Every good Northern Michigan resident has their favorite secret beach – a spot they can go to relax and enjoy some peace around the big water that surrounds us.
We strongly believe everyone needs a secret beach to call their own, to escape from the day to day grind, and that’s why we bottled one for you. We give you … 2016 Secret Beach – our table white wine blend that has finally returned to the tasting room and a store shelf near you.
One of our most popular wines, Secret Beach is a tropical delight of flavors. This year our blend is 65% Vignoles, 31% Riesling, and 4% Muscat Ottonel. You’re probably familiar with vignoles and riesling, and also (if you’re anything like me) shaking your head at muscat ottonel.
What is Muscat Ottonel?
Let’s head to the ever-helpful Wikipedia:
Muscat Ottonel is a white wine grape variety that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. It is most notable for its use in dessert wines from Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Serbia as well as dry wines from Alsace and Hungary. In Alsace, the varietal designation Muscat d’Alsace is allowed for the varieties Muscat Ottonel, Muscat blanc à petit grains and Muscat rose à petit grains blended in any combination -or not- (but not for other members of the Muscat family), and blends between these are not allowed for most Alsace Grands Crus.
First cultivated in Alsace by the Loire grower Moreau-Robert in 1852, Muscat Ottonel is believed to be a cross of Chasselas with Muscat de Saumur(which was originally given as “Muscat d’Eisenstadt”).
That clears it up, right?
The Flavor of Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a jubilee of tropical fruit flavors. You’ll notice hints of peach, pear, passion fruit, and pineapple in your glass. You can also pick up just a hint of coconut. It’s a light body wine, with bright acidity, and 10% alcohol by volume.
The Stats
Harvest Date: October 2016
Brix @ Harvest: 20.8*
pH: 2.9
Blend: 65% Vignoles, 31% Riesling, 4% Muscat Ottonel
ABV: 10%
Residual Sugar: 3.6%
TA: 10.6 g/L
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Level of Acidity: High
Tannin Level: Low
Oak Level: None
Ageability: Short-Medium (2 years)
Bottling Date: 3-1-2017
Vineyard: Daddy Long Legs, Benzie Co.
Winemaker: Michael Altesleben
Food Pairings
We recommend a tropical flair to go with Secret Beach. Some ideas include coconut shrimp, a jerk-seasoning (perhaps on some chicken), or a dessert with tropical fruits. For cheese, go with vlaskaas or cow milk gouda.
Find Your Secret Beach
You can get Secret Beach in our tasting room, in our web store, or request it at your favorite local wine shop.