Michigan is a state in the Midwestern United States, located between Great Lakes Huron and Michigan, along the northern border of the United States with Canada. Grape wine production in the state focuses on cool Climate vinifera varieties, while fruit wine production is also significant. The state is also known for its craft breweries and a growing spirits industry. Riesling has quickly become the most important noble grape, supported by varieties such as Pinot blanc, pinot grigio and Gewurztraminer.
The Bordeaux varieties, Gamay and Pinot Noir are among the most important red varieties. In regions further inland from the Great Lakes, cold-hardy Hybrid grapes are more common. Examples include Marquette, Frontenac and Vidal. Michigan is one of the few wine regions in the world that can produce natural ice wines.
Muscat Ottonel has the character of a grape variety with a distant lineage. It was first obtained in 1839 and continues to be planted in nearly 2,000 hectares of vineyards around the world. It shows good vigour and promises satisfactory production, of the order of 6 kilos per vine. The bunches, which are rather loose, are quite large, bearing berries with a strong character. A pleasantly musky flavour and a lot of juice characterize the pulp, protected by a medium skin. The bluish-black skin contributes to the exceptional beauty of the vineyards at harvest time. The size of the ellipsoidal berries is another argument in favor of Muscat Ottonel, which is also known as Muscat Ottone or Muscadet Ottonel. Resin, toast, honey and wild flowers are all present in the wines made from this variety. If the foliage, which turns yellow in autumn, is one of its charms, remember to protect the fruit from grey rot and coulure.
white wines from the region of Michigan go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of filet mignon in a crust, codfish aioli or mushroom, bacon and gruyere quiche.
On the nose in the region of Michigan often reveals types of flavors of tree fruit, earth or oak and sometimes also flavors of spices, citrus fruit or non oak. In the mouth in the region of Michigan is a powerful.
