Ask any vino lover about Michigan wines, and you may hear something akin to “Michigan makes great whites, but they can’t do reds.” Although our region is not suited to growing big, heavy reds like the Cabs of California, we have been proudly producing red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir for some time.
Like some of the northern regions of France or Italy, our cooler climate positions us perfectly to produce world-class wines similar to the Old World wines of Western Europe. Our premium red wine program focuses primarily on classic varieties, with wines reminiscent of Bordeaux and Burgundy while still expressing our unique terroir. We describe our red wines as highly aromatic, elegant on the palate, and showing fresh fruit characteristics with balanced alcohol.
What sets our wine production apart from the rest of the area is that we have two separate processing facilities and teams focussing on reds and whites. This has allowed our talented winemakers to put all of their attention and passion towards their respective winemaking styles. Our premium red wine program is a prime example of the quality that can be achieved when a cellar team can put their sole focus on a particular style of wine.
We are proud and humbled by the work done in the vineyards and in the cellar to create these top-tier wines, and we look forward to sharing them with you!
2017 Leorie Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc
This 30-year-old vineyard sits on the base of Old Mission Peninsula, benefiting from the cool bay breezes. Year after year, it produces some of the best grapes grown in the state. This estate blend expresses aromas and flavors reminiscent of Bordeaux while still showcasing our region beautifully.
2017 A Capella Pinot Noir
In this wine, you will find all of the virtuous qualities of Pinot Noir that you look for in wines from more “regal” wine regions. This elegant and rich wine sings on the nose and palate with fragrant spice, hints of violet, and dark cherry. Think of this particular bottling as an ode to Burgundy
2017 Isidor’s Choice Terrace Red
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, both very well-known varietals, along with Teroldego and Lagrein which are two Northern Italian varietals not commonly found in the states. As a result, the wine is deeply pigmented, with notes of black pepper spice, tobacco, and fruit characteristics like plum, mulberry, and fig.
2017 Grace
A tribute to our founder’s late wife Sally Campbell, Grace is a wine unlike most in that it incorporates varieties not often blended – Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay Noir. As a result, there is a great deal of depth in this wine, wrapped in complex fruit from each of the 3 varieties, gracefully punctuated with the spice of fine European oak.
To learn more about all of our limited production premium red wines, visit our online store.
