Pinot Noir’s alluring spectrum of flavors and potential to be drank young or aged for decades elicits the obsession of winemakers, collectors and casual drinkers all. Pinot favors cooler climates and mineral-rich soils, which allows it to thrive in the vineyards of Leelanau County and Old Mission, delivering a delicious complexity unique to our land. Look to some of our fine local pinots for a versatility that accompanies the many flavors of autumn.
2007 Shady Lane Pinot Noir ($23) Dry and expansive with black cherry and cocoa aromas, pair Shady Lane’s Pinot Noir with wild mushroom dishes and local game birds like grouse. SHADYLANECELLARS.COM.
2007 Black Star Farms Arcturos Pinot Noir ($25) Winemaker Lee Lutes touts 2007 as “one of the ripest vintages in Northern Michigan, producing perfect condition fruit.” Arcturos is rich on the palate with big aromas of blackberry and spice. Pair with braised pork shoulder or Raclette cheese. BLACKSTARFARMS.COM.
2007 Victoria Creek Vineyards Wooden Boat ($22) Owner/winemaker John Wyman blends his Pinot Noir with Merlot to give the wine soft, distinctive weight and dark berry flavors. VICTORIACREEK.NET
New on the Scene: 2008 Two Lads Pinot Noir ($22) This first-ever pinot from Two Lads “shows off complex aromatics of black cherry, strawberry candies, panseared beef, dark spices …” Get it before it’s gone. 2LWINERY.COM.
Wine Tips, Tours and Travel in Traverse City, Old Mission and Leelanau
- Savor Leelanau’s Wine Country
- Old Mission Peninsula Wine Country
- Video: Sit Back and Tour Northern Michigan Wine Country
- Northern Michigan Sparkling Wines
- Water and Wine Weekends
- Video: Tapas and Wine Touring at Old Mission’s Chateau Chantal
- Michigan Beer and Wine Dinners at Boyne
- Traverse City’s Urban Winery
- See Wine Country by Bike
- Subscribe to MyNorth’s Food & Wine Newsletter: It’s free!
- Romancing the Riesling