Akron Life June 2023

GOOD EATS

UNCORK ED

by Eric Van Sant

Lonz Winery Middle Bass Island, Ohio

In 1926 during Prohibition, Lonz Winery was origi nally founded when Peter Lonz and his son pur chased the former Golden Eagle Winery on Middle Bass Island. The winery survived Prohibition by selling bottles of grape juice with instructions on how to ferment it. When a fire destroyed the winery in 1942, Peter began construction on the Gothic-style castle building that many know today. In 1986, the winery was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2000, the state of Ohio purchased the 124 acre property. In 2002, Firelands Winery pur chased the Lonz brand and moved production to its facility in Sandusky. Lonz is most well-known for its Catawba wines. Catawba grapes are hardy American late-ripening grapes ideal for the northeast ern temperature and climate. Purple in color, Catawba grapes are a cross between labrusca and semillon grapes. They can be found throughout the East Coast and are most recognizable for their musky flavor. Here are some Lonz wines to uncork this summer.

PINK CATAWBA Made from pink Catawba grapes, this wine ($7.99) is a soft pink color with rounded fruit flavors. It’s sweet and full in the mouth and can be enjoyed with fresh

CREAM CONCORD Labrusca grapes, which are com monly used in grape juices and table wines, make up this wine ($7.99). It is a deep blackberry in color. Cloying on the nose with a full sweet finish, it’s best served chilled with salted robust cheeses.

WINE WISDOM The Bass islands are nicknamed “Wine Islands,” as the islands have been cultivated for wine production since 1854, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

fruit or creamy cheeses. WHITE CATAWBA Produced with a blend of

Catawba and other American grapes, this white ($7.99) is a golden straw color with a bright green apple note. Light in body and sweet on the palate, it pairs well with spicy Asian fare and pork ribs.

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com]. You can find these Lonz Winery wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart locations.

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JUNE 2023 | akronlife.com