awscincy.com - Rhone vs Rhone Rangers

Directions from downtown Cincinnati:

Take I-71 North to I-275 E. Stay on I-275 E. approximately 3 miles until you see the Loveland / Indian Hill exit. Turn left at exit (on Loveland-Madeira Rd.). Drive approximately 1 mile until you see a Speedway gas station on the left. Turn left - that is Kemper Rd. Fifth house (fourth driveway) on right is ours – 9576 E. Kemper Rd. You can park in our driveway or in the driveway to the left which is the Hubers' (9568). Phone number is 583-7545.

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Rhone vs Rhone Rangers - A fast draw and slow draw shootout between Two Whites and Two Reds from the Rhone Valley vs Two Whites and Two Reds selected from the membership list of over 100 wineries at RhoneRangers.org. Which are best right out of the bottle? Which are still standing after time in the glass? A rootin' tootin' shootin' good time will be had by all who attend.

One of the true skills of a winemaker can be the ability to blend wines. Blending wines often become more complex due to a greater range of flavors and components. Minor flaws of a varietal can be lost in a well-made blend. Think of the many great wines you have had and most are probably blended. That great Bordeaux, field blended zinfandel, or wonderful meritage. The grape varieties of the Rhone seem to excel when blended just right. The winemakers in the Rhone area have had years of experience but the Rhone Rangers of the west are producing some mighty fine wine. Get your reservations in early, as the tasting will be limited to only 16 people.

Map of Rhone

In France's Rhone Valley, there are 22 grape varieties including the better-known Syrah and Viognier, to the up and coming Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Roussanne, to the truly obscure (but delicious) Counoise, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. What's more, most of these grapes play well with others, and blends are often the most exciting of all.The French government recognizes 21 or 22 (depending on what source you reference) different grape varieties in the Rhone Valley. It doesn’t matter that much, since only a handful of these varieties are grown in significant quantities anywhere in the world. The principal white varieties recognized by the French are marsanne, roussanne and viognier and the reds include carignane, cinsault, counoise, grenache, mourvedre and syrah. The Rhone Rangers have adopted these varieties (even though some are not grown in the United States, as well as a French originated cross, durif (petite sirah). For a wine to be considered a “Rhone Ranger” wine, it must contain at least 75% of the accepted varieties.