6 minute read
BETWEEN THE VINES
Ellen Landis, CS, CSW
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Expressive citrus blossom scents drive you into the glass. Summer bliss melon, lychee, mandarin orange, hints of ginger snaps, and lemongrass engage the palate. A thread of minerality adds further dimension, and this gem remains bright and lively while heading to an unforgettable finish. SRP: $26 | Food pairing: Turkey wild rice soup | www.brysestate.com
Alluring on the nose, with notes of summer peaches and lime zest filling the senses. The palate unveils layers of succulent white peaches, nectarines, minerally notes, lemon verbena, and a subtle suggestion of sea salt wrapped around a core of brisk acidity, and the lingering finish is bright and energetic. SRP: $22 | Food pairing: Scallop avocado ceviche | www.brysestate.com
Warm berry pie and spice aromas rise from the glass. Sumptuous layers of blackberries, cocoa-dusted blueberries, hints of tobacco, dried herbs, and underlying oak (from 14 months French oak aging) sail effortlessly across the palate. Rich and velvety with balancing acidity and refined tannins, and the heavenly finish is persistent. SRP: $50 | Food pairing: Wine braised lamb shanks | www.brysestate.com
Aurora Cellars NV “Leora” | Leelanau Peninsula
An energizing nose of fresh squeezed lemon and lime puts you in a celebratory mood with this sparkling Pinot Grigio. Bright citrus notes meld with flavors of flaky apple pastry, lemongrass, and a dash of spice. A delicate stream of bubbles and bracing acidity keep it balanced and lively through the perky finish. SRP: $26 | Food pairing: Smoked salmon salad | www.auroracellars.com
Lovely floral and earthy notes on the nose make way for dark fruit at the core. Black plums, earthiness, black raspberries, a thread of graphite, spiced chocolate, and a touch of herbs tantalize the palate. Smoothly textured with well-integrated tannins, and the nice level of acidity balances the bold fruit through the long finish. SRP: $50 | Food pairing: Veal scallopini | www.auroracellars.com
Aroma of citrus blossom and slate rise from the glass. Sleek and vivacious, it hits all marks of a dry Riesling. Racy acids frame this delightfully dry wine as notes of green apple, stone fruit, minerality, and a striking burst of fresh squeezed lime enliven the palate from first sip through the persistent finish. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Crab Louie salad | www.auroracellars.com
Chateau Chantal 2020 Johnson Vineyard Vin Gris | Old Mission Peninsula
This remarkable Rosé of Pinot Noir shines with its energetic, fruity characteristics. The citrusy, summer fruit aroma opens the door to a palate brimming with flavors of fresh sliced watermelon, juicy Rainier cherries and mandarin oranges. Beautifully balanced with crisp acidity and the finish is ever so vibrant. SRP: $27 Food pairing: Thyme roasted chicken | www.chateauchantal.com
Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery 2020 Pinot Grigio | Leelanau Peninsula
Aromas of white freesia flowers and citrusy notes beckon you to bring that glass to your lips. Lively and expressive on the palate as focused flavors of fresh nectarines, green apples, Key lime, minerality, and a pinch of herbs interlace. Tingling acidity keeps it spirited, and the finish holds your attention with its brightness and verve. SRP: $17 | Food pairing: Shrimp cucumber pita pockets | www.bellago.com
St. Julian Winery Braganini “The Reserve Collection” 2021 Mountain Road Rosé |LMS*
A brilliant medium pink hue greets the eye with this zippy Rosé, composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The engaging aromatic leads to a fruit driven mouthful of cassis, Elephant Heart plums, red currants, and a thread of blood orange. Well balanced and harmonious through the satisfying finish. SRP: $16.99 | Food pairing: Feta spinach tartlets | www.stjulian.com
The alluring savory aroma of this blend of 34% Cab Franc, 33% Cab Sauvignon and 23% Merlot fully engages the senses. Multilayered, it unveils cassis, blackberries, dark plums, pencil shavings, earthiness, toasty oak spices, tobacco leaf, and chocolate drizzled blueberries as it heads to a finish that seems endless. SRP: $27.99 | Food pairing: Grilled lamb kabobs | www.stjulian.com
This deeply fruited blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Blaufränkisch and 25% Crimson Cabernet (cross of Cab Sauv and Norton) is delectable. It’s highly aromatic and remains persuasive on the palate with layers of black raspberries, bramble berries, cocoa, spiced blueberry jam, and a pop of black pepper through the lingering finish. SRP: $27.99 | Food pairing: Butter basted rib-eye steak | www.stjulian.com
This delectable red blend composed of 35% Dolcetto, 25% Marechal Foch, 22% De Chaunac, 6% Pinot Noir, 6% Baca Noir and 6% Frontenac opens with a fragrant aroma of a bowlful of fresh picked berries. On the palate, layers of red-fleshed plums, tayberries, spiced-tinged raspberry jam, and hints of shaved chocolate interlace, and head to a lingering finish. SRP: $30 | Food pairing: Sausage caponata | www.cicconevineyard.com
Here is an enticing example of Pinot Gris. The nose of a delicate white floral bouquet drives you into the glass. There you’ll find a beautifully textured, ideally balanced white wine awakening the palate. Notes of poached pears, sweet Meyer lemon, and a subtle dash of herbs meld in harmony, and the finish shows off a hint of tropical fruit. SRP: $24 | Food pairing: Potato/celery root gratin | www.blustonevineyards.com
*Lake Michigan Shore
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellen Landis, CS, CSW, is a published wine writer, certified sommelier, wine educator and professional wine judge. She spent four years as a sommelier at the Ritz Carlton and sixteen years as Wine Director/ Sommelier at the award winning boutique hotel she and her husband built and operated in Half Moon Bay, CA. They recently sold the hotel to devote more time to the world of wine. Contact Ellen at ellen@ellenonwine.com
Wine Glass Markers
Let guests get creative with non-toxic, temporary markers in black, silver and gold. Fast-drying markers can be used to identify a glass with a name or to add a whimsical illustration or phrase. Markers can also be used on ceramic plates and mugs and are ideal for labeling wine and cheese at tastings.
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Wine All the Time
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