Pinot Blanc is not widely planted in Leelanau County, but we love the few local examples we have tasted.  Large clusters of golden yellow berries hang heavy in mid-October as this beautiful fruit ripens to 21 brix.  We harvest this fruit just as the resident deer and wild turkeys begin to discover what we already know - these grapes are delicious!  In the winery, this 100% Pinot Blanc offering was fermented dry in stainless steel and presents citrus and scents of banana on the nose with a wonderful, light and refreshing finish.

Awards

Double Gold, 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Gold Medal, 2011 Denver International Wine Competition

Silver Medal, 2011 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition

Vinification

Just short of a ton of Pinot Blanc was harvested from our vineyard and another on the peninsula over the course of a morning.  The fruit was golden in color, with surprisingly large berries and tight clusters.  The fruit was de-stemmed and then gently pressed off.  The juice was a clean, light green color as it was moved to a stainless steel fermentor for settling and inoculation.  Fermentation took a couple of  weeks and then the wine was settled and racked.  It was cold stabilized, filtered and bottled in March. 

Aroma

Banana, Melon

Flavor

Fermented dry with under a half percent of residual sugar.  The mild sweetness compliments the fruit and it has a nice acidity at its back. 

Visual

Brilliant, nearly colorless wine.

Food Pairings

Love this wine with food, the crispness with acidity complements just about anything.

Winemaker

Shawn Walters

Release Date

March 2011

Cases Produced

58

Price

Retail $18 per bottle

Case price $16.20