Peninsula Club: Gold
April 2023 Shipment
2021 Dry Riesling
We feature nine different vineyards with the Riesling grape here at Leelanau Cellars. Our Dry Riesling came from our vineyards in Omena, and it doesn’t disappoint. This easy-drinking, dry wine contains aromas of key limes and lemon custard. Plus, it’s award-winning! In 2022, it earned a Silver Award in the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition. Do you see a beautiful, sunny day coming up in the forecast? Get ready to have the perfect day. Lounging outside, listening to some music, and drinking a glass or two or, let’s be honest, three.
Suggested pairing:
Smoked Salmon
2021 Pinot Noir Rosé
We are nearing the end of the 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé, which entered April with just three cases left and is exclusively available to our wine club members this month. This Rosé was a part of a 2021 season that saw low yields due to a long, warm season with below-average rainfalls. Because of that, you’ll notice a bright acidity in this wine, coupling with the appealing aromas and flavors of strawberries and cherries. Having friends over for a Taco Tuesday night? Give this wine a try.
Suggested pairing:
Chicken Taco
2022 Pinot Grigio
You are among the first to try our 2022 Pinot Grigio, a new estate wine released this month. This Pinot Grigio has a palate of honey and lemon and an aroma of fresh apricots and stone fruits. In 2022, our vineyards had great results, bringing us wines with great structure and body. We have Pinot Gris at three different vineyard sites. One site was picked early to bring that bright flavor you taste on the front end, while the other two had a later harvest to provide a subtle dryness and crisp acidity you taste at the end. It’s a perfect wine for a date night with pasta, board games, and your favorite feel-good movie.
Suggested pairing:
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Suggested pairing:
Smoked Salmon
Suggested pairing:
Chicken Tacos
Suggested pairing:
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Suggested pairing:
Spaghetti and Meatballs
2018 Merlot
The 2018 Merlot features a similar leaner style of Merlot that we enjoyed with the 2017 vintage. You can taste the subtle hints of cedar to add to the dryness of the wine along with the dark fruits to create a smooth finish. Have family visiting town? Get this wine ready to pair with your nice dinner and you’ll be good to go.
2021 Semi-Dry Riesling
Our 2021 Semi-Dry Riesling featured grapes that came from two different vineyards of ours: one in Omena and one on M204. Similar to other wines from 2021, our Semi-Dry Riesling has a bright, well-balanced acidity. This wine also features aromas of apricot, followed by tones of green apple and pear. Thinking Chinese food tonight? Get something spicy and pair it with the Semi-Dry Riesling.
Suggested pairing:
Spicy Kung Pao Chicken
Raspberry Dessert Wine
The Raspberry Dessert wine is back and it’s just as delicious as ever. This port-style wine is fortified with brandy to bring a forceful flavor of raspberries. It’s a perfect wine to bring out when the family’s in town for a celebration. Chocolate cake is ready to be cut. And you pour everyone a glass of the Raspberry Dessert wine to provide the perfect pairing to wrap up their meal.
Suggested pairing:
Chocolate Cake
Suggested pairing:
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Suggested pairing:
Spicy Kung Pao Chicken
Suggested pairing:
Chocolate Cake
Strawberry Pinot Grigio Mojito
Ingredients:
¼ cup of fresh, sliced strawberries
2 oz. simple syrup
1 tbsp. fresh mint
2 oz. fresh lime juice
1 ½ oz. of vodka
2 oz. of 2022 Pinot Grigio
Ice
Directions:
Muddle the strawberries, simple syrup and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add lime juice, vodka, and ice. Cover and shake until well combined and chilled. Add Pinot Grigio. Garnish with fresh mint and sliced strawberries, if desired.
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1 large jalapeno, finely chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder
salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
juice of ½-1 lime
flour or corn tortillas
Preparations
1. In a large skillet brown chicken pieces, onion, pepper, garlic, and olive oil over medium heat until chicken is cooked through.
2. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika or chipotle, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice. I sometimes will add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to make it a little saucy. Serve with desired toppings.
