August 7, 2008

East Lansing was awash in Michigan wine this week, as 24 wine experts from around the country and across the state gathered for the 31st annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition. Judges included two Master Sommeliers, internationally known wine writers, winemakers, and knowledgeable retailers and restaurateurs.

Some judges were new to the Michigan competition and were pleasantly surprised by the wines they tasted. Ian Barry, winemaker for Swedish Hill Winery in Romulus, N.Y., noted, "The overall excellent quality of Michigan wines has been a revelation."

Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon and wine writer Ron Sober also praised the overall quality of the wines. "The wines are very good, from an international standard, not just compared to other similar regions," said Sober. Triffon added that "Michigan has come a long way. Each flight had notable wines; the tasting experience was a pleasure."

Thirty-four of the state's 56 wineries entered 346 wines for this year's competition, which is open only to wines produced from Michigan grapes and other fruit. Gold medals were awarded to a wide variety of wines—from bone-dry reds to deliciously sweet ice wines—from all of Michigan's major grape-growing areas. At the end of the day, judges awarded the top "Best of Class" awards to five wines from a group of 39 gold medal and eight double gold medal winners.

The top award-winners are:

• Best of Class Dry White:
  Chateau Fontaine – 2007 Dry White Riesling
  
  
• Best of Class Dry Red:
  Longview – 2007 Rustic Red
  
  
• Best of Class Semi-Dry White:
  St. Julian – 2007 Braganini Reserve Traminette
  
  
• Best of Class Dessert Wine:
  Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery – 2007 "Dry Ice" Ice Wine
  
  
• Best of Class Fruit Wine:
  Mackinaw Trail Winery – Razz Berry
  

In addition, Bowers Harbor Vineyards won a Judges' Merit Award for their 2007 Pinot Noir Rosé.

A complete list of medal-winning wines is available online at www.michiganwines.com. The Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition is sponsored by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, which is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. For more information about the wines and wineries of Michigan, contact the council online, or by phone at 517-241-4468.

High resolution photos of the competition may be found here.