The Wine Cellar

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer- is an aromatic white wine grape variety, and which performs best in cooler climates. On our Award-Winning Wine Tours, guests often learn that "Gewürz" means "herb" or "spice" in German. In English and French, it is usually written Gewurztraminer (without the umlaut). Gewürztraminer is a variety with a pink to red skin color, which makes it a "white wine grape" as opposed to the blue to black-skinned varieties commonly referred to as "red wine grapes". Gewurztraminer grapes grow very well in the Traverse City area. The variety has high natural sugar and the wines are white and usually off-dry.

Fruit- Lychee, stone fruit, tropical fruit, pineapple, peach, apricot, oranges, cantaloupes
Spice - ginger, lemongrass, allspice, cinnamon
Floral - rose
Other - Honey, incense, smoke, first time I heard the Beatles
Food pairing - duck, Indian food, curry dishes, crab, shrimp, kung pao chicken, szechuan style, candied ginger, munster, gorgonzola, gouda, stilton, roquefort cheeses
Staff pairing - Butcher Block Tortilla encrusted tilapia with Cholula hot sauce

Riesling

Riesling ( REE-sling, REEZ-ling) is a white grape variety that originated in the German Rhine region, which grows very well in the Traverse City wine region. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas combined with high acidity. Guests on our award-winning wine tours learn that Riesling grapes are used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. Some wine experts know that Riesling is one of the world's most popular grape varieties and is estimated to be in the world's top 20th most grown variety. Wine connoisseurs also know that in terms of importance for quality wines, it is usually included in the "top three" white wine varieties together with Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, all 3 of which grow exceptionally well in Traverse City. Riesling is a variety that is highly "terroir-expressive", meaning that the character of Riesling wines is greatly influenced by the wine's place of origin and that is good because the sandy soil, terrain and weather here in the Traverse City area is perfect for Riesling grapes.

Fruit - peaches, pears, apple, apricot, pineapple, nectarine, lemon
Aroma - floral aroma, jasmine, citrus blossom, ginger, honey, honeycomb, beeswax
Color - dry rieslings are lighter, sweet rieslings are darker golden or yellow
Acidity - Riesling are usually higher in acidity which produces a crisper or more tart tasting experience
Food pairing - dry rieslings usually pair well with seafoods, oysters, mussels, crabs, pastas. Rieslings pair with pork, the floral aromatics and sweetness of rieslings often pair well with fried chicken or spicy Indian, Thai or Mexican food. Gruyere goat cheeses pair very well.
Magic Mike's pairing - TC Taqueria

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is the white grape variation or "mutation" of Pinot Noir. Found mostly in Germany and Northern Italy, this grape grows great here in the Traverse City area. Pinot Blanc is grown in many different wine regions, Pinot blanc is known for fruity aromas, often of apple, citrus fruit, and floral characteristics. Pinot Blanc is one of the most popular wines on our tours and often times is a strong staff favorite.

Fruit - peaches, nectarines, apricots, baked pear, papaya, lemon
Floral - elderflower, apple blossom, white flowers
Nuts - almonds
Earthy - stony minerality
Smoky - slight smokiness
Food pairing-seafood, cod, swordfish, sea bass, pasta, chicken
Kyle's pairing - brisket

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is a white wine varietal grown in many of the vineyards here in Traverse City. Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris grapes are a deep golden yellow to copper colors and sometimes produce as a very light shade of pink. Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris grapes are harvested earlier to retain the acidity and to not create a wine that is over-bearing in its fruitiness. Pinot Grigio's origins are known to be back to the Middle Ages in the Burgundy, France region. What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? The big difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wine is how it's produced. Pinot Gris is usually made from the ripest grapes and aged in wood barrels. Pinot Grigio are usually harvested earlier in the season, creating a crisper and drier flavor. Pinot Grigio is usually aged in stainless steel, which adds to the fresh taste.

Fruits - Lemon, lime, orange, green apple, pear, peaches, honeydew melon
Floral - subtle floral aromas, white floral notes, citrus blossom
Spice-light spices, almond, honey, ginger
Earthy - hints of minerality
Food Pairing-shellfish, sushi, oysters, chicken, avocado, goat cheese, grilled veggies
Jill's Pairing - scallops

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc grapes historically have been grown in the Loire Valley (France), California, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, South Africa and now Traverse City. This grape ripens early, so it is best to be grown in regions with a lot of sun but not extreme heat temperatures as it can cause the Sauvignon Blanc grape to over-ripen and product dull and acidic wines.

This complex wine has aromas of pear, notes of lemon citrus, subtle hints of fresh coconut flavors and a white floral component.
Food pairing - Enjoy this food-friendly wine with fresh seafood like ceviche, charcuterie, or with Asian food and vegetables.
Troy's pairing The Idaho pizza from That'sa Pizza

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is an extremely popular green-skinned grape variety used in the production of white wine. The variety originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand all the way to the vineyards here in Traverse City. Guests on our tours will see both wooded and unwooded Chardonnay wines in the local wineries. Unoaked Chardonnay also referred to as unwooded or naked is aged in metal or stainless steel making a light to medium body crisp bright white wine often with notes of apple, citrus or other crisp fruits. Wooded or oaked Chardonnay is aged in wood usually creating a richer medium bodied "buttery" white wine often with a creamy mouthfeel and notes of butter, cream, roasted nuts, vanilla, caramel and baking spices. Oaked Chardonnay often has a darker golden color.

