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At Aurora Cellars, situated in the scenic landscape of Lake Leelanau, Michigan, we believe that enjoying wine is all about understanding its rich history, diverse types, and intricate production methods. To help you unravel the world of wine, we’ve compiled a handy FAQ guide that should answer some of your pressing questions.
Red wine also presents a vast variety, from light and fruity to bold and tannic. Some popular red wine types include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch and Zinfandel. These wines are often characterized by their rich flavors, varying from fruity to spicy. At Aurora Cellars, our selection of red wines, like our 2018 Cabernet Franc and 2021 Pinot Noir, offer a taste of Lake Leelanau, Michigan in every sip.
In moderation, red wine has been associated with certain health benefits, such as improved heart health and reduced risk of heart disease. This is primarily due to the presence of antioxidants like resveratrol. However, excessive consumption can have negative health effects. Always drink responsibly!
Blaufränkisch is a dark-skinned variety of grape originating from Central Europe. Wines made from Blaufränkisch are typically deep in color, with flavors and aromas of dark berry fruits, pepper, and sometimes a hint of licorice. They often have a bright acidity and moderate tannins. Our award-winning Blaufränkisch is produced from estate grown Lemberger and with strong aromatics of blueberry reduction and cracked black pepper, making it an exciting food pairing with wild game or lamb dishes.
Rosé wine is crafted from red grape varieties and gets its pink hue from the skins of the grapes, but the contact is much shorter than for red wines. This results in a lighter, often fruitier wine. Our award-winning Brut Rosé is a testament to the finesse of rosé wine production.
White wine comes in a variety of styles ranging from light and zesty to rich and creamy. Some of the popular types of white wine include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc. At Aurora Cellars, we pride ourselves on our array of exquisite white wines. Try our award-winning 2021 Grüner Veltliner or our 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, which was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 TEXSOM Awards.
Sparkling wine is made by inducing a secondary fermentation in the bottle, leading to the creation of bubbles. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine that specifically comes from the Champagne region in France. We use the traditional method of making sparkling wine, similar to the process used in Champagne, for our Blanc de Blanc, which has won a Gold Medal in the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Bottling sparkling wine involves a meticulous process known as disgorgement. The wine, after secondary fermentation in the bottle, is chilled to freeze the sediment formed (usually in the neck of the bottle). The cap is then removed, and the pressure within the bottle forces out the frozen sediment plug, leaving behind clear sparkling wine. This process is used in the creation of our Blanc de Noir.
To open sparkling wine safely, chill the bottle, remove the foil, and wire cage, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, grasp the cork, and slowly twist the bottle while holding the cork stationary. This will allow the cork to gently release, preventing any accidents or spillages.
Sweet wines pair beautifully with desserts like fruit tarts, chocolate, and cheesecake. They can also complement spicy dishes or salty cheeses, providing a lovely contrast.
Aurora’s collections of white, red, and sparkling wines are all exquisite examples of the quality of wine that is being produced from fruit grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. We offer an assortment of wine from dry to sweet and white to red in hopes of having a wine to please a wide variety of palates. We strive to produce wines that have a true sense of place.
OPEN from 12 PM – 5:00 PM Mon, Thu, Fri, & Sun
OPEN from 12 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday
CLOSED Tue & Wed
OPEN from 12 PM – 6:00 PM Sun-Fri
OPEN from 12 PM – 7:00 PM Sat
