Leelanau Peninsula (AVA)
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Leelanau Peninsula is one of a series of fingerlike projections extending into Lake Michigan at Grand Traverse Bay. Nearby is the deep glacial Lake Leelanau. From a viticultural point of view, this abundance of water sufficiently moderates the appellation’s climate, delaying the onset of spring until well past the frost-risk period and protecting fall temperatures from sudden plummets. Even so, vineyards in this cold, northern climate experience an average frost-free period of just 145 days. Through the winter, high snowfall prevents deep-freeze ground temperatures, minimizing winter damage to roots. The glacially-deposited soils that form the Leelanau Peninsula are varied, with bedrock mainly of granite and limestone, a clay-based subsoil and top soils of sand and gravelly loam.

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In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


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Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Leelanau Peninsula AVA

Riesling

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Riesling: You are the matriarch, though your numerous offspring rarely match your noble nature. You teach us to  [>] continue

Correspondent

Eleanor & Ray Heald
are the Regional Correspondents for Leelanau Peninsula.

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Shady Lane Cellars 2005 Chardonnay This cool-climate Michigan wine shows mineral and floral undertones with a honeyed quality reflecting the ripeness of the vintage.
buy wine $16.00

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