Wine Pick of the Week: March 15, 2015

Black Sheep Vineyard Dark Continent NV (Ohio)

Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day, I found this little bottle in my cellar. Local winery Black Sheep used Marechal Foch to craft a rustic and somewhat intense red table wine. Deep burgundy color with a tinge of brown, the nose begins with cherry aromas and a little oak, then a bit of chocolate. Plum flavors turn to cherry and a semi-dry finish with a hint of leather. It’s slightly acidic and would stand up to the fats and heaviness of corned beef and is sweet enough to work with slow roasted carrots, onions and cabbage.  

Black Sheep is available online and in some of the local grocery stores. 

Wine Pick of the Week: Feb. 8, 2015

NV Terra Cotta Vineyards Hummingbird Port (Ohio)

The rich ruby color prefaces the full cherry flavors and warm, Port feeling. Made from Frontenac grapes, a University of Minnesota hybrid released in 1996, the cherry on the front is followed by a slight reminiscence of leather and a plum finish. This wine is for sipping with hard salami and blue cheeses, walnuts or pecans, cherry or berry desserts, and milk or dark chocolate--making it a perfect after-dinner wine to enjoy with a Valentine next to a fireplace. There should really be a fireplace.