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Minnesota's local wine scene has been growing in size and popularity for years. But "local" doesn't always mean the grapes were grown here.


Minnesota importers have long-established ties to the global wine trade that typically go unnoticed by many wine drinkers. Those connections, though, have shaped the Minnesota palette for decades.

More than a dozen wine importers call the Twin Cities home. They tend to have smaller operations and specialize in certain international wine regions or styles. 

"They bring direct to market all of the cool and high value, price point wines," said Chuck Kanski, owner of the Solo Vino wine shop in St. Paul. "These wines are often times available only in the Minnesota market."
 
Think of the wine importer as an art curator or DJ. They know the genre and if you like what they've selected before odds are they will make a choice you enjoy again. 

Ulf Bach, owner of Minnetonka-based Magron Skoglund Wine Imports, said he only brings in wine after he has the chance to meet and build a relationship with the wine maker.


"The personal relationship is very important," he said. "It allows me to bring value to the market by by-passing the typical channels of wine importing."


Kanski offered MPR News his take on locally imported wines to  kick off 2016.

Chuck Kanski's locally imported wine picks for the New Year


• 2014 Rin du Bois Sauvignon Blanc (France)


• 2013 Scavino Rosso (30 percent each of Nebbiolo/Barbera/Dolcetto & 10 percent Merlot)(Italy) 

"Annette Peters has over 35 years of experience in the wine business. The Rin du Bois Sauvignon Blanc is specially bottled for Domaines & Appellations, the juice is pulled from the center of the tanks prior to filtration. This is how valuable the importer/wine-maker relationship is...a partnership of respect!," Kanski said.


• 2012 Chateau Eugenie Cahors (80 percent Malbec 20 percent Merlot)(France)

"The collaboration between Larry Colbeck (co-founder of The Wine Company) and Chris Osgood (The Suicide Commandos and wine-geek) is how Chateau Eugenie Cahors is in MN. For over a decade Chris Osgood's has been discovering new wines to bring to our market from South-Western France. Chris' ability as a wine broker to create and cultivate relationships with these wineries is the foundation of any quality importer," Kanski added. 
 



• 2013 Alois Aglianico 'Campole' (Italy)


• 2014 Campos Reales Tempranillo (Spain)

"Joe Kotnik is another local importer who has built many relationships with European wineries. His friend Kevin Magnuson introduced Joe to Massimo Alois from Michele Alois Winery. At this time the winery Michele Alois was no where stateside let alone Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois," Kanski said.


• 2014 Domaine Daulny Sancerre (France)


• 2013 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico (Italy)
        	


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Looking for a new style of wine to try? Seek out a local wine importer for a wine you enjoy and check out the rest of their portfolio. Odds are the style will match.

12 locally imported wines to tantalize your taste buds in 2016

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