Wine Time 2022

THE RIGHT DAY FOR ROSE

Between red and white, rosé wines offer a range of flavors and pair well with food

words by WILLIAM BERNIER

With rosé season upon us and National Rosé Day right around the corner on June 11, I thought it would be a wonderful time to recommend a few favorites. But first, let’s learn a little about rosés. Rosés are thought to be some of the oldest known wines and today are produced in every wine region around the globe. It is very likely that many of the earliest red wines made were close in appearance to today’s rosés. Usually, the wine is labelled “rosé” in French, Portuguese, and Englishspeaking countries, “rosado” in Spanish, or “rosato” in Italian.

There are three main ways to produce rosés, skin contact, saignée, and blending. Skin contact is the most common method: With this technique, after the red grapes are crushed the winemaker allows the juice to rest on the skins from a few hours to a couple of days depending on how much flavor or color is desired. The saignée (or bleeding) method is typically used when a winemaker wants to intensify a red wine. After crushing the grapes, a portion of the pink juice is bled off, leaving a higher skin-to-juice ratio for the red wine which leads to higher tannins and bolder flavors. The juice that was removed is then fermented into a rosé. The third method of blending red wine into white wine to impart a rosé color is uncommon and is discouraged in most wine-growing regions, especially in France, where it is forbidden by law, except for Champagne. Even in Champagne, several high-end producers do not use this method but rather the

saignée method.

Rosés can vary from deep salmoncolored, dry, and full-flavored wines where all the sugar is fermented into alcohol to pink and sweeter styles which contain a percentage of residual sugar. In America, these sweeter wines are often called “blush wines.” It is because of blush wines that a lot of people have not been fortunate enough to enjoy a good rosé. While facilitating a wine event such as a tasting or a dinner when offering up rosé, it is almost inevitable that someone will say, “No thank you, I don’t like sweet wines.”

To which the standard response is, “Rosés are not sweet. Blush wines are sweet.” Good rosés are dry and full of flavor and make an excellent choice for meal pairing because they are versatile and super foodfriendly. On a hot, humid summer evening when the steaks are on the grill you may not feel like a heavy red. Rosés are the perfect answer, dry enough and flavorful enough to match that juicy steak and yet a nice easy-drinking wine to tame down the sweltering heat.

Let’s talk about a few rosés worth trying. Starting out, we should visit what is considered the most famous rosé-producing region in the world, the Mediterranean coastal region of Côtes de Provence in France.

A personal favorite is Fleur de Mer. Throughout the rolling hills and valleys of Provence, fields of lavender thrive in the warm sun and fresh, crisp seaside air. In French, Fleur de Mer means “Flower of the Sea.” Winemaker Florian Lacroux selected Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvédre grape varieties to form

the core of the blend. The long, sunny Mediterranean summer allows the fruit ample time to develop the bright, expressive flavors, intense aromatics, and signature structure of a Provençal Rosé. This wine opens with generous aromas of white peach, citrus, wildflowers, and herbs. A classic Provençal style, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and crushed watermelon notes are complemented by layers of minerality before a refreshingly crisp finish. Try this wine with tomato-based pasta dishes, salads, any seafood, pizza, ribs and yes, steaks.

Next up, let’s travel to California. From the Indelicato family, making California wine since 1924, we have Noble Vines 515 Rosé. From the San Bernabe vineyard in Monterey this 13.5% ABV wine is definitely not sweet. It’s made in a traditional, dry style that prizes bright acidity, mouthfilling texture, and freshness. Aromas of melon, strawberry, and roses follow through to the palate and complement a round, mediumbodied mouth feel. The elegant structure of graceful acidity and

light tannins contribute to a long, fresh, clean finish. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or the versatility of Rosé pairs well with a variety of different dishes.

Perhaps you enjoy the sweeter blush style wines. For that let’s look to something local from Wisconsin’s most famous and nationally awarded winery, Wollersheim. They produce a delicate wine called Blushing Rose. Coming in at a low 10.5% ABV this luscious, semisweet blush has a beautiful soft pink color and juicy fruits reminiscent of strawberry and kiwi. Perfect to be enjoyed on its own or paired with awardwinning Wisconsin cheeses or light appetizers.

With so many styles of rosé to choose from, dry or sweet and still or sparkling, there is definitely something for everyone. So, if you haven’t joined the rosé movement yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle and find out what you’ve been missing. Cheers!

Learn more about William Bernier’s wine tastings and wine dinners at facebook.com/ EauClaireWineGuy.

