Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Honors Top Wines

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (June 14, 2019) – Ohio Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda honored four Ohio wine makers as Director’s Choice recipients at an event held at the Statehouse for retailers, distributors, restaurateurs, and winery owners.

Nearly 20 Ohio wines were evaluated by a panel of judges, including Director Pelanda, to select the best red, white and specialty wine made from Ohio-grown grapes. The 2019 award recipients are:

 

Best White Wine:

2017 Laurentia Clone 90 Riesling

Madison, Lake County

 

Gervasi Passione

Canton, Stark County

 

Best Red Wine:                

2017 M Cellars Meritage

Geneva, Ashtabula County

 

Best Dessert Wine:        

2016 Debonne Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

Madison, Lake 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 percent 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.

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 www.findohiowines.com.

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda presents the Director’s Choice Award for Best White Wine to Andrew Codispoti of Gervasi Vineyard.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda presents the Director’s Choice Award for the Best Red Wine to Matt Meineke of M Cellars. Also pictured, (right) Representative John Patterson.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda presents the Director’s Choice Award for the Best Dessert Wine to Joel Sandrey of Debonne Vineyards. Also pictured, (right) Senator Jamie Callender.