Gilchrist Farm

This wine was made from 100% Chardonnay from the Leelanau Peninsula using the Charmat Method to keep the fruit flavors found in Chardonnay up front and present on the nose and palate. The fruit for this wine is harvested at the beginning of the season to retain the acidity and bright character desired for the wine. After a gentle whole cluster pressing, the base wine is aged for 4 months in preparation for its secondary fermentation. The wine gains its bubbles through a tank refermentation, or Cuvee-close. This process allows us to get the resulting bubbles we want in the wine without sacrificing the varietal character. The aromatics are dominated by the granny smith apple tones with subtle honeydew melon or apricot notes lingering in the background. On the palate, it has an extra dry style giving it the perfect level of sweetness that should allow one to drink it alone or with a variety of foods. The taste profile should feature layers of apple fruit flavors and toasty notes complemented by a creamy texture and a clean long finish. The character of this wine should go well with orange juice or other fruit juices for mimosas, etc.

It gains its moniker for a reason, it's one of the last varieties harvested each season. We let the fruit hang until Halloween to allow for a concentration of flavors, sugars, and ripe acidity. The wine goes through a drawn-out, cool fermentation, with the knowledge that there is no rush to get it into bottle. The fermentation is eventually stopped with enough natural residual sugar to balance Riesling's natural ample acidity. A reserved portion of fresh juice is added prior to bottling to balance and sweeten the wine. Late Harvest Rieslings are notorious for aging well and bringing the consumer a taste of tropical fruits in the darkest months of winter. Flavors of peaches, pineapple, honey and delicate flowers predominate. The palate has voluptuous structure and natural acidity without excessive sweetness. The present acidity enables the wine to be paired with a larger selection of cuisine. The fleshy mid-palate and the long finish will bring a smile to your face.

Crisp, fruit forward and easy to drink, the perfect sunshine wine

Thistle Glen is a Leelanau medium sweet white wine blend. This wine has just the right amount of sweetness to stand up to salty food, cheeses and olives but can be paired just as well with many desserts.

This wine is intended to never offend. It has the capability of bringing wine drinkers on every end of the spectrum together to agree on the fact that a fruit forward red with soft structure can be enjoyed by everyone. The wine has tones of bramble fruits and cranberry, with a palate that has acidity without astringency; a welcome change.

Pinot Gris grows prolifically in Leelanau. The clean aromas of lemon zest and pear notes will be evident initially. As the wine sits in the glass, the minerality and other terroir influences will become apparent. The complex palate of the wine is full and creamy with balanced acidity and a wonderful long finish.