Bright and Crisp Whites

WINE #1

2022 Left Foot Charley
Auxerrois
Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan

Left Foot Charley is a standout winery in Northern Michigan, distinguished by its collaborative approach with a network of local grape and apple growers. Situated in the urban landscape of the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, LFC eschews the traditional single estate model, instead sourcing premium fruit from dedicated farmers across the region. This unique model allows LFC to produce a diverse range of balanced white wines, robust red wines, and refreshing hard ciders, each bottle capturing the essence of Northern Michigan's terroir.

This wine offers a gentle introduction with soft notes of pear, apple, peach, and lemon zest. Delicate white floral hints add a touch of elegance. The palate surprises with a creamy texture, likely due to lees contact during fermentation. This richness is beautifully balanced by the lively acidity, leading to a lingering, creamy finish. It's a versatile choice, perfect for enjoying alongside fresh vegetable dishes, delicate white fish, prawns, or simply savoring on its own.

WINE #2

2022 Boundary Breaks
Gewürztraminer
Finger Lakes, New York

A career shift at 50 led Bruce Murray from the world of New York City publishing to the fertile grounds of the Finger Lakes AVA. In 2007, he purchased a 120-acre plot on Seneca Lake, transforming former soybean and cornfields into a vineyard. The transition, as Bruce says, felt natural: "It offered a similar level of risk and challenge I craved." Growing up near the Finger Lakes, Bruce recognized the region's unique potential for cool-climate Vitis vinifera grapes. "The climate here hits a sweet spot," he explains, "allowing these grapes to flourish and produce exceptional wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc."

This Gewurztraminer exhibits restrained spice notes with full-fledged floral, rose-petal character. It’s beautifully aromatic and dry.

WINE #3

2023 Paumanok Wines
Chenin Blanc
North Fork of Long Island, NY

Established on Long Island's North Fork, Paumanok Vineyards is a family-owned winery with a deep commitment to quality. Charles and Ursula Massoud began their journey in 1983, meticulously growing grapes and selling them throughout the 1980s. Inspired by a stellar 1988 vintage, they built their own winery in 1990, passing the torch to the next generation. Today, Kareem Massoud serves as both winemaker at Paumanok and President of Long Island Wine Country. He also oversees winemaking at neighboring Palmer Vineyards.

This Chenin Blanc bursts with refreshing energy, offering a crisp and racy character. The lively bouquet is dominated by notes of grapefruit and pineapple, with hints of melon, apple, and guava adding intriguing complexity. The palate mirrors the nose, showcasing a delightful balance of acidity and fruitiness. This unoaked white wine makes an excellent companion to various white meat and fish dishes. Enjoy it alongside striped bass, flounder, cod, or even lobster. However, its true magic lies in its pairing with oysters, where the wine's bright acidity beautifully cuts through the briny richness, creating a truly harmonious experience.