From time to time, TasteCasting gets an opportunity to experience something special. We had been invited to a wine and food pairing at Signature Wines LLC a woman owned and operated winery which has found a niche specializing in designing customized and personalized labels that can be placed on any of their six fine wines. During the visit to set up the tasting I learned the winery would be processing their 2009 vintage in the weeks just before the tasting. I was able to wrangle an invitation to attend the crush and press. As the weather in California’s wine country keep delaying the shipment of Cabernet grapes, the process took place just before the TasteCasting event. What an experience. I had no idea what was involved in making fine wine. It takes a lot of work and organization to bring grapes to the level of fine wine. The high light of the experience was at the press. After crushing, punching, and moving the must to the press, there is what is called “free run”. This is what comes out of the press before pressure is applied. I was able to be the first to sample this free run. All I have to say is 2009 will be a very good year for Signature Wines Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has 2 years to age in the tanks before bottling. After only ten days of careful attention by Kelly Harvey during the fermentation phase, this wine was awesome. It should be fantastic when bottled. Look for videos of this process on their web site. http://signaturewinesofohio.com
The night of the TasteCasting
Holiday Labels
The night of the TasteCasting, as the TasteCasters arrived, we were treated to Signature Wines House Sangria which is make from their Rose’. Recipe is offered with each bottle of Rose’. After a little socializing and awing the personalized labels on bottles displayed in the office area, Kelly talked to the group about her winery.
The Pairing
During the pairing, we learned the most important thing to remember when pairing food with wine is to always match similar flavors to make sure that the intensity of the wine contributes to the flavor of the dish. By matching the flavors one flavor doesn’t overpower the other. There is balance.
2005 Chardonnay
Signature Wines 2005 Chardonnay was paired with a Robusto cheese. Robusto is a Dutch Gouda cheese that has been aged nine months. The Chardonnay is like no other. There is no heavy oak taste in this wine like others I have experienced. This was my favorite of the six offered. The Gouda’s salty and slightly sharp taste paired very nicely with the slightly sweet Chardonnay.
2005 Zinfandel Blush
The 2005 Zinfandel Blush was paired with aged cheddar and smoked ham obtained from Thurn’s a family owned butcher’s market in Columbus. This Zinfandel is loaded with intense fruit aromas and is simi-sweet.
2004 Rose’
Next up was the 2004 Rose’ paired with Buffalo chicken dip. I just remembered I need to ask for the dip recipe. The Rose’ is a complex, full-bodied dark rose’. This wine contributes a rich caramel, dark cherry and juicy blackberry flavor to any spicy foods.
2005 Merlot
We were treated to a plate of rotini pasta with basil pesto to pair with the 2005 Merlot. This wine is perfectly matched with grilled tuna, roast pork, or herb roasted chicken. Dishes flavored with basil are often paired with Merlot.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Succulent sirloin steak with mushrooms in merlot sauce paired very well with another favorite of mine. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied dry red with a soft French oak nuance. This wine should be served with hearty pasta dishes and red meat such as rack of lamb or prime rib. The hearty dish of Sirloin steak was prepared for us by grilling the steak to medium rare and allowing to rest. Mushrooms were sautéed in butter and then treated to Signature Wine’s Merlot to make the savory sauce. The steak was then sliced and added to the mushroom and wine sauce.
2001 Port
The dessert for our evening was the 2001 Port paired with fabulous dark chocolate truffles. The truffles were made by hand. The dark chocolate truffle was dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with dark chocolate and covered with cacao nibs. With this effort, Mary Beth has been promoted to Signature Wines artisan chocolatier. The Port is an elegant, delicious and seductively sweet, full-bodied dessert wine which is not for the faint of heart. The intoxicating effect of this wine is of many dimensions. For dessert try a glass of port and a good piece of chocolate.
We learned that all the wines are priced at this time less than $15 with a 10% discount on case purchases. There is no charge for the personalized label and no minimum order. Great for holiday gift giving.
We want to thank Kelly Harvey and Mary Beth for a very educational and deliciously enjoyable evening at Signature Wines.
You can be a FaceBook fan by a search for “Signature Wine LLC” or find them on Twitter http://Twitter.com/Signature_Wines
TasteCasting receives tastes of establishments food and or beverage at no cost in exchange for Conversation Creation, and promotion.
Had a wonderful time at Signature Wines. A little diamond in the rough in Columbus! Loved my personalize wine labels. Check out my post on Signature Wines at: http://www.columbusimpressions.com/2009/11/evening-at-signature-wines.html
Very interesting idea, i bookmark your site. I need some time to think about this
Follow me on Twitter