Maker: Verterra/Chaos, Lake Leelenau, Michigan, USA
Place of origin: Leelanau Peninsula AVA, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2011
ABV: 12%
Purchased for $15
Appearance: Light gold with
Nose: ripe peach, granny smith apple, bitter orange.
Palate: Medium bodied. Red pear, navel orange, mineral water, white grapefruit.
Finish: Clean and dry. More peaches and pears with a hint of vanilla.
Parting words: The 2011 vintage in Northern Michigan continues to impress me. Leelanau is a much larger area than Old Mission with many more wineries, so the region as a whole is less consistent than the OMP. Verterra itself is of consistently high quality, though. I recommend trying anything of theirs you see.
This wine is everything a dry Michigan Riesling should be. It’s dry and food-friendly without sacrificing any character. Orchard fruit in abundance with a touch of acid for balance. Even eighteen hours after opening, it was still delicious, maybe even better. It’s worth every penny and then some. Verterra’s 2011 Dry Riesling is highly recommended.
Sipology 