AWARDS!
After winning 14 medals at the MidAmerican Wine Competition, we entered 12 wines in the Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition….. and won 12 medals, more than any other competing winery! In the dry red wine competition, Snus HIll won three of the seven medals and two of the four medals in the dry whites. There were a total of 78 medals awarded and we’d like to say congratulations to the other Iowa wineries who competed and won medals.
Live Music
We continue with our live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Corn Crib Catering offers a delicious meal on Friday evenings with dessert for only $10/plate.
High Trestle Trail Artists Guild Fall Show
Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. This event, will begin at 11:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Fifteen HTTA members will be participating along with five guest artists from the central Iowa area.
The following areas of artwork will be represented: Watercolor, mixed media works, textiles, jewelry, pottery, handmade soaps, fine art gourds, woodworking, weaving and other fiber art, clay tiles, note cards, handmade Amish baskets, and photography.
You won’t want to miss the cheesecake and pie selection offered by Melissa Sheeder of Ogden. Add a glass of wine, nice fall weather, and you have the perfect idea for an October Sunday at the winery.
Admission is free.
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Thursday, October 6, 2011, at 6:30 pm. The first of six weeks of lessons start on October 6. Learn to dance the fox trot, swing, two-step and the sexy tango plus more. Rick and Julie will make it fun and easy. For more information, call Julie at 515.201.3026 or jamuselman56@gmail.com. Cost is $65/couple.
SPECIALS
Our biggest medal winning wine is on sale. Our Edelweiss regular price is $16/bottle. The more you buy the bigger the savings. One bottle is $12, two bottles for $22 ($11/bottle), and three bottles for $30 ($10/bottle).
NEW RELEASE!!
Snus Hill Red. Vinifera and French-American blend that is a typical dry red wine somewhat resembling a Chianti. Limited amount of 195 cases. Available ONLY at the winery and already is well received.
Events:
Fri, Sept 9, 6:30-9:30 pm Box Brothers
Sat, Sept 10, 11:00 am Iowa vs Iowa State in Ames! Look for the Snus Hill van in the south side of Jack Trice Stadium parking lot. We’ll be there tailgating so stop by and say, “Hi!”
Sun, Sept 11, 2-5 pm Cross Roads
Fri, Sept 16, 6:30-9:30 pm Fat Tuesday with Janey Hooper
Sat, Sept 18, 2-5 pm ProMusica
Fri, Sept 23, 6:30-9:30 pm Tony Valdez
Sat, Sept 25, 2-5 pm Ashanti
Fri, Sept 30, 6:30-9:30 pm Blues Bureau
Sun, Oct 2, 2-5 pm High Trestle Trail Fall Artists Show
Thurs, Oct 6, 6:30 pm Ballroom Dance Lessons #1
Sat, Oct 29 ** Annual Halloween Party ** more info in next Snus News
TIDBITS
- I frequently get asked, “What’s the difference between American oak barrels and French oak barrels.”
While both American and French oak contribute tannin and aroma, French oak contains more tannins and flavor components and has a less obviously “oaky” flavor and smell than American oak. American oak has a more aggressive mouthfeel and immediately apparent aroma. American oak contains more vanillin (vanilla aroma) and is desirable for aging the powerful, robust red wines like Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot although California Chardonnay does well.
The other thing that has changed the American oak from its early problems with too much of the excessive harshness has been the way the oak is aged. Many American cooperages (barrel makers) are now aging the cut stave wood outside to air dry for 18 to 36 months like the French method. Before it was kiln dried and that did little to decrease the harshness. With the longer air dry method, the wood is exposed to periods of rain and drying which leach out the excessive harshness but still retains the desirable components such as vanillin, which 70% was lost during artificial drying.
The toasting is now done like the European method, more slowly over a lower heat which allows a deeper penetration of the flame. The older American way with flash-firing resulted in a heavy char suitable for aging whiskey and bourbon.
If you wanted to taste the difference between American oak and French oak, try a glass of French Chardonnay from Burgundy next to a glass of California Chardonnay. The French Chardonnay will most likely be lighter, more delicate and well integrated. The California Chardonnay will probably be oaky, buttery and more full bodied. They are both excellent wines if made by a good winemaker, but you may have a definite preference of one over the other.
But… if you want to taste local Iowa grown grapes and wine using American oak barrels, try our gold medal winning 2008 Frontenac. Aged for 10 months in Missouri oak barrels, it has a definite oak aroma and a hint of vanilla that we’re excited to share and is getting rave comments from our customers.
