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Content contributed by Jenny Parker, Imperial Beverage

Michigan has a unique and diversified agriculture – second only to CA. Michigan ranks 4th among states for production and ranks 13th among states for production. With a long history of quality fruit production and the influence of the Great Lakes, Michigan has over 90 wineries. growers claim over 50 wine grape varieties planted in the state. Their styles vary from fruit-forward wines to bone dry wines and fortified wines to late and ice wines. The overall wine quality is good/excellent and improving. Currently there are over 2,000 acres of wine , with being the leading white and being the leading red grape varietals planted. Four wine trails also dot the state lending to increased tourism and consumer awareness of this great Michigan treasure. Growing popularity of Michigan wine is leading to the number of wineries increasing. Acreage is increasing, quality is increasing and industry members are working together – creating wine trails, raising funds to supplement state funding, expanding research and educational programs – both informal professional development and programs leading to accreditation are growing at a high rate.

Currently there are over 2,000 acres of wine grapes, with Riesling being the leading white and Pinot Noir being the leading red grape varietals planted.

Michigan has four AVA’s (Accredited Viticultural Areas). In the Northwest part of the state, near Traverse City, is the and the Old Mission Peninsula. This area grows 51% of Michigan's wine grapes. In the Southwest part of the state is the Shore and Fennville appellations, where 45% of Michigan's wine grapes are grown. The Western shore of Michigan's lower peninsula has been the primary region of commercial wine grape production in the state.

Each year, Michigan’s wine, grapes, and grape juice products and related industries:

produce nearly $790 million of total economic value to the State of Michigan pay more than $42 million in state and local taxes in Michigan, and an additional $42 million in federal taxes

account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state, for a payroll of more than $190 million ADVANCED MICHIGAN WINES

Harvest starts around the state (for early hybrid varieties) at the end of August and in the Southwest it may extend into November for late-ripening parcels. Most of Michigan's quality wine grapes grow within 25 miles of Lake Michigan. Here, the "lake effect" protects the vines with snow in winter, retards bud break in spring helping avoid frost damage, and extends the growing season by up to four weeks.

There are three types of grapes that are used for wine in Michigan. Vinifera varieties - These are the classic European varieties such as , Riesling (the most widely planted white), Pinot Noir (the most widely planted red), Pinot Grigio/Gris and ; about 65% of Michigan's wine grapes are vinifera. Since 1997, 90% of the new plantings in Michigan have been vinifera varieties. Hybrid varieties (sometimes called French/American hybrids) - These are botanical crosses between vinifera varieties and grapes native to North America. Their typical names are Vidal, , and ; about 35% of Michigan's wine grapes are hybrids. Native varieties - These are actually close relatives of true native varieties. Their typical names are Concord and ; about 3% of Michigan's wine is made from these varieties.

HYBRID VARIETIES (sometimes called French/American hybrids) These are botanical crosses between vinifera varieties and grapes native to North America. Their typical names are Vidal, Chambourcin, Marechal Foch and Vignoles; about 35% of Michigan's wine grapes are hybrids.

MICHIGAN WINE GRAPE VARIETIES Michigan grows a wide variety of wine grapes. Beginning more than a century ago with only a few native American varieties, today Michigan grows more than 50 different grape varieties, offering consumers a broad range of quality wines. There are three general categories of wine grapes in the United States: European varieties, native American varieties, and French/American hybrids.

EUROPEAN VARIETIES These are all varieties of the single species of grapes native to Europe - vinifera. Chardonnay, , Riesling and Pinot Grigio are well-known names, but there are thousands of others. As Roman culture pushed north into Europe, the vines they brought adapted themselves to progressively cooler growing areas. Some of the greatest growing regions in Europe, such as Champagne, Germany and Alsace, are not unlike Michigan; the northernmost region of grape growing in Michigan is at the 45th parallel - the same as Bordeaux and Chianti. These European varieties grow best along the shores of Lake Michigan, where the "lake effect" moderates the temperatures. Riesling This is an excellent cool climate grape that is best known in Germany and Alsace but also does well in Michigan. Many ADVANCED MICHIGAN WINES

wineries produce excellent dry versions as well as the better known semi-dry and sweeter styles. There are also sparkling Riesling and extradordinary ice wines. Many serious wine lovers regard Riesling as the world's most famous white wine grape. Chardonnay A cool climate is important to keep the balance in this grape. Many wineries have invested in French cooperage for those special flavors so frequently sought after. But several Michigan wineries also make traditional versions that are not aged in oak at all. /Pinot Grigio This grape, from the cooler parts of Northern Italy and Alsace, is also at home here in Michigan. In Europe, grapes are referred to as noir (black), blanc (white), and the mid-range that we call pink is "grey" - gris in French, grigio in Italian. Many people think that this is one of our best white varieties, and much more is being planted. Cabernet Franc Known as one of the sources of great Bordeaux, its wine is similar to but lighter and less astringent. This is the second most widely planted red vinifera in Michigan. Merlot This exceedingly popular grape can be grown in Michigan, if planted in the right areas, tended correctly and not over cropped. Michigan's version is usually not as soft as those from California. Pinot Noir This is a great red grape of Burgundy. Commonly used in sparkling wine production, this is the most widely planted red vinifera. When grown on good sites and cropped at levels appropriate for out climate, the Pinot Noir also makes complex and elegant wines. Gewürztraminer This superb variety has an exotic aroma and flavor - reminiscent of lichee nuts, rose petals and orange peel. It is a difficult grape to grow, but delicious examples from several wineries prove it can be successful in Michigan. A variety that makes very appealing light white wines.

NATIVE AMERICAN VARIETIES In contrast to Europe, there are many different species of grapes native to America. The best known is . The well-known varieties Concord, Niagara and are close relatives of these native vines. When the Ohio River region, near Cincinnati, was the biggest wine growing region in the country, Catawba was its most important grape variety. Today, it is relatively unknown, and the largest use for Concord and Niagara is in juice. You can, however, sample wines made from these three varieties at any St. Julian tasting room.

FRENCH/AMERICAN HYBRIDS These are hybrid crosses between European and native American varieties. Such hybrids are resistant to disease and cold. They are popular with growers in the eastern United States because they adapt well to the climate and growing conditions, and contribute unique and intriguing flavors to the wines. Vignoles This remarkable white-skinned grape plays a strong role in Michigan’s . It rivals Riesling as the world's most versatile grape - producing quality sparkling wines, dry barrel-fermented wines, and most importantly, intense and balanced semi-dry and late-harvest wines. ADVANCED MICHIGAN WINES

Chambourcin This is perhaps the finest of the black-skinned hybrid grapes. Because it is a relatively late ripener, it grows best in the Southwest portion of the state where the growing season is about 20 days longer. It can produce dark, concentrated wines with excellent structure as well as light, pleasant wines. In many respects, this is the workhouse white . It blends well, its slight neutrality adding elegance to more assertive grapes like Vidal and Vignoles. In Michigan, it is not usually seen as a varietal wine. This is another workhorse white hrybrid. Semi-dry versions have pleasant aromas. It is often blended with other varieties to make some of Michigan's most important proprietary wines including Trillium from Good Harbor and Tabor Hill Classic Demi-Sec. This is a well-regarded red hybrid that grows successfully in the Southwest portion of Michigan. It can be dark and mouth filling without astringency. Marechal Foch Named for the famous French general, this grape is widely planted in Michigan. It can produce an exotic red wine, but is also a good blush wine grape. This relatively new Chardonnay/Seyval hybrid produces a lighter, attractive wine not unlike Chardonnay. This is a new hybrid relative of Gewürztraminer with an attractive spiciness.