David T. Daniels, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, recently honored the Director’s Choice recipients at an event held at the statehouse for retailers, distributors, restaurateurs and winery owners.

Nearly 20 wines were evaluated by a panel of judges, on behalf of Daniels, for the highly coveted award.

The 2018 award recipients are:

Best White Wine
• 2016 Riesling Reserve, Debonné Vineyards, Lake County 

Best Red Wine
• 2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Meranda-Nixon Winery, Brown County 

• 2014 Vin de Rouge, Henke Winery, Hamilton County 

Best Dessert Wine
• 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine, Kosicek Vineyards, Ashtabula County

All of the Director’s Choice award recipients are eligible for the Ohio Quality Wine designation. It was created in 2007 by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee and is assigned to wines made from at least 90% Ohio-grown grapes. These wines must also achieve at least 15 of 20 points on a sensory evaluation and pass a chemical analysis before receiving the quality seal.

In a separate ceremony, several Ohio wines were honored at the 2018 Ohio Wine Competition held in May at the Lodge at Geneva in Ashtabula County and conducted by Kent State University Ashtabula.

Overall Best of Show — Maize Valley Riesling

Best of Show Sparkling Wine — Meier’s Reiém Spumante

Best of Show White Wine — 2017 Ferrante Signature Series Pinot Grigio

Best of Show Red Wine — 2015 Fulton Grove Winery Syrah

Best of Show Blush Wine — Doughty Glen Laughing Blush

Best of Show Fruit Wine — Vinoklet Sweet Jackie

Best of Show Dessert Wine — 2016 Ferrante Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

The Ohio Grape Industries Committee is housed at the Ohio Department of Agriculture and provides wineries a means to market their top-quality wines against well-known California and European wines. To learn more about the program or for a complete list of Ohio Quality Wines, visit tasteohiowines.com. 

Source: Ohio Department of Agriculture