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Which Wine Shall We Serve?
by Lorri Hathaway
To help you toast the season Michigan style, we asked From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries co-author Lorri Hathaway to share some pairing recommendations for commonly served holiday dishes as well as some good bottles to have on hand to serve and share throughout the season...
Baked Ham
For baked ham, I’d select a Gewurztraminer. The spicy flavors will pair well with the sweetness and lightness of the ham. Two of my favorites are Left Foot Charley (Old Mission Peninsula) and Chateau Fontaine (Leelanau Peninsula).
Prime Rib
Mmmm, prime rib.... I’d try Domaine Berrien Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake Michigan Shore). I really like the classic pairing of Cabernet Sauvignon with prime rib, and Wally from Domaine Berrien crafts delicious red wines. For a bolder choice, I’d grab a bottle of Burgdorf’s Winery Red Zinfandel (Southeast).
Roast Turkey
For roast turkey, I’d select a Chateau Grand Traverse Dry Riesling or Bowers Harbor Vineyards Unwooded Chardonnay (both Old Mission Peninsula). Both wines are unique and will pair well with your holiday bird.
Over the past few years, I’ve been surprised by both of these varietals. Rieslings have typically been too sweet for me to pair with foods. After discovering dry Rieslings in Michigan, I found that I love the grape! The same goes with Chardonnay, which was previously a least-favorite varietal for me. I recently learned that when aged in steel vats rather than oak, the varietal is completely different.
Beef Brisket
St. Julian’s Braganini Reserve Syrah (Lake Michigan Shore) or 2 Lads Winery Merlot (Old Mission Peninsula) would both be great pairings with beef brisket.
Lamb
The subtle flavors of Pinot Noir will pair well with the gentle flavors of lamb. Two great choices are Brys Estate (Old Mission Peninsula) and Black Star Farms Arcturos (Leelanau Peninsula).
What are some universal pleasers to have on hand to serve guests?
- Good Harbor Vineyards Fishtown White (Leelanau Peninsula): this is one of my favorite universal wines as it is always a pleaser whether guests have a sweet or dry palate.
- Black Star Farms Red House Red (Leelanau Peninsula) and Fenn Valley Vineyards Lakeshore Red (Fennville) are great red wines to stock up on for holiday guests.
- For sweet drinkers, I keep Leelanau Cellars Winter White (Leelanau Peninsula) and St. Julian Winery Blue Heron (Lake Michigan Shore). These wines go well with all the holiday treats lingering around.
What’s a great choice for the true connoisseur?
I think that many true wine connoisseurs who are unfamiliar with Michigan wines would be very surprised by the quality red wines being produced here. Many Michigan wineries are producing fabulous red wines. Here are a few great places I recommend for starting the journey through reds: Brys Estate and 2 Lads Winery on Old Mission Peninsula, Black Star Farms on Leelanau Peninsula and Domaine Berrien Cellars and St. Julian Winery (Braganini Reserve line) in Southwest Michigan.
What sparklers would you recommend to ring in the new year?
Larry from L. Mawby Vineyards (Leelanau Peninsula) crafts a myriad of delicious bubblies. Two of my favorites are Detroit, and, of course, Sex. Ringing in the new year with one of Larry’s bubblies is an annual tradition for me.
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Lorri Hathaway is a freelance writer and photographer who is passionate about Michigan and has been writing about Michigan wine country since 2002. She and her writing partner, Sharon Kegerreis, are authors of the 2008 Michigan Notable Book, From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries, as well as a new book called The History of Michigan Wines: 150 Years of Winemaking along the Great Lakes. Autographed copies of both books make unique holiday gift ideas, and may be purchased directly from the authors via www.MichiganVine.com.
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