Congratulations to the winners of the Ohio vs. Michigan Wine Clash 2010

 

(Columbus, Ohio – November 24, 2010) Ahead of the legendary gridiron clash, wine lovers in Ohio assembled to determine whose wines would triumph in a head-to-head clash.Ten wines, five of the best from each state, were matched in head-to-head competition.

 

The State of Michigan reigned supreme in 2010 with a score of 3.5 - 1.5. The winners, by flight : 

 

1.        Sparkling : Black Star Farms Sparkling Wine 2008 (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)  (Michigan 1 - 0)

2.        White : Left Foot Charley Dry Riesling 2009 (Old Mission Peninsula, MI) (Michigan 2-0)

3.        White: Ferrante Signature Series Pinot Grigio 2009 (Grand River Valley, OH) (Michigan 2 - 1)

4.        Red : Bower's Harbor Erica Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2007 (Old Mission Peninsula, MI) (Michigan 3 - 1)

5.        Red : (tie) Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (Ohio River Valley, OH) / Shady Lane Cellars Blue Franc (Leelanau Peninsula, MI ) (Michigan 3.5 - 1.5)

 

The real winners are the consumers of Michigan and Ohio who have an array of quality local wines to enjoy. “The selection process was very hard and rigorous this year with so many quality wines from both states,” said organizer Andrew Hall, “Any of the entrants would be welcome on my table.”

 

Both Ohio and Michigan share a century-old tradition of viticulture which was wrecked by Prohibition but has re-emerged in recent times. From the Ohio River Valley to the upper shores of Lake Michigan, growers and winemakers are working hard to create unique and quality wines. This event was created in 2008 to showcase these local efforts and in the context of our storied local football rivalry. This is the only purely consumer-selected judging of wines in either state and is limited to wines from grapes grown in their respective state.

 

“There were a lot of good wines from both states,” commented one of the judges, “and I hope that people will give them a chance. Restaurants and consumers are starting to care a lot about local produce and wines should follow.” Another commented that it was a treat to taste the wines as neither state's distribution system currently offers consumers any wines from the other state.

 

For further information, please contact Andrew Hall 

 

 

 

Sparkling

The rose was roundly panned for an off-putting nose – soap, pleather (and we opened a second bottle and new glasses to confirm). The white had a fresher nose, some exotic fruits, light. Neither really delivered on the palate though the white had some mineral elements, but faded very quickly. The rose never integrated or overcame its off-notes. The white had some charms, but the abruptness of the finish really impeded pleasure. The white was the unanimous winner of the flight. I have to be honest and admit there was a disappointment across the board with both of these wines whose pedigrees were solid.

Winner : Black Star Farms 2008 Sparkling Wine (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)

2^nd : Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars “La Terre Riche” Brut Rose (OH)

 

White One

Wine 1 just screams of green apple acidity on the nose and palate. Incredibly linear and crisp. Downgraded by some tasters for this compactness. Wine 2 is fatter, expressing more sweetness than its structure can handle. Both are clearly Riesling. The uncompromising nature of Wine 1 really appealed to me and most of the tasters. Wine 2 just could not hold a consistent bead. Even those who had some reservations about Wine 1 made it another unanimous.

Winner : Left Foot Charley 2009 Dry Riesling (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)

2^nd: Debonné 2009 Grand Reserve Riesling (Grand River Valley,OH)

White Two

Lovely orange blossom and freshness on nose and palate with Wine 1. Wine 2 has VA and other off notes  - a 2^nd bottle shows less of this but still strikes the tasters as unbalanced and vinegar-esqe. Very raw and narrow. Wine 1 lacks for complexity (too grapey) for some but consensus delivers a really delicious, fresh experience.

Winner : Ferrante 2009 Signature Series Pinot Grigio (Grand River Valley, OH)

2^nd: 2 Lads Chardonnay (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)

Red One

Both wines clearly display cold clime Cabernet Franc character – green pepper fruits and spice (not derogatory at all by the tasters.) Both wines are solid, but Wine 1 has more finesse. Wine 2 just too young and the green edge came through stronger over time. Not a unanimous decision, but strong consensus for Wine 1.

Winner : Bower’s Harbor 2007 Erica Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)

2^nd: Valley Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc (Ohio River Valley, OH)

Red Two

Big disparity in styling here! Wine 1 has a blazing fruit nose with evident alcohol. Wine 2 brings some serious funk with leather, brambles and herbal lotion. Both wines are solid, expressing their own vibe. Wine 1 is a masculine wine with dark fruits, some mocha, a bit of heat. Wine 2 is soft, feminine with more restraint, mineral and flesh.  Even split right down the middle between the two. This was a push.

Wine 1 : Kinkead Ridge 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Ohio River Valley, OH)

Wine 2: Shady Lane 2008 Blue Franc (Blaufrankisch) (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)

 

So the final results were a win for Michigan – 3.5 – 1.5.