Peninsula Cellars 2005 Pinot Grigio

Vineyards Notes:
This Pinot Grigio is full of firsts. It is the first Pinot Grigio produced by Peninsula Cellars. It is the second harvest from our estate vineyard and a vineyard in Antrim County, east of Grand Traverse Bay. The fruit was perfectly ripe with rich sugars and solid acidity.

Winemaking Notes:
We slowly pressed the crushed grapes for four hours. This allowed the subtle tannins to release from the skins and add mouthfeel to the juice. The vineyards were fermented separately. After six weeks they were blended and aged in stainless steel for six months.

Tasting Notes:
The two vineyards gave some interesting sensations to the wine. The Antrim County fruit lends pretty pear perfume aromas. The Old Mission fruit contributes more mouthfeel and gives an interestingbalance between the tangy acidity, glycerol smoothness and subtle tannic, dry feeling in the finish.

Food Pairings:
I keep thinking of this wine with a variety of cheese, emmentaler, gruyere and raclette would be easy company for this wine. Scallops, shrimp or calamari, and salafs with fresh fruit and nuts will bring out the flavors in this Pinot Grigio.

Technical Notes:

Varietal:	Pinot Grigio
Vineyards:	Maple Grove, MacDonald, Antrim
Appellation:	Michigan
Harvest Dates:	September 23
Brix at harvest:	21.6
Aging:	100% Tank
Alcohol:	13.3%
Titratable Acid:	7 g/L
Residual Sugar:	0g/L
pH:	3.34
Cases Produced:	437