Wine Talk by Art of the Table
July 20, 2010
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The plagued stigma in that Michigan only produces sweet, sugar laced wine is finally over!
...or at least it should be.
New and innovative producers keep popping up on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas. The wines are picking up notoriety and cult followings, and it's for a good reason.
White wines have been the star so far, but Rose and a few red varietals are starting to show some true quality as well.
Take a look at a few of our favorite picks below.
They have found a happy home here at Art of the Table.
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Two Lads Winery
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| A three-ish year old winery on the Old Mission Peninsula, Two Lads is a state of the art facility with an emphasis on good, honest wine. It also doesn't hurt that their place is swanky cool. Winemakers Cornel Olivier and Chris Baldyga have a passion for wine, plus, they are really cool guys. Stop and say hello if you are up in the area.
Cornel Olivier was born and raised amongst the vineyards in South Africa and learned farming and wine making from his grandfather. He also later obtained a degree in Viticulture and Wine Science from Elsenburg Agricultural College. For experience, he worked at a number of highly acclaimed Stellenbosch wineries before making the trip to the Old Mission to make something magical happen. He did. During his tenure at Brys Estate (another fantastic Old Mission winery), he made many award winning wines, and changed the way people thought about Michigan wines for the better.
Chris Baldyga is a Traverse City native. Raised in the area, and growing up around the vineyards, his mother worked at an Old Mission winery and he was around it all since early boyhood. He's worked the fields, been a cellar rat, worked the tasting floor, sold retail and has been in management positions in the wine industry his whole life. His passion for the area, and for the wines he knows Michigan can produce is addictive. He really knows what he is talking about...having lived it his whole life.
Combined, Cornel and Chris have a winning team with Two Lads. A great attitude, a great story and truly great product.
Until last week, Two Lads only sold at the winery. The moment they suggested that we sell their wines here in the store we jumped at it and can't wait for you to try them.
Two Lads Pinot Grigio
Dry and acidic with stunning round citrus notes and a touch of dried apricot and wet sage. Not your everyday Pinot Grigio, this has body and weight with really nice balance. It is a must try summer wine.
Two Lads Rose of Cabernet Franc
Rich and opulent color, actually more red than it is pink. Spicy fresh pepper tones make this wine incredibly interesting. It really isn't your everyday Rose. The quality is what really shocks me in this wine. It's bold, but it has a balance that really amazes your mouth and nose. Again, a summertime must.
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Left Foot Charley
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| Newer to the scene as well, but certainly not unheard of, wine maker Brian Ulbrich feels the need for a sense of place with his wines. He's proud of Michigan, and particularly Traverse City area grapes. He is also Northern Michigan's first urban winery. His passion resides with Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Gewurztraminer. Brian feels those grapes have great acidity, ability to age, and they work particularly well for the terroir of Northern Michigan. We agree. Well, at least we think his wines are delicious, and we think you will too.
Left Foot Charley Medium Dry Riesling (MD)
Medium dry is about as perfect of a description as you can find for this wine. It starts out with mouth watering peach and apricot flavors, and finishes very dry with a slight hint of grapefruit citrus in the acidity. Straight up honest, this is a perfect wine for spicy bbq, Thai food, or just tasty sipping goodness.
Left Foot Charley Murmur
One of the most unique wines I've had in a very long time. Not just from Michigan, I mean anywhere. It's a beautiful blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, and a little Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Traminette. It's wonderfully dry and citrusy with a beautiful floral and tropical fruit counter balance. It is so, so good. Grilled shrimp, grilled shrimp, grilled shrimp...did I mention grilled shrimp to go alongside this??
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Art of the Table tastings!
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| We've got two great tastings on the docket coming up very soon - ONE IS THIS WEEK! Join us for one or both - just don't skip them altogether. It's a great way to enjoy summer!
Tasting #1: Thursday, July 22 ~ Vina Falernia
@ Corez Wine Bar 6:30pm $20 + tax and tip
includes 6 super wines, insider information and great nosh.
We
weren't able to make the extra four hour trek north to the Elqui Valley
during our trip to Chile to visit Vina Falernia, so instead the
winemaker is coming here!
We love the Vina Falernia wines and think you will too...
 and...Tasting #2: Tuesday, July 27 ~ Four Course Dinner @ Shiraz Grille!
@ Shiraz Grille 2739 Breton Road SE 6:30pm $40 + tax and tip
We're hosting our first wine dinner with Shiraz Grille!
Shiraz Grille is a great restaurant serving Persian and Mediterranean foods.
We decided we should get together and pair
their fantastic foods with wines!
We're keeping the exact wines a mystery
but here's what we'll be serving for our four course meal!
1st course
Dolmeh filled with tomato basil sauce,
yellow split peas, herbs and
rice
2nd course
Persian tossed salad
3rd course
Rack of Lamb marinated in onion juice and olive oil
4th course
Baklava in rose water syrup
~~~ Sign up now as seating is limited. Call Art of the Table at 301.1885 |
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The Staff @ Art of the Table
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