Monday, September 22, 2014

That wine was made where?

Introducing Brengman Brothers Winery

Brengman Brothers
Winery
I am now a believer! All great domestic wines aren't made on the west coast.  On a recent trip to Traverse City, Michigan, I had a chance to visit the Brengman Brothers winery. Having lived in the Napa valley for several years, I was a bit of a California wine snob.  The operative word here is was. 


Robert Brengman, one of the Winery owners was a gracious host. He and winemaker, Nathanael Rose, took me into the aging room for a private barrel sampling. It was a memorable experience. I once thought that Michigan only produced Rieslings and Gewurtztraminer, but that myth has been dispelled. What I tasted was a variety of wines including some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that I've had. After speaking with Nate, I was educated on the Michigan growing region. Nearby Lake Michigan protects the area from some of the harshest winter weather. In fact, the growing season in their area is actually longer than the famed Napa valley. 

The Aging Room
Brengman Brothers produces several different labels. The Brengman Brothers label is a line of high quality Estate grown wines. Try The Artist Series Pinot Noir and Barrel Fermented Chardonnay. The Block 65 Blend is a melange of Pinot Gris, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. A very clean and crisp wine with hints of Ginger and cinnamon. The Runaway Hen label serves up several wines for everyday drinking. The White Table Wine and Late Harvest Riesling are my favorite. 

The tasting room is open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Stop by and try some wine. You'll be glad you did!

The Brengman Brothers


Ciao,
Chef Joe      

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