THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: Michigan Wine and Food Showcase Wrap Up

Michigan Wine and Food Showcase Wrap Up

Michigan's own Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi recently invited me to the Michigan Wine and Food Showcase at the Shiraz Gardens.

Claudia, currently working at Birmingham’s Forest Grill as their resident Master Sommelier, is one of the Michigan Wine Industries' biggest promoters.

The Michigan Wine & Food Showcase is her latest project. Held at Shiraz Gardens in Bingham Farms, a wonderful location for any event, the showcase was a resounding success! Thirty-two of Michigan’s wineries set up networking tables and showcased three wines, and only three wines, each. This restriction lead to an evening of wonderful wine from winemakers that were proud to serve it to you. For me, it was an opportunity to meet some people in the wine industry with whom I've only recently made acquaintance.

I had two wonderful conversations with Lee Lutes of Black Star Farms and Adam Satchwell of Shady Lane Cellars, who both were recently highlighted as part of the Tweet & Taste Michigan events. I was also lucky enough to finally meet Shannon and Cortney Casey of Michigan by the Bottle, who I have seen only in their photos and video blogs at their website (www.michiganbythebottle.com). I met longtime wine lovers and bloggers Kim Adams and George Heretier of Gang of Pour (blogs.gangofpour.com) who were very gracious in showing me around a bit and filling me in on some very special upcoming events in the wine world.

Claudia introduced me to Chateau Chantal winemaker Brian Hosmer who generously shared not only his time but his winemaking knowledge with me. It was great to hear more about all that the Michigan winemakers are doing together to get the word out about the great Michigan wine "brand". I spoke to the great Larry Mawby, sparkling wine maker extraordinaire who released his newest sparkler aptly titled "Detroit" on the night of the Showcase. And lastly, I finally got to meet the "wine genie" herself, Claudi Tyagi, who graciously welcomed me in to the event with open arms and all the information I could use to make the event a success for me.

While I could not visit every table and taste every wine — even this wine blogger has a limit — here is a list of the some the hits from the Showcase. I recommend you purchase these great finds either from your local wine store or directly from the vineyard. . . I'll be making my annual trip in August and, if necessary, leaving one of my kids behind to make room in the car to bring wine back home. . .

. . . Black Star Farms Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet Franc. . . a wine I would slide into any blind Bordeaux tasting just to surprise the French. . .

. . . Shady Lane Cellars Semi-Dry Riesling. . . just as good as the Dry but with a wonderful touch of sweetness. . .

. . . "Detroit" from Larry Mawby. . . a subtle "sweet one", look for it in stores, next to Larry's other faves "Sex", "Wet" and "Fizz". . .

. . . Cherry Creek "Montage", a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chancellor Noir from winemaker John Burtka (a very nice guy, by the way!). . .

. . . "Requisite" from Circa Winery, a silky and delicious Blaufrankish (or Lemberger). . .

. . . "Melange" from Hickory Creek Winery, a wonderful blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that somehow is semi-translucent in color but brings forth wonderful flavors and texture

. . . and the Cabernet Franc from 2 Lads which has been and continues to be outstanding!

I want to thank Claudia for including me in the showcase of Michigan's finest wines. It was truly a memorable experience. I also want to thank all of the winemakers that I had the chance to meet and chat with. You truly brought out your best at the Showcase. To those I could not meet, I look forward to seeing you in the very near future! Cheers!!