From the experts at Wine Spectator and the Beverage Testing Institute to the person on the street, the word has spread that Michigan produces some of the best champagne-type wines anywhere. And they come in so many different styles that you will surely find something to enjoy. Let's start with the sparkling wines that have impressed the wine writers, then move on to those that are just good, clean fun.
Larry Mawby at L. Mawby Vineyards in Suttons Bay is Michigan’s most well-known maker of bubbly. He has a style for nearly every taste. One wine that gets a lot of attention – it was Best Sparkling Wine at the Michigan State Fair Wine and Spirits Competition – is Mille. This is a dry, vintage-dated sparkling wine made almost exclusively from Pinot Noir. A wine like this is sometimes called a “blanc de noir” because it is a white wine made from dark grapes. It is big and flavorful and very highly regarded by Champagne lovers.
Larry also makes a Blanc de Blanc that is very popular. As the name implies, this is made exclusively from white grapes – in this case, Chardonnay. This is a lighter and very attractive wine with a broad appeal.
Another top dry, vintage-dated sparkler is made by Bel Lago, near Cedar. Their vintage Brut is made from the more typical combination of both red and white grapes. Other dry Michigan fizzies that have been highly rated are Tabor Hill’s Grand Mark, Good Harbor’s Moonstruck, Round Barn Winery’s Artesia and Fenn Valley’s Premier Cuvee.
Several wineries make sparkling wine from Riesling grapes. These are dry but have the typical Riesling aromatic qualities. People who try them just love them. Look for versions made by Shady Lane Cellars and Chateau de Leelanau to complement your New Year’s buffet table.
Then there’s the fun stuff ... sparkling wines that are impossible to dislike.
Topping the list of the most popular holiday bubblies are Sparkling Raspberry and Passionate Peach from St. Julian. Even the experts are impressed – they have more gold medals than the U.S. Olympic Team. You get the true taste of the fruit and moderate sweetness. Just plain delicious.
Another very popular and more traditional fizzy is Carpe Diem from Chateau Chantal. This is mostly Chardonnay with just enough Pinot Noir to give it a lovely rose’ color. It is the best-selling wine at the winery.
