WINES
WHITES
Cogdal Vineyards Collection
Michigan and Riesling are made for each other. The Dry Riesling will give you a new perspective on Riesling.
Dry Riesling - With aromas of mild citrus and grreen apple, this wine softly coats your mouth and finishes with notes of honey.
Riesling-Lake Michigan Shore (Semi-Dry) - Aromas of pear and apple on the nose followed by sweet tropical fruit flavors are present in this refreshing wine. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2015 Michigan Wine Competition. (SOLD OUT UNTIL 2021)
Vin Blanc (Dry) - Crisp and refreshing, this wine starts with green apple flavors and finishes with a pleasant burst of citrus notes on the palate. Awarded a Silver Medal at 2019 International Taster's Guild Wine Judging.
Riesling-American (Semi-Sweet) - This old favorite is like biting into a juicy apple, starting out smooth, sweet and fruity and ending with a pleasant mouthwatering finish. (SOLD OUT UNTIL 2021)
SPECIALTY - MAPLE
Made with maple syrup harvested from the vineyard property.
Maple - Unique, elegant and rich with aromas of caramel and butterscotch on the nose and a sweet nutty mouth finish. NOW AVAILABLE - ONLY 8 CASES
REDS
Cogdal Vineyards Collection
These reds are great examples of the potential for Michigan reds. They compare favorably with wines from any region.
Cabernet Franc - A dark cherry and strawberry nose filled with abundant spice that continues on the palate creates this medium this medium bodied wine. Awarded Best in Category at 8th Annual Lake (2015) Michigan Shore AVA Wine Evaluation. (SOLD OUT UNTIL 2021)
Merlot - Notes of ripe cherry, strawberry are found in this fruity and spicy wine, with a tasty pepper finish.
Vin Rouge - Scents and tastes of juicy red and blue fruits are plentiful in this easy drinking wine with a velvety smooth finish. Awarded a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
BLENDS
Little Man Wines
Vision (dry red) - A dark crimson wine with a distinct blackberry jam flavor and a silky lingering plum finish. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2016 Great Lakes Wine Judging, a Silver Medal at the 2016 Michigan Wine Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2017 INDY International Wine Competition, a Silver Medal at the 2017 Michigan Wine Competition, a Silver Medal at the 2018 International Taster's Guild Wine Judging.
V.P.S. (Vision Private Selection - dry red) - A combination of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a complex, medium bodied wine that offers a cedar and spice nose, complimented with dark red fruit rounded by a touch of oak. Awarded a Silver Medal at the 2019 Indy International Wine Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2019 International Taster's Guild Wine Judging, a Silver Medal at the 2019 Michigan Wine Competition..
Whitecap (dry white) - Crisp and light with a melon nose, hints of honey and abundant apple and citrus fruits. This will remind you of Pinot Grigio.
Big Lake (dry red) - A smooth and oaked wine with flavors of dried cherry, raspberry, and blackberry with a touch of spice. Awarded a Bronze Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Charlie's Choice (dry white) - Floral and spice nose with soft grapefruit flavors that finish crispy. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2016 Great Lakes Wine Judging, Silver Medal at the 2016 Michigan Wine Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2017 Michigan Wine Competition, a Silver Medal at the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, a Silver Medal at the 2019 Michigan Wine Competition
Reflection (dry red) - This dark red wine begins with hints of cedar on the nose, followed by a unique balance of jammy blue fruits and spice on the palate.
North Beach White (sweet white) - Intense peach and citrus nose that pairs well with friends, family, and fun.
South Beach Red (sweet red) - Black cherry, big grape flavor, just enjoy at sunset in a beach chair on South Beach.
Sweet Inspiration (semi-dry) - Aromas of tropical fruit on the nose followed by flavors of apple, pear and sweet pineapple on the palate. A Silver Medal at the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, a Silver Medal at the 2019 Michigan Wine Competition.
Nana's Kiss (dry rose) - Rose gold in color, this wine presents flavors of sweet fresh strawberries on the palate, with a long tangy fruit finish. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2018 International Taster's Guild Wine Judging, a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Indy International Wine Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2019 International Taster's Guild Wine Judging a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Michigan Wine Competition.
Charlie's Bad Choice (dry white) - Special barrel aging (wine/bourbonbarrel) of Charlie's Choice has softened the fruitiness of Charlie's Choice, but pleasantly coats your mouth with flavors of rye and toast, while leading into an exciting finish with lingering warmth.
Vines
Wines
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Growing the Grape
Fine wines start with superior grapes. Superior grapes are the result of several factors. We have listed some major ones below:
Site: An environment whose temperate climate insure a long growing season and physiological maturity of the grapes.
Soil: Well drained soils to prevent the accumulation of water which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and other conditions that inhibit the ripening process.
Climate: Planting should occur in micro-climates that maximize their potential
Vine Management: Vine or canopy management is required to create a balance berween the vine's vegative growth and its fruit development. This may require removal of shoots, leaves, and clusters to insure adequate air flow and exposure to sunlight.
Clone: Vitually all grapes types have multiple clones. Clones are used to produce grapes with improved flavors and reduce risk of disease.
Crop Size: Low or modest crop yields are historically associated with fine wines.
Harvest Process: Grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition.
Making the Wine
Crush and Destem: Grapes are mechanically crushed and de-stemmed . This releases some free run juice and separates the fruit from the stems.
Press: The resulting must from crushing and de-stemming is pressed to separate the juice from the skins. For whites this is done immediately to reduce contact with the skins while reds wait until after the inital fermentation.
Fermentation: The natural sugars of the grape juice are converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide through the action of cultured yeasts.
Whites - Fermentation occurs at cooler temperatures (55 F) to best extract their fresh and fruity qualities.
Reds - A short fementation occurs immediately after crushing and de-stemming and at a higher temperature. During this time the additional contact time with the skins helps accenuate the color and tannin structure.
Secondary Fermentation: Most reds and some whites are also put through another fermentation (malolactic) to further enhance aroma and flavor.
Aging: Further development of a wine's aroma and flavors before bottling.
Stainless - Preserves fresh and fruity characterisitcs
Wood - Promotes flavors from the type of barrel used. Extended barrel aging helps soften red wines tannins and enhances the fruit.
Clarification: Racking, fining, and filtration are used to clear any haziness caused by residual particulate matter.