Maker: Chateau de Leelanau, Sutton’s Bay, Michigan, USA
Grape: Bianca
Place of origin: Leelanau Peninsula AVA, Michigan, USA.
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $18 (Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room)
Appearance: Pale gold with tiny bubbles.
Nose: Cut apple, lemon thyme, sage.
Palate: Semi-dry and medium bodied. Peach, green apple.
Finish: Soft and apple-y fading to bit of herbal bitterness.
Parting words: When I tasted this wine, I thought it was a blend. I thought I tasted a lot of Riesling in the mix, but I couldn’t put my finger on what else might be in there. Turns out, this is not a blend but a varietal! Bianca is a hybrid with parents from the Villard and Pinot families. It was developed in Hungary and is primarily grown there.
I’m glad some made it to Leelanau because this is delicious. More Michigan vineyards should be growing it! No trace of foxiness, just crisp fruity with a pinch of herbs. Chateau de Leelanau also makes a Bianca Select in a sweeter style. I think I’m going to try to find a bottle of that too! $18 is the right price for this wine. Chateau de Leelanau Bianca 2013 is recommended.
Sipology 