Art Chowder September | October, Issue 23 | Page 46

White
Upper Peninsula, Michigan -
Mari Vineyards Riesling “Scriptorium”
http://www.marivineyards.com - $24 Naramata, British Columbia -
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris
http://www.nicholvineyard.com - $23
Out of a lineup of 100-plus Riesling
wines from around the world, this
gem stands out for its balance of
mildly sweet fruit with singing acid-
ity to make the mouth water for the
next sip.  Made in tiny batches, this
wine rewards the wait.  Enjoy it all
by itself, alongside a cheese board of
soft cheeses or against the richness
of dry scallops and fruit salsa. Quite likely the most northerly
Pinot Gris in the world, from this
small village overlooking Okana-
gan Lake, the most remarkable
quality of this dry wine is its color. 
The winery extends skin contact on
this wine until it renders the wine a
mild pink color, true to its varietal
roots.  The other remarkable quality
of the wine is its lingering grape-
fruit and smoky impressions —
authenticity and a bargain.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE