Our summer 2021 Michigan wine country travels took us to MV Mari Vineyards. After a wine country introduction to Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticultural Area). Next, we traveled onto Traverse City. Using Traverse City, as a base, we toured the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, which included a visit to Mari Vineyards. I was excited to discover that this winery is one of Michigan wineries experimenting with new grape varieties not grown in the region.
I was not disappointed because a highlight of our Michigan wine country travels was MV Mari Vineyards.
MV Mari Vineyards, Old Mission Peninsula AVA
Mari Vineyards is located in Old Mission Peninsula AVA, this area, know for its cherries, became an AVA in 1987. The winery, owned by Marty Lagina, planted its first vineyard in 1999, with it first release of their flagship wine, Row 7, in 2006. Tradition meets innovation at Mari where 100% of their grapes are estate grown in their six vineyards (60 acres). The 22 grape varieties grown includes experimental Italian grapes and traditional grown appellation varieties. The vineyards are certified sustainable by Certified Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAED). Moreover, all vineyards are under Mutual Farm Management (MFM), which incorporates organic and biodynamic practices. Six acres of their vineyards planted with red grapes use a Nella Serra (greenhouse) approach. This allows for an extra 4-6 weeks of growth. For sure lots of exciting wine boundaries are being challenged at this winery.
During my visit I could not resist taking a peek at the vineyards. Next, we enjoyed an inviting tasting menu with the wines.
We had a great tasting experience at MV Mari Vineyards. After the tasting we could not leave without getting some wines to share with friends later.
The translation “whole hog” is a perfect name for this full-bodied wine that has a little bit of everything. Instead of being harvested and fermented separately before getting blended, the grapes were picked and barreled together to invent a wine that is now ready to be enjoyed “totus porcus.” This is a full bodied wine featuring a fully integrated lees texture and a soft finish. They also note that the time spent aging in the bottle has also allowed this wine to evolve in flavor. Notes of lychee—characteristic of Gewurztraminer, dried apricot, and Thai basil are followed by baking spices, sandalwood, and vanilla from oak contact. Drinkable until 2023.
A translation for troglodyte is cave dweller. Sean O'Keefe, one of the premier winemakers in Michigan, has crafted this sustainably farmed ode to dry white wine blends. This Michigan Bianco has tasting notes of white flowers, melon, and snap peas. Troglodyte offers a unique fruit forward character with peppery, herbal qualities making it ideal for a variety of typical white food pairings.
Gritty tannins, and mouthwatering acidity from this Teroldego play off of the dominant cherry forward Pinot Noir, soften by the herbal Merlot, making this a perfectly balanced and easy to enjoy wine. Tannins are present but never overpowering. While not an obviously oaked wine, light oak does show on a largely clean finish.
Troglodyte Rosso is a perfect charcuterie board wine. Try Italian meats like mortadella and soft goat cheese. The blend’s fruit driven youth is also a great ballast for savory pad see ew or rustic roasted lamb with potatoes.
Note: Teroldego, a deeply colored red wine grape, is grown mostly in Northern Italy's mountainous Trentino wine region. This dark-skinned variety produces deeply pigmented red wines with an intensely fruity character, a style that has become something of an icon for Trentino's wine industry. It is a soft wine and needs very little aging, usually being drunk within three years of bottling, though it can cellar well for up to 10 years.
For sure, the above three MV Mari Vineyards wines, represent some of the best of Michigan wines.
Our summer 2021 travels through Michigan wine country was a great introduction to Michigan wines.
Without a doubt our Mari Vineyards visit in Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula AVA was had a great introduction to the range of Michigan wines. While most wineries have focused on grape varieties that are best suited for Michigan's climate, Mari Vineyards has explored further. Also ,these days in Michigan, various hybrid varieties are being looked at to allow for better grape growing. Clearly, Michigan wine making has had an exciting history, and its future looks promising. Our overland travels through Michigan to rejoin US-2, The Great Northern Route, not only allowed for wine country explorations but also to have a more in-depth overview of the state. I invite you to join me in my travels in Michigan Wine Country and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment