April is my favorite month of the year. Theoretically, it’s spring, which means sunshine and warming temperatures, tulips popping up, and the end of winter coats. It’s also Michigan Wine Month – 30 full days to celebrate the fantastic wine made right here at home.
Michigan has a long, rich history of producing award-winning wines in every region. Here are a few of my current favorites (based solely on my own palette, and not an expert rating):
M. Lawrence “Wet” – I’m not fan of champagne, but I absolutely love sparkling wine. It has all the bubbly fun, without that cloying sweetness. Wet is from the M. Lawrence line of L. Mawby vineyards on Leelanau Peninsula. It’s an effervescent, sparkly white made with Pinot Gris grapes that’s perfect for toasting a special occasion (or just sitting on your patio). Mawby is also has one of the most fun tasting rooms on the peninsula to visit – it’s a must stop every time I’m up there.
2 Lads 2009 Cabernet Franc Rose – I’ve avoided pink wine for years. Franzia ruined it for me. But this is no box o’wine. This rose changed my mind. Dry, with perfectly balanced acidity and fruitiness made me believe in pink again. This is what I sip when I’m sitting out on the beach at our cottage. Chris and Cornel are two of the nicest guys you’ll meet – be sure to say hi when you stop in to see them!
Fenn Valley Cabernet Franc – Michigan makes some fantastic Cabernet Franc’s, and this is among the best. Smooth and easy to drink for all palettes, and pairs really well with meat dishes.
Domaine Berrien “Crown of Cabernet” – Red blends are becoming very popular, and this is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Perfectly dry and aged for 2 years, this is wine is super-smooth. Great for a date night in.
Bel Lago Pinot Gris – A semi-dry white with notes of vanilla and honey, this one reignited my interest in white wine. Pairs well on a warm summer day with fish on the grill.
Shady Lane Cellars Blue Franc – This is a big wine. Spicy, full, robust flavor that tastes like absolute luxury. You can definitely taste the black pepper and cedar. This pairs up well to all kinds of meats and pasta dishes, and really well with Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine as well.
Left Foot Charley “Murmur” – a beautiful summer wine. The crew at Left Foot changes this blend up every year, and 2010 does not disappoint. Cool, acidic, with hints of apple and pear. It’s a great appetizer wine, paired with cheeses and fruit outside.
Bowers Harbor “Otis” – First, I fell in love with the label. Then I tasted the wine, and I was thoroughly impressed. It’s light and crisp and soft. It’s good on its own, or paired with light appetizers.
My Top Choice:
I love all of these wines on different occasions, but my absolute favorite Michigan wine these days is the Black Star Farms “Isidore’s Choice Pinot Noir”. I can’t get enough of it. I’ve bought a few cases of it, and I plan to stock up again when I’m there next week. It’s a beautiful red with raspberry and cherry notes. You can drink it when you buy it, or age it for a few years, and it pairs really well with chicken and turkey.
To celebrate Michigan Wine Month, I encourage you to head out and try some new Michigan wines. Visit one of the over 80 wineries in our state, or head to your local wine shop and pick out a bottle. And please, join me and Audrey at Vinotecca in Royal Oak on Wednesday, April 13, for a Michigan Wine happy hour!
Let us know what your favorite Michigan wines are – we’re always looking to try something new!
