Move over Napa and Bordeaux because one Dairy State winery just got a major award for its vino. Dry Riesling from Wollersheim Winery (Prairie du Sac) received the esteemed Wine of the Year award at the San Diego International Wine Competition in March. The best part? This well-executed wine costs just $9 a bottle. In addition to the top-dog award, Wollersheim Winery also earned three more awards: a gold for Prairie Fume, silver for Prairie Blush and platinum for White Riesling.
Wait, there’s more. Door Peninsula Winery (Sturgeon Bay), River Bend Vineyard & Winery (Chippewa Falls) and Fisher King Winery (Mt. Horeb) earned medals at this same competition.
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
Sushi and wine can be a fun pairing: You’ve got the saltiness in the rice and seafood, for one. Umami Moto is dying to show you its newly renovated space and what better excuse than in pursuit of a wine deal? On Thursday and Sunday nights, select bottles of wines are slashed to half their regular price.
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Daffodils and tulips are in bloom this spring and so are the wine events. Thief Wine Shop & Bar is putting the final touches on its Spring Grand Tasting (April 20) at the Milwaukee Public Market. Word on the street is that tickets are flying like hotcakes. Tickets cost $60 for the tasting from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., which includes access to 125 wines. Or, pay $95 for access to the Reserve Level, open from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. About two-thirds of the Reserve Level tickets are already sold out; however, half of the tasting tickets remain. With the price of a ticket, you get a Riedel tasting glass to keep. To learn more – especially about the wines that will be uncorked – visit the event’s website.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Pinot Noirs from Burgundy, France, are ideal for spring as they are often lighter-bodied than their fruit-forward California and Oregon counterparts. I recently tried the 2010 Domaine Maurice Ecard Rouge (Burgundy, France, $25) and enjoyed its vegetal qualities, which would pair well with springtime vegetables such as asparagus, morels, fava beans, peas and ramps. Umami and soy on the palate interact nicely with supple cherry, cranberry and black-currant notes as well as a slightly smoky quality.
