The Other 46 » AVA

Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

Brian Kirby — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:33:28 +0000

Michigan is home to more than 70 wineries and 4 federally approved viticultural areas (AVAs). In the northwest part of the state lie the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. In the southwest lie the Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs. Experiencing explosive growth over the past 10 years, wine production has increased from 365,000 gallons in 1999 to 1,169,000 gallons in 2009. Michigan grows a variety of wine grapes, especially cool-climate varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc.

The majority of wine grapes are grown within 25 miles of Lake Michigan where the lake-effect provides a favorable microclimate for grapes. The northern wine regions have a 145-day growing season and a 160-day season for the southern regions. With more than 2,000 acres devoted to grape vines, the majority of wine production is from Michigan-grown grapes (a statistic I love to see).

This week we’ll sample award-winning wines from the 7 distinct wineries that comprise the Old Mission Peninsula appellation, 2 Lads, Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, and Peninsula Cellars. Lying on the 45th parallel like Bordeaux, Milan and other wine-producing regions, the Peninsula stretches north 18 miles into Grand Traverse Bay. Be sure to check back and jump on the Traverse City Wine Trail for a taste of Michigan. Cheers!

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On The Monticello Wine Trail

Brian Kirby — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:55:20 +0000

In celebration of Virginia Wine Month, I decided to begin October with a recap of my recent visit to Charlottesville, Virginia along the Monticello Wine Trail. Located in the Monticello Viticultural Area (AVA), more than 20 wineries claim residence along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our first stop included a visit to Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, located off US 29. Prince Michel produces approximately 35K cases of wine a year, easily making it one of the largest in Virginia. They also have two satellite tasting rooms, one in Alexandria and the other in Monticello, where visitors can sample their flight of wines.

Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery

I’m not sure how best to describe the winery other than very commercial. Upon entry, visitors walk through a gift shop toward the tasting room that can easily accommodate large groups. Visitors have the option to take a self-guided tour of the barrel cave and tank room (it felt like walking through a museum).

Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery Barrel Cave

Prince Michel offers a complimentary tasting flight and the option to sample 5 designate wines for $1. I was very selective in the wines I sampled, largely due to my busy schedule of winery visits, and primarily sampled the vineyard designate wines. Out of the complimentary tasting, the Barrel Select Chardonnay 2006 ($18.99) was the standout. The Quaker Run Syrah ($26.99) was the winner from the vineyard designate list. Overall, I was underwhelmed, thus the poor notes I wrote during my tasting.

In summary, Prince Michel misses the mark and lacks the characteristics I love most about Virginia wine country, picturesque scenery, atmosphere, and great wine.

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Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA

Brian Kirby — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:15:31 +0000

The Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially became the world’s largest designated appellation on July 22nd. Encompassing 29,914 square miles along the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries in northeast Iowa, northwest Illinois, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, the AVA unseats the 26,000-square-mile Ohio River Valley AVA.

Though the region is big, the wine industry there is small and growing. Tabor estimates there are about 50 wineries and maybe just 400 acres of vineyards. The Napa Valley’s way ahead there. Though only about 9 percent of the area is planted in vines, that still amounts to 45,000 acres.

To read the complete article, click here.

North Carolina On The Rise

Brian Kirby — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:16:33 +0000

On April 29th, North Carolina will welcome Haw River Valley as the states 3rd designated grape growing region, joining Swan Creek and Yadkin Valley. Located in the northern and central portion of the state, the Haw River Valley AVA encompasses approximately 868 sq. miles (555,508 acres). The area presently includes 6 wineries and over 10 vineyards.

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Sawtooth Winery

Brian Kirby — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:06:31 +0000

Today’s stop across the other 46 states is Sawtooth Winery, located in Nampa, Idaho, in the Snake River Valley AVA. Idaho is that other state located in the Pacific Northwest, well suited for growing many different Vinifera varieties. With 38 wineries to date and counting, the industry is thriving more than ever. Typically known for their whites, Sawtooth is increasingly producing great red varieties, especially Merlot and Syrah.

Sawtooth Winery 2007 Pinot Gris

Tonight we poured the 2007 Pinot Gris, alongside a spicy, Thai chicken dish with brown rice. The wine comes in a screwtop, and clocks in at 12.8% alcohol. Surprisingly, only 260 cases were produced, but was still available at Total Wine. A quick note from the winery about fermentation:

80% fermented in stainless fermentors to preserve the fruit flavors of Pinot Gris. 20% barrel fermented in oak cooperage and ages on the lees for 5 months, bringing rich mouth feel and intensity. We then blend the two wines to create a wine that has the nice fruit flavors of Pinot Gris but also richness and mouth feel.

On the nose, I picked up lemon, a hint of pear, and citrus notes. In the mouth, granny smith apples were dominant throughout. The wine was sweeter than I expected, but still maintained a clean, crisp mouthfeel. Paired alongside the Thai dish, it played nicely against the spice and proved to be a great match. All in all, a good wine, and a great example of Idaho’s potential.

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