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GOOD ROSES ARE DRY AND FULL OF FLAVOR AND MAKE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MEAL PAIRING BECAUSE THEY ARE VERSATILE AND SUPER FOOD-FRIENDLY.

UNEXPECTED WINE PAIRINGS

What you find in the fridge and on your wine rack could be a match made in heaven

words by MICHELLE NYSTROM

Finally, a long weekend! I was looking forward to kayaking with my girlfriends, when my parents called and invited themselves over. I never say no because I don’t see them often as I’d like. They’re still so active, but at 79 years young, my mother has lost most of the hearing in her right ear,

and I’m concerned her hearing aids have been working overtime lately.

I also worry about the long drive for them down from Superior. “I hope you guys remember to take Business Highway 53 into downtown,” I told Mom over the phone.

“What?”

Raising my voice louder I said,

“Tell Dad to remember to take Business 53 into downtown or you’ll end up in La Crosse!”

Thinking about dinner for later, I decided to make my favorite duck breast dish, so I went to my wine rack and grabbed a Chaos Red from Door Peninsula Winery. It reminds me of the Barbera D’Asti I had in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy in 2018. A semi-sweet mediumbodied wine with notes of cherry, plum, and grape. These flavors will complement the gaminess of the duck perfectly! I’ll admit, I was excited to show off this dish to my parents. They eventually arrived safe and sound. “Are we ready to eat yet?”

I folded caramelized onions into mashed potatoes and served them alongside the duck, then topped it

with the grape and red wine reduction.

“Mother, can you grab the silverware?” I asked.

“What?” she said.

It didn’t take us very long to finish the meal. “That was so good!” they said.

Afterwards Mom asked what was for dessert. “You know I really don’t eat dessert, so I didn’t make anything,” I reminded them.

A blank stare from both parents prompted me to get up out of my chair and head into the kitchen wondering what the heck I could throw together.

Inside the freezer I found a box of New York Vanilla ice cream. Now I need something sweet. Darn it, I’m out of Hershey’s syrup – now what?! Deeper into the freezer I spotted a bag of frozen peach halves. I glanced over at the saucepan of the grape and red wine reduction. There was plenty left, so I swiftly dumped the peaches into it, added a sugar cube and threw in a cinnamon stick - mixing it all together to warm it up. As I spooned the new creation atop scoops of the vanilla ice cream, I could smell the cinnamon. “Wow, this might actually work!” I proclaimed.

We eagerly lapped up this wonderful dessert, unable to produce any sounds but “Mmmm.” The cold of the ice cream and the warmth of the wine-soaked peaches melted in our mouths. This is one certainly for the books!

“Mother would you mind handing me that notebook over there, I have to write this new pairing down.”

“What?”

Michelle Nystrom of Eau Claire is a certified wine professional who loves to share her own wine and travel experiences.

TIME FOR A TOAST

Want wine? These are the places to check out, Best of the Chippewa Valley voters say words by V1 STAFF

BEST WINE SELECTION (BAR, RESTAURANT, OR WINERY)

1. Bemis Bluff Winery

2. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

3. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

Once again, Bemis Bluff Winery (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva) demonstrates it has the area’s best wine selection. Enjoy the scenery while sipping fruit wines, or better yet, a wine slushy on a hot July afternoon. (Is it summer yet?) With awardwinning wines, Infinity Beverages (3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire) offers vinos to satiate any palate, from their Riesling and Moscato blend, Desire, to their Syrah and Pinot Noir blend, Solace. Although they’re not a winery, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire) serves the perfect wine to pair with your meal. –Stephanie Nesja

BEST WINE SELECTION (RETAIL)

1. Woodman’s Markets

2. Bemis Bluff Winery

3. The Coffee Grounds

With more than 3,000 wines in stock, Woodman’s Markets (2855 Woodman Drive, Altoona) is the go-to retailer for Chippewa Valley oenophiles (that’s the fancy way to say “wine connoisseurs”). Whatever your taste or budget – from Dom Perignon to Barefoot — Woodman’s is sure to have something you’ll enjoy. Local winemaker Bemis Bluff Winery (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva), makes a wide range of fruit wines, including sweets and semi-sweets all the way to dry varieties (and don’t forget the wine slushies). The Coffee Grounds (4212 Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire) offers far more than roasted beans: From whites to reds to Wine of the Month Club selections, this Eau Claire retailer has the fruit of the vine well-covered, too. –Tom Giffey

