Lambo

PRODUCTION NOTES: This homage to Lambrusco was also one to improvisation. The old world varieties typically grown for this type of wine are not grown in northern Michigan, but the wine style is reminiscent of our strengths as a region. Lambrusco is built around red grape varieties that produce acid-driven light-bodied red wines with light berry flavors and earthy after-tones. Marquette, a cold-climate varietal developed in the Midwest and a grandson of Pinot Noir, fit the bill for this one. Its color is so intense that deep red can be extracted even when whole cluster pressing the fruit. The wine was fermented like an aromatic white wine to stress bright raspberry and pomegranate tones, then stopped with enough natural residual sugar to be the powerhouse for the Charmat fermentation.

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES: A unique presentation of fruit aromatics lift right out of the glass. The nose is dominated by pomegranate, currant, subtle herbs de Provence, and early season ever-bearing strawberries. The palate is lively with pink bubbles that carry a raspberry reduction style sweetness to balance the vibrant acidity.

PRODUCTION: Whole Cluster pressed. Fermented cool with white wine yeast to drive a fruit forward presentation and stopped with residual sugar for the secondary fermenting. Charmat Method referment (aka Cuve Close).