Winzerwald

Photo: Winzerwald tasting room, Evansville, Indiana 








Some years ago we attended the annual Indy Wine Festival in Indianapolis and happened upon the Winzerwald Winery--a southern Indiana business that impressed us with their German-style wines and unique tastes . . . especially among the other Hoosier labels.  That year, one of the wines we tasted was the Winzerwald cabernet sauvignon--a cab that, unlike the California cabs we had tasted on trips to Napa, Russian River valley, and the Clear Lake region, possessed hints of spice and pepper, with a strong cinnamon overtone.


Today, Winzerwald makes some spectacular old-world wines and they have certainly created a leadership niche among the wineries in the south-western region of the state.  

The Winzerwald tasting room, located on the west side of Evansville in the area where the annual West-Side Nutclub hosts the fall festival, is a beautiful room that were patrons can both enjoy tastings and conversation without feeling rushed or claustrophobic.  

The German-style wines that Winzerwald produces are also expertly bottled, some in beautifully presented labels that would make fine holiday gifts.  

The next time you travel through Evansville, make plans to drop by Winzerwald and enjoy these fine wines.

A Taste of Spain

(Photo:  Window fare from a Spanish wine shop during the afternoon siesta.)









Recently I returned from Spain after walking 100 km of the Camino de Santiago, the traditional path which pilgrims have walked for nearly 1000 years.  One of my goals in walking the Camino was to become better acquainted with Spanish wines.  I'm not sure I accomplished that goal, but I did enjoy some tastings and especially appreciated the wines--both reds and whites--that were typically served with the "Pilgrim's Fare" meals.

All told, I typically enjoyed white wine in the evenings with a meal consisting of white fish or other seafood (octopus on one occasion).  These whites tended to be either semi-sweet or, at times, a bit dryer, much akin to a dry German Riesling.  A few of the whites that I tasted were consistently floral, with overtones of grass and field, sometimes even a bit fruity at the finish.  Other whites tended toward the tart category.

Although these Spanish whites were nice, I came away appreciating the much better Indiana traminette and the variations that our wineries make here at home.  Pinot Grigio and even White Zinfandel are also produced with better acumen that those I enjoyed in Spain.

Bottom line, don't overlook the Hoosier whites that go so well with fish and desserts.  These wines can stack up well across the globe and they can be found just a few miles down the road.

I know I have gained a new appreciation for our Hoosier varietals and I hope you will join me in exploring some of the whites an Indiana winery near you.

~Todd Outcalt

A Visit with Coal Creek Cellars

(Photo: Todd Outcalt, winter 2013)





Our recent visit to Coal Creek Cellars (U.S. Highway 136 in Crawfordsville) was one of the most enjoyable winery outings thus far in 2016.  This small boutique winery, located in a "can't miss" red barn on the highway, is owned and operated by Ron Wojtaszek--a craftsman who brings his California wine-making history and expertise to the Hoosier state.

Coal Creek provides a laid back atmosphere and plenty of seating inside and outside (on the back deck).  And if, or hopefully when you visit, Chiral Waterman will likely serve you at the spacious tasting area and provide the marvelous history and information about the Coal Creek wines.  

As most Indiana wineries can attest, Hoosiers by and large have a proclivity toward the sweeter tastes, and Coal Creek can oblige in many of the traditional Indiana white grapes and blends.  But what sets this winery apart from many others in the state is its rare presentations of bolder, and much drier, reds:  Petite Syrah and Norton, in particular.  In fact, we know that we will find our way back to Coal Creek quite often in order to restock our cellar with some of these fantastic reds . . . which trend toward the complex, and more aromatically pleasing, of bolder reds found in-state.

We would like to commend Ron and Chiral for their hospitality and for giving us some extended conversation about the wine-making process.  It is obvious that Coal Creek is one of those wineries that more people need to discover . . . and we hope you will.

Call ahead to the winery for times and availability (765-362-3634), but be prepared to taste some expertly-crafted wines once you arrive.  

~Todd & Becky

An Interview with Jeanette Merritt

We were honored to interview Jeanette Merritt, Marketing Director for Indiana Wines and the Purdue Wine Grape Team and Purdue University.  For the past eleven years Jeanette has been a leader in the Hoosier wine community and in that same time has seen the number of Indiana wineries increase from twenty-eight to the current eighty-one. History?  Expertise?  Jeanette has all of this and more and has been a big part of the Purdue Vinticulture and Enology studies at Purdue--programs that have now turned out hundreds of wine makers and vineyard farmers across the Midwest and have also impacted the in-state wineries through these home-grown experts who are producing some award-winning Indiana wines.

