Merlot from Kosicek Vineyards in Ohio

In 2015 we visited Kosicek Vineyards in Harpersfield, Ohio. This winery is family owned and the owner and winemaker is Tony Kosicek. Tony is the 3rd generation to own the vineyards. While there have been vineyards for decades, Tony and his wife started the winery in 2012.

Last night we opened a bottle of Kosicek, the Merlot 2014. This dry wine is certainly aging well and we enjoyed a glass of it just before dinner. The Merlot 2014, with 12% alcohol, was an opaque, dark purple to black color with a dark ruby rim.  The aroma  was mostly black fruit. The taste notes included black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and leather. The tannins were mild and the wine was medium to full bodied. The finish was long and fruity.

Kosicek winery and tasting room in Ohio

The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from North Fork of Long Island. It is worth noting that Merlot wines are now produced with estate grown grapes.

When we visited Kosicek Vineyards in 2014, we had a delightful visit with Tony. 

Our article about Kosicek Vineyards included details about a delightful cheese available in the tasting room. This was a Gouda cheese produced with the winery’s grape pomace (Cabernet Sauvignon) for aging the cheese. At the time, this very special cheese was only available in the winery tasting room.

Quilt block at winery on the Ashtabula Quilt Trail

On the outside of the tasting room, a large quilt block is seen. Kosicek Vineyards is one of a select group of buildings that participate in the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail. The large quilt square hints of patriotism with its blue, red and white colors, stars and stripes. 

Availability of Wines

Currently, the winery only ships wine to addresses within Ohio. Either order wines through the winery or stop by and visit the winery tasting room.

The red wines available include:

• Petite Sirah
• Estate Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Urban-Cabernet Franc
• Chancellor
• 534
• Concord
• Dam Red

White wines include:

• Estate Chardonnay
• Chardonnay
• I-90
• Traminette
• Riesling
• Vidal Blanc
• Niagara
• Dam White

Special Selection Wines:

• Estate Late Harvest Vidal Blanc
• Estate Concord Ice Wine
• Estate Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
• Anthony
• Emma’s Blush
• Rhapsody

In the tasting room, visitors can order a variety of foods to enjoy with wine. The menu includes: an Artisan Meat Board, Specialty Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Bread Dipping Plate, Soft Pretzel Sticks, Flat Bread Pizza Salte, Apple Strudel, and cheesecake.

To learn more about Kosicek Vineyards, read the Wine Trail Traveler article. When visiting Kosicek Vineyards be sure to ask about their specialty cheese.

Cheers!
Kathy