Ohio, once the largest wine producer in America in the late 1800s, has witnessed significant growth in its wine industry. Today, the state is renowned for its exceptional wines, and the increasing recognition of Ohio’s winemakers continues to highlight the quality products produced in local vineyards.
One key avenue for this recognition is entering wine competitions, where professional panels of judges assess the wines and award medals based on their quality. Such competitions offer consumers an excellent way to discover remarkable wines and connect with local winemakers.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a tasting featuring award-winning wines from four Grand River Region wineries, and below are my notes from that event:
South River Vineyard
Semillon 2023 ($21): Light straw gold with vibrant acidity. It offers a balance of Granny Smith apple, grapefruit, and ripeness of fruit, with a long finish. Awards: Double Gold (San Francisco Chronicle), Double Gold (Ohio Wine Competition).
Baci Winery
Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ($28): Moderate straw gold with a delicate citrus nose and zesty grapefruit and lemon flavors. The wine is defined by firm acidity and a long finish. Award: Silver (San Francisco Chronicle).
Estate Riesling 2023 ($32): This wine has a straw-gold hue and a delicate nose that leads to a blend of acidity and sweet, ripe Riesling fruit, with a mineral finish. Award: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle).
Debonne Vineyards
Unoaked Chardonnay 2023 ($12): Aged in stainless steel, this wine offers crisp, citrusy flavors and a smooth texture with elegance and balance. Awards: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle), Silver (Ohio Wine Competition).
Grand River Riesling 2023 ($12): This wine has clean Riesling fruit notes with green apple and Golden Delicious flavors, balanced acidity, and nice length. Awards: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle), Best of Competition/Best of Ohio (Ohio Wine Competition).
Riesling Reserve 2023 ($13): A bright and mouthwatering Riesling with green apple and mineral flavors, balanced by a pleasant hint of sweetness. Awards: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle), Best of Show White, Best of Show Ohio White (Ohio Wine Competition).
Vidal Ice Wine 2023 ($35-375ml): Clear gold with citrusy style, firm acidity, and sweetness. The wine features baked apple skins, brown sugar nuances, and spice. Awards: Double Gold (San Francisco Chronicle), Double Gold, Best of Show Ice Wine, Best of Show Ohio Ice Wine (Ohio Wine Competition).
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
“Star Seeker” Bubbly Blanc NV ($28): A blend of 92% Gruner-Veltliner with small amounts of Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. This sparkling wine has a crisp, earthy profile with white pepper and lychee notes. Award: Double Gold (San Francisco Chronicle).
“Signature Series” Pinot Grigio 2023 ($18): Golden hue with a rich body, hints of orange zest, and a pleasant acidity. Award: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle).
Gewurztraminer 2023 ($17): Light straw gold with a spicy nose and striking dryness. It has a precise texture and mouthfeel with a long, crisp finish. Awards: Best of Class (Dan Berger), Double Gold (American Fine Wine Competition).
“Signature Series” Chardonnay 2023 ($18): A balanced wine aged in both stainless steel and barrels, with citrus and lemon notes, smooth texture, and complexity from Malo-lactic fermentation. Award: Double Gold (San Francisco Chronicle).
Vidal Ice Wine 2023 ($35-375ml): Vibrant gold with caramel, honey, stewed apple, apricot, and brown sugar notes. Excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Award: Gold (San Francisco Chronicle).
Ohio’s winemakers continue to shine in prestigious, blind-tasting competitions, garnering numerous medals. For wine enthusiasts, visiting Ohio’s local wineries offers the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of wines and discover new favorites.
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