As Jeanette points out, Indiana is doing quite well in the wine industry.  Although Indiana is a small state, with only 650 acres of grape/vineyard, wineries here are producing upwards of 1.4 million gallons of wine a year.  How?  By bringing in grapes from other regions, including California, Oregon, Washington state, Michigan, and even countries like Argentina.  These national and international expressions help to make Indiana wines as fully competitive and internationally known as wineries in other parts of the country.  And when one considers the delicious Traminette, Chardonelle, Vignoles, Cayuga White, Foch, Catawba and Cab Franc that we produce in-state (grapes that grow well in our soil and climate) . . . it is fair to say that Indiana wines will continue to gain in popularity and honor over time.

One of the big changes that Jeanette has seen in her eleven years at the helm is the proliferation of wineries across the state.  These wineries are now the Number One agro destinations in state, due in large part to the wines--but these Hoosier businesses are also doing a great job promoting their labels through special events, live music, as wedding venues, and so much more.  The wine makers of Indiana know what they are doing and many of the larger wineries in-state are truly destination spots for both locals and excursionists.  With a growing number of wine trails, many of the wineries are set to see increasing numbers of visitors in the years ahead.

Jeanette's parting advice for Hoosier wine lovers was spot on.  She pointed out that Indiana craft beers have a strong following (and craft beers are growing, too) and that many people ask for Indiana beer labels in restaurants.  So, one way that we can all help the Indiana wine industry is by asking for Indiana wines in our restaurants.  It just makes sense that restaurant owners are going to stock wines that are requested often . . . and now that Indiana has many award-winning wines, we can take that next step and begin enjoying them with award-winning cuisine.  

As Jeanette assumes a new role with Purdue University in 2016, we bid her adieu, but also thank her for her many years of expertise and influence among the Indiana wineries--a role she will not relinquish all-together, however.  The Purdue Vinticulture and Enology programs at Purdue, by the admission of many wineries across the state, may be the single most important factor in the growth of the wine industry in Indiana.  No matter where one goes in-state, wineries sing the praises of the Purdue staff.  So, there is much gratitude and acknowledgment of the Purdue staff and their influence.

Until next time . . . make a winter visit to a winery near you.  YOU are a big part of the success of Indiana wineries.

~Todd & Becky Outcalt     

Easley Winery II

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday afternoon recently at Easley Winery (205 College Avenue, Indianapolis). In case you haven't been to Easley lately, you will want to see the fabulous renovations and new format (including winery tour) that is now a part of the weekend lineup.  Every visit can be a new adventure.

In addition to seven wine tastings for five dollars, you'll be shown "backstage" to the production area and learn how Easley makes their award-winning wines.  Easley makes a dry Chambourcin and one of the best Traminette's you will encounter anywhere in the state.  But the lineup goes well beyond these two traditional Hoosier varietals.  Whether red or white, dry or sweet, you are certain to discover a wine you will enjoy.

And here's one of the best features--the staff.  Bring your wine questions, and don't be afraid to ask for additional information about the art or science of the craft. 

Thanks to the Easley family and staff for an afternoon of hospitality and support.

~Todd & Becky Outcalt 

Wine Thoughts

Recently was interviewed on this radio spot about Indiana Wineries.  I hope I was able to shed a little light on the growing Hoosier wine scene.  Thank you, WFYI--Indianapolis, for inviting me. 

http://www.wfyi.org/programs/the-art-of-the-matter/radio/wine-tastings-cat-videos-and-curious-artists


~Todd Outcalt

Easley Winery

This Saturday, November 14th, please join us at Easley Winery in Indianapolis from 2-5 p.m.  We will be signing copies of Indiana Wineries, but also taking home some of our favorite Easley wines at day's end.  (Address: 205 N College Avenue)

If you have not been to Easley, you will be treated to an excellent experience and some fantastic wines.  Easley recently garnered top-award (double gold--wine of the year) for their 2014 Traminette.  In addition to being Indiana's signature grape with dozens of variations among the Hoosier wineries, the Easley offering has a floral nose with hints of apricot and a semi-dry tone on the tongue and cheek.  Easley is also known for their Reggae labels and this winery has one of the largest selection of in-home wine-making supplies. 

The weekend looks to be a beautiful one and visitors will enjoy the knowledgeable staff.  And there are several excellent restaurants in the area as well.

Hope to see you soon.
And Happy Tastings!

~Todd & Becky