By Kristen Nowak Winn
Accent Editor
I’m sure every fashionista in Medina County will cringe when they read this, but I’ll say it anyway:
I think it’s time for those early ’90s mood rings to make a comeback.
At least, that’s what I wish I could wear when I’m picking out a bottle of wine. Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir? I couldn’t be any more indecisive. If only that snazzy-but-ever-so-tacky piece of jewelry could gauge my body temperature and tell me what I’m in the mood to drink. A slight shade of green, all-knowing mood ring? Then hand over the Chardonnay.
Luckily, Chris Rose, the owner of Good Taste Wine & Food Shop in Medina, was able to make things a little easier.
“It’s really the moment in time that determines the wine personality, but never forgetting: like what you drink, and drink what you like,†Rose said.
For some, that can mean determining whether you’re in the mood for a “patio wine†— a wine that stands on its own, great for sipping with friends on a cool, early-fall evening — or a varietal whose acidic flavors absolutely command food, Rose said. Fruit-forward wines, on the other hand, call for sharing, because everyone contributes to the taste. One might notice hints of strawberry, another a taste of plum.
To get you started, here’s just a short list of some Ohio-made wines, matched with their personalities:
If you’re looking for something …
Inviting
Try: Summer Solstice honey wine
Who makes it: Jilbert Winery, 1496 Columbia Road, Liverpool Township
Info: 330-483-5959 or www.ohiohoneywine.com
Powerful
Try: Cabernet Sauvignon, dry and bold
Who makes it: The Barrel Room Winery, 28932 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe
Info: 440-943-2660 or www.thebarrelroomwinery.com
Fun and fruity
Try: River Rouge, semi-sweet light red.
Who makes it: Debonné Vineyards, 7743 Doty Road, Madison
Info: 440-466-3485 or www.debonne.com
Easygoing
Try: Frost Fire, a sweet white
Who makes it: Breitenbach Wine Cellars, 5934 Old Route 39 NW, Dover
Info: 800-THE-WINE or www.breitenbachwine.com
Smooth
Try: Redneck Red, a sweet red
Who makes it: Maize Valley Winery, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville
Info: 330-877-8344 or www.maizevalleywinery.
com
Smoky
Try: Luna Bianca, luscious with vanilla and oak backing
Who makes it: Camelot Cellars, 958 N. High St., Columbus
Info: 614-441-8860 or www.camelotcellars.com
Refreshing
Try: A mix of Red Raspberry and Spumante Champ
Who makes it: Old Firehouse Winery, 5499 E. Lake Road, Geneva
Info: 800-UNCORK-1 or www.oldfirehousewinery.com
Adventurous
Try: Sternwheel Red, a strawberry-flavored red
Who makes it: Marietta Wine Cellars, 170 Front St., Marietta
Info: 740-373-9463
Laid back
Try: Vin Gris Rosé, strawberry raspberry pie nose
Who makes it: John Christ Winery, 32421 Walker Road, Avon Lake
Info: 440-933-9672 or www.johnchristwine.com
Winn may be reached at 330-721-4053 or kwinn@ohio.net.
Just for fun
Not sure how to define your wine personality? Take Mirassou Winery’s (located in Modesto, Calif.) unscientific online quiz at www.mirassou.com/education/wine_personality_quiz.asp. Answer questions like “Do you spend most of your free time on the golf course?†and “Are you a real sweetheart or big softy?†and figure out which wines fit you best.
Upcoming wine events
o “Food and Wine Pairing 101,†6:30 to 9 p.m. at Good Taste Wine & Food Shop, 985 Boardman Alley, Medina. Learn how to pair food and wine to achieve the ultimate complement in dining. Cost: $65. Also: Wine Club, second Tuesday of the month. $25 dues, includes three tastings. For more information, call 330-241-5447 or http://goodtastemarket.com
o Annual clam bake and acoustic guitar with Cletus Black, Oct. 4 at Jilbert Winery, 1496 Columbia Road, Liverpool Township.
Read it
“Wine on Tuesdays: Be a Serious Wine Drinker Without Taking Wine Seriously†by Dr. Keith and Debra Gordon (Thomas Nelson, August 2008). Chapters include the history of wine and the winemaking process, the different varieties, food pairings, shopping for wine, ordering tips and more.
