By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
Something us Michiganers know: you do not have to head to Napa Valley for some of the nation’s best wines, just head north to Traverse City.
Robert Brengman announced that his Rosé winning Best of Show in the most prestigious international competition provides once again Michigan is a world class wine producer.
“Napa Valley, get used to seeing Traverse Wine Coast in the same announcement on capturing crowns at wine competitions” Brengman said. He is the winemaker at Brengman Brothers Winery in Leelanau County, Mich.
The June 26 Rose´ judging at the prestigious American Fine Wine Competition in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, is by invitation only.
“Just being invited is an honor,” Brengman said. “Winning Best is the pinnacle.” He said this wine is a true Pinot Noir Dry Rosé from Crain Hill Vineyards Block 7.
The Rosé Competition 2020 received a total of 150 entries and the sixteen esteemed wine judges awarded 14 Double Gold Medals, 28 Gold Medals and 50 Silver Medals.
Under the auspices of the American Fine Wine Competition, the judges selected Brengman Brothers, Block 7 ($25), from Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan, as Best of Show in the Dry Rosé Category. This Pinot Noir from Crain Hill Vineyard hit all the right notes and captivated the assembled judges. Some of the comments made by the judges: Said Sarah Phillips, wine writer and educator at the Florida Wine Academy: “This Rosé has a fruity, expressive nose, good concentration, watermelon, peach… I want to drink it all day!” “It’s Singing!” Said Judge Zack Foley, Wine Director at the Boatyard, Ft. Lauderdale.
Many wineries from the Traverse Wine Coast region are invited and have progressively taken the top medals and higher scores in the past few years against a tough competition from the best national and international wineries.
“Soon it will not be necessary to mention Michigan after Leelanau Peninsula, just as California is no longer is required to be tagged onto Napa Valley,” Brengman said.
“Our terroir — the glacial soil, microclimate, weather pulse, peninsular mists and 45th Parallel location — all combine to produce some of the finest wines in the world.”
Brengman added that “recognition in international competition against top contenders is gratifying affirmation.”
This year judges delayed the Rose´ contest, which traditionally was in March after the general competition in January.
