Maker: L. Mawby, Sutton’s Bay, Michigan, USA
Grape: Chardonnay
Place of origin: Leelenau Peninsula AVA, Michigan, USA
Style: Brut sparkling wine.
ABV: 11%
Purchased for $21.
Notes: Whole cluster pressed. Méthode traditionnelle. Cuvee 206. More information on label.
Appearance: Pale gold and very effervescent.
Nose: Dry apple cider, limestone, dried flowers.
Palate: Bubbly and light. Ripe golden apple and Bosc pear, with a hint of meyer lemon and mineral water.
Finish: Quite dry with more mineral notes and a tiny tang on the back end.
Parting words: All L. Mawby does is sparkling wine, and they do it well. The flagship L. Mawby wines are made using the méthode traditionnelle used for Champagne.
I have virtually no knowledge of Champagne but from the few tastes I’ve had of the real stuff, this wine fits the profile of brut Champagne. Most Michigan sparklers are backyard quaffing material, which is just fine, but if you’re looking for a step up, the Mawby Blanc de Blanc is a good option. It’s just fine with traditional white wine fare, but it works best as an aperitif with hors d’oeuvres or as the first round of a celebration (before the cheap stuff comes out). L. Mawby Blanc de Blancs is recommended.
Sipology 