Indiana wineries win gold marks at largest U.S. competition

Wines from 17 different countries and 42 states poured into Indianapolis for the largest wine competition in the U.S. The Indiana State Fair Indy International Wine Competition had a total of 3,859 wines entered in the competition-271 of which were from Indiana. The Governor's Cup, awarded to the winery with the overall best quality, the Indiana Grown Hybrid Wine Champion and the Indiana Grown Native Wine Champion all were awarded to Huber Winery, of Borden, for its 2005 Vignoles and Catawba wines. The Indiana Grown Vinifera Wine Champion was awarded to Oliver Winery of Bloomington for its Creekbend Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. The Indiana Grown Fruit Wine Champion also was awarded to Oliver Winery for its Bean Blossom Hard Cider.

"Indiana is home to 32 wineries and is an important part of Indiana agriculture," said Ellen Butz, Purdue University wine specialist. "Hoosier wineries contribute more than $33 million to Indiana's economy." Not only did Hoosier wineries fare well, but the following wineries were recognized for product excellence.

Mission Hill Family Estate of Westbank, British Columbia, Canada was awarded the Best Of Show award, sponsored by American Airlines for its 2004 Five Vineyards Riesling Ice Wine. Best red wine honors went to California's Martin Family Vineyards, 2003 Martin Petite Sirah, and best white wine to Sileni Cellar Selections from New Zealand for its 2006 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

The best commercial sparkling wine was awarded to Champagne Pommery, Reims, France for its 1998 Millesime Grand Cru champagne. Fosters Wine Estates of Australia took best dessert wine honors for its Trafford Tawny Port. Best rose/blush honors went to California's Harlow Ridge Winery for its 2005 Blush, Lodi. The V. Sattui of California was awarded for having the highest overall quality of wines entered. The last two categories, best fruit wine and honey wine were awarded to Cooper's Hawk Winery of Illinois for a Rhubarb wine and to Meadery of the Rockies of Colorado for its Guinevere.

Wines from countries as far away as Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Italy were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste and overall balance by a panel of sixteen judges. In all, 82 judges were brought in from as far away as California, New York and Quebec to evaluate the wines. Indiana award winners from the Indy International Wine Competition were honored August 2 at A Taste of Indiana Agriculture Wine Reception, attended by approximately 1,900 people.

Certification Requirements for Imported Wine

Certification is a statement that the practices and procedures used to produce the imported wine constitute proper cellar treatment. The certification requirement emanates from Section 2002 of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004, which amended section 5382(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Section 5382(a) sets forth standards regarding what constitutes proper cellar treatment of natural wine. The Act added new certification requirements regarding production practices and procedures for imported natural wine. Grape wine containing 7 to 22 percent alcohol by volume from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, and New Zealand. Grape wine containing 0.5 to 22 percent alcohol by volume from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are not subject to certification.

Michigan Sparkling Wines for Anytime

Whether you call them champagne, bubbly or just plain fizz, they are just the thing for your New Year celebration, or any important event. Here are some sparkling ideas; and best of all, they come from right here in Michigan.

From the experts at Wine Spectator and the Beverage Testing Institute to the person on the street, the word has spread that Michigan produces some of the best champagne-type wines anywhere. And they come in so many different styles that you will surely find something to enjoy. Let's start with the sparkling wines that have impressed the wine writers, then move on to those that are just good, clean fun.

Red, White and Blueberry Pound Wine Cake

1 pkg (10-3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake

Raspberry-Orange Sauce (recipe follows)

1 container (8-ounces) whipped cream cheese

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

1-1/2 cups fresh Michigan blueberries, divided

1 cup sliced fresh Michigan strawberries

Slice frozen pound cake lengthwise in three layers; arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet with top layer cut side up. Pierce layers with fork tines. Spread each with 2 tablespoons of the Raspberry-Orange Sauce; let stand 10 to 15 minutes so that the cake absorbs the sauce. Meanwhile, in a bowl stir together cream cheese, sugar and orange juice until well blended.

To assemble cake:

Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread evenly with a third of the cream cheese mixture. Arrange a third of the Michigan blueberries evenly over cream cheese. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon Raspberry-Orange Sauce over blueberries. Repeat with center slice of cake. Place top layer cut side down; spread with remaining cream cheese mixture. Decorate cake to resemble an American flag using remaining blueberries and the strawberries. Serve with remaining Raspberry-Orange Sauce. Raspberry-Orange Sauce: Stir together until smooth 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam and 6 tablespoons orange juice

Wine Industry Climate Information

Queensland is well known as the Sunshine State. However, this image does not subtract from Queensland's suitability for growing and producing award-winning wines. Vine growth and development is influenced by temperature, rainfall, hail, wine and sunshine.

All are critical success factors when determining the use and value of the grapes/wine produced. The vineyard site should also be frost-free and have well-drained soils. Excessively fertile soils are not recommended and may only create excessive vigour.

The preferred climate should provide for cool and relatively dry weather during the ripening period (January, February and March). This cooler weather will allow for a slower ripening process that helps develop both fruit flavour and varietal character.

High rainfall will increase the likelihood of disease, both above and below the ground and may even cause berry splitting. Wine quality may be reduced if grapes are harvested at an earlier stage than optimal in the hope of avoiding rain damage.

Wine consumption In China

China's interest in wine has grown steadily since the 1990s. With no wine tradition of their own, Chinese are adopting wine as a healthy, new, low-cost alternative to traditional drinks like imported Cognac or Chinese spirits. An expanding middle class, rising incomes, a growing interest in Western lifestyle and tastes, and better wine education have driven this rise in consumption.

In the past, wine was sipped, served as a shot or with a mixer, like spirits. But now Chinese are adopting more Western-style wine drinking and appreciation, and drinking wine has a strong, social status. While 80% of all wine consumed is red (it's perceived as healthier and red is the colour for good luck), white wine consumption is also slowly rising, especially in south China.

ABC Boards — United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico

Following national Prohibition, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution provides states with broad powers and authority to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their borders. (This is in addition to Federal requirements.) Each state created its own unique system of alcohol beverage control. There are two general classifications. “Control” states, 18 in number, are the sole wholesalers of distilled spirits, as well as the retailers in various ways in some of these States. “License” states, of which there are 32, do not participate in the sale of alcohol beverages and regulate through the issuance of licenses to industry members that do business within their states. (Control states also license those activities outside of the state’s direct involvement in the sale of alcohol beverages.)
In addition to meeting Federal regulations, individuals and businesses must meet each state’s individual laws and regulations. These state laws and regulations, which vary widely from state to state, may be more restrictive than Federal regulations and must be met in addition to Federal requirements unless the Federal law pre-empts the State law wherein they desire to do business. For example regarding pre-emption, the Government Warning label on alcohol beverages pre-empts the states from imposing a similar requirement. (See 27 U.S.C. section 216.) Likewise, the state may not authorize a bottle size for distilled spirits that is not also authorized at the Federal level.

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