BEST WINEMAKER

1. River Bend Winery & Distillery

2. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

3. Bemis Bluff Winery

Wisconsinites are more than just fans of brandy Old Fashioneds. This year’s Best Winemaker selections prove we’re also a bunch of wine lovin’ ... well, wineos! River Bend Vineyard & Winery (10439 33rd Ave., Chippewa Falls) returns to first place, and their 10 years of competition with over 50 medals prove their wine is worth it. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery (3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire) has rightfully earned a spot on the list, with a lounge-style tasting room and variety of wine and cocktails to boot. Bemis Bluff Winery (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva) remains a favorite, with fanciful fruit wines that tantalize the palate. And we can’t forget to give an honorable mention to one of our personal favorites, Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard (19947 County Hwy. J, Chippewa Falls) coming in for a very close fourth place! — Stephanie Nesja

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WINE IT UP!

Wineries and winemakers in the Chippewa Valley and beyond

Bella Vinez Winery W10829 875th Avenue, Bluffs in Buffalo County overlooking the Bridge Rd., Withee • (715) 229-4501 • sales@munsonbridgewinery.com • munsonbridgewinery.com Located in Wisconsin’s heartland, MBW offers a large variety of fruit wines including raspberry, elderberry, boysenberry, plum, blackberry, crabapple, and cranberry wines, plus maple syrup wine and many other seasonal favorites.

O’Neil Creek Winery 15369 82nd St., Bloom er • (715) 568-2341 • oneilcreekwinery. com O’Neil Creek Winery was built in the heart of the Chippewa Valley by Joe and Dorinda Wynimko featuring an assort ment of fruit wines that are crisp and refreshing. Come and enjoy the scenery along with the relaxing atmosphere on our patio while you have a glass of wine.

River Bend Winery & Distillery 10439 33rd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9463 • riverbendvineyard.com Visitors to the Tasting Room enjoy complimentary sam ples and may purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Gourmet foods, gifts and accessories for the wine enthusiast are also available. Attendees enjoy the view from a comfortable patio overlooking the vines.

Seven Hawks Vineyard 17 North St., Foun tain City • (608) 687-9463 • sevenhawks vineyards.com Seven Hawks Vineyard includes almost 18,000 northern hybrid grape vines and 500 plum and cherry trees, making them one of the largest vineyards in the upper Midwest. Wines are local, hand pruned, hand tended, and hand harvested, with free tastings available for walk-ins.

Tenba Ridge Winery N27587 Joe Coulee Rd., Blair • (608) 525-2413 • tenba@ triwest.net • tenbaridgewine.com From high atop a ridge in rural Trempealeau County sits one of Wisconsin’s most en joyable winery experiences. Tenba Ridge produces a number of wines that have won national and state awards. Known for its award-winning peach apple wine, blueberry apple, black raspberry apple, and white cranapple.

Vernon Vineyards Winery S3426 Peterson Ln., Viroqua • (608) 634-6181 • vernon vineyards.com Vernon Vineyards Winery is 75 acres in Vernon County in Western Wisconsin, and offers lovely vineyard views and a beautiful tasting room. Their 16 wines are made with 100% locally grown Wisconsin grapes and cranberries. Guests can count on a healthy serving of rural Wisconsin hospitality with every sample.

Villa Bellezza Winery 1420 3rd St., Pepin • (715) 442-8484 • villabellezza.com The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by the stunning river bluff drive to the winery along the Mississippi’s historic Great River Road. Visitors may relax in the piazza with small plates and a bottle of wine while listening to the fountain and enjoying the scenery.

Vino in the Valley W3826 450th Ave., Maid en Rock • (715) 639-6677 • vinointheval ley.com Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Open Thursday through Sunday, May through September (with additional weekends October-De cember), enjoy a glass of wine and a pas ta dinner among the vines in an outdoor setting nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley.

Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC & Winery 921 South 8th Street, Cornell • (715) 7056212 • wisconsinveteranfarm@gmail. com • facebook.com/wisconsinveter anfarm Featuring a large selection of small batch handcrafted, homemade fruit wines. 10% of proceeds benefit the Amer ican Legion, VFW, and other charities. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for tasting events.

Wine selection is always changing and has featured fruit flavors like apple, pear, plum, chockcherry, elderberry, rhubarb, blackberry, strawberry/banana, raspberry, cranberry, spiced banana.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

RIVER BEND WINERY