St Joseph Vineyards, located in Thompson, Ohio, is within the boundaries of the Grand River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). For those of you unfamiliar with the term AVA, it is similar to a European appellation of origin. Prime examples of each are Bordeaux, an appellation, and Napa Valley, an AVA. The basic concept behind an AVA is that it possesses a climate and growing conditions unique enough to make wines which are characteristic of that particular area. Ohio currently has six (6), including the overall Ohio AVA.
St. Joseph’s has been making wines in the Grand River Valley since 1972, and have established themselves as one of the region’s premier vintners. Over the past few decades they have developed quite a reputation for producing wonderful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, their brand new 2007 Shiraz is exceptional. I had the privilege of trying it recently. While possessing a full body and pronounced oak character, the wine also soothes the palate with delightful notes of blueberry and other bramble fruit. Somewhat of an exotic grape for the Northeastern Ohio climate, this Shiraz is well balanced and well made, being fruity enough for the novice, yet possesses the richness and depth the connoisseur craves.
The 2007 vintage is something St. Joseph’s owners Art & Doreen Pietrzyk are very excited about, as all their reds, have turned out nicely. Weather conditions were such that the typically sun slurping Shiraz was able to ripen properly and developed an acidity level just high enough to go well with food, yet remains smooth in the finish. It really is delightful, possessing the subtle silkiness of the northern Rhone, yet the bright fruit our American palate usually longs for.
I may be going out on a limb here, but you will be hard pressed to find a better Shiraz this side of Sonoma, and are almost assured to fail if try and find one better made from the Buckeye State.
Please patronize our local wine makers, like St. Joseph’s, and take pride in their work. The more you buy, the more developed our Ohio wine industry will become!
Food pairing suggestions:
Just as with any great wine, no food is necessary with this wonderful bottle. However, if you seek to make things a little more interesting, I suggest a few nice dishes which will help bring your wine experience to the next level.
If you are big on red meat, then I suggest a grilled duck breast with Chinese 5 spice. If fish is more what you’re after, cedar plank roasted Salmon steaks or fillets would also pair nicely here. If you want something nice, but not looking to cook, grab a nice wedge of St. Andre cheese with some well made raspberry or blackberry jam.
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