designed to provide “rustic elegance” that rivals the Dells area’s natural beauty, while

providing the best in style and comfort. Amenities include laundry services, WiFi Internet access, a shuttle bus service, a gift shop and on-site child care.

In terms of cuisine, the facility presents five outstanding dining experiences offering a wide variety of culinary delights, each sure to please an array of discriminating palates.

The upscale, fine-dining venue, the Copper Oak Steakhouse, provides a delectable full-course dinner in an elegant setting with the focal point, a Swedish imported copper oak tree, for which the restaurant was named.

Select your signature steak and watch it grilled to prime perfection over Texas mesquite and Wisconsin hickory

flames on an open grill.

There is also live Maine lobster along with other delicious house specialties.

Other dining options include the Stand Rock Buffet, with a colossal selection including the Wednesday night seafood, Friday night fish fry and Saturday night prime rib and shrimp buffet; Wo Zha Wa Sports Bar & Grille, for cocktails, pizza and burgers with big-screen TVs; Sunrise Cliffs Café, offering a comfortable and casual family dining atmosphere; and the Ho-Chunk Grille Snack Bar, located right off the casino floor with roundthe-clock service.

For more information, call Ho-Chunk Gaming at (800) 746-2486, or go to www.ho-chunkgaming. com.

S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, WI 53913 www.hochunkgaming.com 1-800-746-2486

24

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WINE GUIDE

Capital Newspapers