SAUVIGNON BLANC RESERVE

The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve represents both a beginning and a milestone. Released during Chateau Grand Traverse’s 50th anniversary year, this wine is the culmination of a five-year investment—an intentional and patient pursuit to bring a rising global varietal to Northern Michigan’s shores. Years before Sauvignon Blanc emerged as one of the fastest-growing white wine categories in the U.S., our team recognized its potential in a cool-climate context and planted it not as an experiment, but as a commitment.

While Sauvignon Blanc is now ubiquitous on American wine lists—largely defined by New Zealand’s explosive aromatics or California’s lush, fruit-forward examples—our Reserve bottling aims for precision and poise. Sourced from sandy-loam soils on the sloped vineyards of Old Mission Peninsula, the wine leans into its cool-climate lineage, offering expressive aromatics, bracing acidity, and mineral tension.

This is a Sauvignon Blanc that speaks more to Sancerre than to Sonoma, but with unmistakable Michigan character. Unlike New Zealand styles—which often emphasize gooseberry, pyrazine (green pepper), and overt tropical notes—this wine favors balance: a delicate fusion of grapefruit zest, lemongrass, passionfruit, and fresh basil, grounded by subtle salinity and a vibrant, steely finish. Compared to Old World Sancerre, which trends toward lean citrus, flint, and restraint, our Reserve sits in the middle—offering more fruit richness than the Loire, but more structure and freshness than its West Coast cousins.

Fermented and aged exclusively in temperature-controlled stainless steel, the wine was designed to showcase purity over opulence. It pours a pale lemon hue, with an immediate aromatic lift that evolves with air. The palate is linear, nervy, and mouthwatering, finishing long and mineral-driven. This is not a cocktail white. It’s a conversation starter—intellectual in form, yet deeply enjoyable in function.

Terroir Insight:
Old Mission Peninsula’s northern latitude provides long growing days and cool nights, allowing grapes to slowly ripen while preserving sharp acidity. Lake Michigan acts as a thermal buffer, mitigating extremes and extending hang time into the crisp autumn. The vineyard blocks selected for this bottling were chosen for their drainage, airflow, and sun exposure—all critical to expressing the high-toned aromatics and tension-driven structure that define premium Sauvignon Blanc.

Cellaring Note:

• While Sauvignon Blanc is often consumed young, this Reserve will reward short-term aging.
• Expect increased depth, softened acidity, and the emergence of beeswax, flint, and herbal complexity over the next 3–5 years.

Food Pairing Ideas: 

• Omnivore
  • Oysters on the half shell with mignonette; Roasted chicken with lemon and herbs
• Vegitarian
  • Fennel and citrus salad with goat cheese; Leek and potato tart with crème fraîche
• Vegan
  • Grilled asparagus with miso-lemon glaze; White bean and artichoke crostini