What wine is Michigan known for?
This part of the state excels at producing big, jammy red varietal wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Leelanau Peninsula in northwest Lower Peninsula hangs its hat on lovely white varieties with well-balanced acidity, such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling.
What wines are from Michigan?
30 Michigan wines that pair perfectly for the holidays.
- Arcturos Merlot ($22), Black Star Farms.
- Arcturos Dry Riesling ($14), Black Star Farms.
- 2017 Blanc de Blanc ($24), Black Star Farms.
- Naughty Red ($14), Chateau Chantal.
- Nice White ($14), Chateau Chantal.
- Celebrate!
- Round Barn Merlot ($32.99), Round Barn Winery.
Where is wine country in Michigan?
In the southwest, the Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs account for around 40% of the state’s wine, while in the northwest the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula AVAs, which jut north either side of Traverse City, are responsible for 55% of production.
What kind of wine is Traverse City known for?
This interesting climate makes for some of the most exciting aromatic white wines — Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay; and reds that are balanced, delicate and very sexy — Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Why are there so many vineyards in northern Michigan?
All five regions are located in proximity to Lake Michigan, and almost all of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown within 25 miles (40 km) of the lake. The lake effect provides a favorable microclimate compared to interior regions of the state.
Why is Michigan wine so sweet?
Our cool climate here in Michigan brings about some high acid levels in our grapes, and not as much of that acid is metabolized as it would be somewhere warm (say, California). So in order to find that balance, we leave a bit more sugar in our wine.
Can you grow grapes in northern Michigan?
The state can grow the many tender fruit crops that adjacent Midwestern states can’t. In fact, Michigan finds it possible to not only grow such tender crops such as sweet cherries, apricots, and tart cherries, but also Vitis vinifera grape varieties which are typically susceptible to winter injury.
Does Michigan have vineyards?
There are more 150 Michigan wineries across the state, making Michigan is one of the top wine-producing states in the country. From award-winning reds and whites to ice wines and sparkling wines, the variety of Michigan wine is endless.
What is the state grape of Michigan?
In terms of the state’s specialty, “Riesling is the obvious answer,” says Karel Bush, executive director of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “We grow more of this variety than any other, and nearly every winery makes at least one Riesling. Many produce several, ranging from very dry to very sweet.
Why is Michigan Good for wine?
Most of its quality wine grapes grow within 25 miles of Lake Michigan, where day-night temperature swings and late-breaking buds mean appellations ideal for aromatic whites reminiscent of those from Germany and Champagne.