“This Michigan Riesling would make a great match for trout
harvested from a Michigan lake or stream…”

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Michigan has been a Riesling state for as long as wine has been made here, and Chateau Grand Traverse (CGT) led the way on Old Mission Peninsula right from the get-go in the mid-70s. We’ve been fans of their Whole Cluster Riesling for quite a few years, going back to when it was one of Sean O’Keefe’s “specialty wines” at his family’s winery. Sean has since moved on to make very fine wine at Mari Vineyards, while CGT has continued producing this bottling without a hiccup. When I saw the latest vintage a few days ago at a decent price, I didn’t hesitate to pick one up, and it was a very good choice indeed.

2020 Chateau Grand Traverse Whole Cluster Riesling Old Mission Peninsula, 10.8% alcohol, $13.99: You only need to stick your nose in the glass of this pretty straw colored wine for a second to identify the unmistakable Riesling character. Even more emphatic on the palate, it’s all tart green apple accented with some citrus, and underscored with subtle minerality. A little more than medium-bodied, with finely balanced acids that keep this moving right along through the reasonably long finish, this has good depth and intensity. It’s dry, but it’s not bone-dry like some of those crazy, marvelous Alsatians.

I’ve always thought that Riesling is perfect with trout; I like mine grilled or pan fried. This Michigan Riesling would make a great match for trout harvested from a Michigan lake or stream, or for most other fish caught hereabouts. It’s actually very versatile, and will go well with a wide variety of food, aquatic or otherwise. As I write these notes, I even find myself wanting to try it with some chicken smoked on the Weber.

I’m getting this QPR All Star for the price listed above at Westborn Market on Woodward, in Berkley. If I find it at a better price, I will update accordingly. In the meantime, I’m going back for more. We’ve never had a bad Chateau Grand Traverse Whole Cluster Riesling. Find this wine

Reporting from Day-twah,
Bastardo

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