Chardonnays from cooler climates, like Chablis in Burgundy or parts of California, tend to be crisp and mineral-driven with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and citrus. Chardonnays from warmer climates, like Australia, California's Central Coast, or parts of South America, tend to be richer and creamier with notes of tropical fruit like pineapple, papaya, mango, and guava
Food pairing - white fish, shellfish, lobster, fish in creamy/butter sauces, pasta, brie and monterey jack cheese
Tracy's pairing Salmon

Auxerrois

Auxerrois (awk-ser-WAH) may not be one of Frances' or Traverse City's best known grapes, but it’s undeniably important. Some refer to it as Pinot Auxerrois in the region, sometimes mistaken for Pinot Blanc or a wooded Chardonnay. Some wine experts claim that Auxerrois is a sibling of Chardonnay. Both are hybrids of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, and in the Moselle region of France, Chardonnay is often called Auxerrois Blanc. Auxerrois most likely takes its name from Auxois, a town in Burgundy, however taken to the next level in Northern Michigan's wine country here in Traverse City.

Fruits - citrus mandarin and lemon, pear, baked apple
Tea - white tea, shortbread cookies, limoncello
Savory tones - pie crust, biscotti, bitter-citrus oil, honey
Aroma - rich musky aroma
Food pairing - seafood, white meats, poultry, omelets, quiches, soft cheeses, spicy dishes
Magic Mike's pairing - Costco chilli Hebrew National hot dogs

Cabernet Franc

Cab Franc is a parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère and gives them a hint of mint or green bell pepper. Depending on where Cab Franc is grown, these grapes can be lighter or bolder, however always tasty. Cab Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone, as in the Traverse City area.

Fruit - cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, black currant
Herbs - mint, chamomile, cigar, tobacco
Earthy - green peppercorn, green bell pepper, minerality
Other - tobacco, leather, violets, baking spices
Food pairing - ribeye steak, lamb chops, pork ribs, burgers, sausage, brats, pate, parmesan, brie and blue cheeses.
Jason's food pairing - mushroom burger

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is also sometimes known as Pinot nero, a red-wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name also refers to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black. The word pine refers to the grape variety having tightly clustered fruit resembling a pinecone.

Pinot noir is grown around the world, mostly in cooler climates, and the variety is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France, however has become very popular here in the Traverse City wine region. Pinot noir is now used to make red wines around the world, as well as champagne, sparkling white wines such as the Italian Franciacorta, and English sparkling wines.

Fruits- Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, plum
Floral - subtle perfume, first love
Earthy - forest floor, mushrooms, truffles
Tea - hints of tea
Spices - vanilla, baking spices usually when aged in French oak
food pairing - Poultry, Beef, Fish, Ham, Lamb, Pork, Creamy sauces, Spicy seasonings, Soft cheeses, and Mushrooms
Andie's food pairing - Gordon's Pretzel Bites

Gamay

Gamay is a purple-colored grape variety used to make red wines, most notably grown in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours. Its full name is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc. It is a very old cultivar, mentioned as long ago as the 15th century. It has been often cultivated because it makes for abundant production; however, it can produce wines of distinction when planted on acidic soils, which help to soften the grape's naturally high acidity. Gamay grows great here in the Traverse City wine region and is very popular with the guides here at Movie Stars Wine Tours.

Fruit- raspberries, red cherries, blackberries, wild strawberries
Tartness - red plum, rasperries, red cherries
Floral - violet, peony
Earthy - subtle earthy undertones
Banana and bubble gum - some varieties have flavors of strawberry, banana, bubble gum, first kiss
Food pairing - roast chicken, aged cheeses, mushrooms, braised duck, roast butternut squash, falafel, caramelized onions Tony's pick - oven-baked mac & cheese

Merlot

Merlot is a dark blue–colored wine grape variety that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be derived from the word merle, the French name for the blackbird, probably a reference to the color of the grape. Its softness and "fleshiness," combined with its earlier ripening, make Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin.

Fruit - plum, black cherries, raspberries
Spice - vanilla, cloves, love, other sweet spices
Earthy - graphite and dried earth
Floral - purple floral top notes
Chocolate - dark chocolate notes
Food pairing - bbq chicken, pasta, roast turkey, beef, ribs, lamb, veal, filet mignon, gouda, brie, chocolate
Kyle's pick - pepperoni pizza

Lemberger

Lemberger which is also known as Blaufränkisch is a dark-skinned variety of grape used for red wine and has become very popular here in the Traverse City wine region. Lemberger is usually produced in smaller lots and is a late-ripening variety, produces red wines which are typically rich in tannin and may exhibit a pronounced spicy black pepper character. Outstanding wine produced by some of the wineries here in Northern Michigan, definitely put some in the cellar.
Lemberger wines can be fruity or tannic, and can have a long-lasting aftertaste. The wine's flavor profile can depend on the production method and the grape's aging. Some Lemberger wines are aged in barrells, which in some cases can give the wine a southern charm and warmth.

Fruit-blackberries, red cherries, plums, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, bananas
Spice - black pepper, cinnamon, cracked black peppercorn, heaven
Vegetative - green beans, peppers
Oak - smokey oak
Chocolate - chocolate
Food pairing - Pork, smoked meats, steak, hearty cheese, red peppers, seafood, brats, lamb.
Magic Mike's food pairing - Tyson's Chicken Nuggets