Category: Commentary
January 11, 2008
Steve Grossnickle, Owner
Winter in Michigan is a special event, those of us who have experienced it form a common bond with fellow winterites. Pristine knee deep white snow, cerulean blue skies, and air that is inhaled slowly to assure a non-heart stopping shock, are remembrances of winter at its best. Floridians, woosies at best, have no clue as to these sensorial experiences. Three generations of Grossnickles, grandfather, father, and son, and best friend, visited the winery under these exact conditions. We tasted the still young wines that Shawn and David have perfected, and I must say they…
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February 20, 2008
Maynard Johnston, Consultant
My 1st visit to Leelanau occurred in September of 2006. I was immediately impressed by 2 things, the beauty of the place and the friendliness of the people. During that 1st visit, I visited ~6 wineries during that short stay. I quickly learned that the majority of the wine being made there was coming from the vinifera family of grapes, the quality family, the European/California family. There were also wines being made from French Hybrids such as Vignoles and Vidal Blanc as well…
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September 1, 2007
Steve Grossnickle, Owner
I’m now going to dive into the deep, unexplored pool of knowledge concerning alcohol, the simple two carbon molecule, and its effects on the human body. Many studies have shown that longevity is positively affected by those who have alcohol as part of their diets, the actuaries know this as well, alcohol usage is a checkbox on every insurance application. But, the studies always indicate moderation as far as intake, several ounces is the benchmark. As I delve into the subject, I find that the facts are clear, the actuarially studies…
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May 11, 2007
Steve Grossnickle, Owner
Life is nothing more than a collection of memories, it’s best that they be of the better category. Recently I have experienced two such events, the Taste of Copia Downunder in Napa, CA, and Toast of the Town in Chicago. Such experiences should also be enhanced with addition and presence of both family and friend and, again, such was the case.
In mid April, while visiting with my son and daughter-in-law in Dublin, CA, Maynard whom you’ve met electronically, was able to get us into the Copia Centers Tasting with 20 of the top Australian vintners and we tasted some marvelous wines. All of us have experienced that “in over my head” feeling and that’s perhaps how I felt. Certainly I was not intimidated, there was no judging, and everyone, as is per usual with the Aussies, very friendly and low key and I and…
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March 9, 2007
Steve Grossnickle, Owner
Is wine a health food? Evidence mounts that it actually is, but one has to be careful in interpreting the scientific data and analyze the chemistry and its biochemical effects. This article is intended to be a primer on the health aspects of wine. Much of the historical history of wine involves the 300-400 year old Puritanical view, focusing only on the alcohol content and the evils thereof. Organic chemistry is a relatively new science of perhaps 150 years and, of course, biochemistry is approximately two generations (50-70 years) old. So, with the discovery of phenols, catechins, anti-oxidants, flavonoids, phyto-nutrients etc., one has to include them in the science of health. The French Paradox, which Maynard will elaborate on, roughly states that why is heart disease more prevalent in the west when…
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January 21, 2007
Steve Grossnickle, Owner
Forty-Five North Winery is a lifelong Grossnickle dream that has now come of age. Northern Michigan, especially Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties are an exceptionally beautiful area and a special place for the Grossnickle family. We have visited for 45 plus years and have owned a cottage on Little Traverse Lake since 1983. Skiing, hiking, boating, and fishing have produced memories for Lori, Steve, Brian & Hildy, Eric & Alanna, Katie, their many friends and now Mica and Katarina. Visionaries in the early 80s realized that the Cherry Capital of the world, being a micro…
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Winter in Michigan is a special event, those of us who have experienced it form a common bond with fellow winterites. Pristine knee deep white snow, cerulean blue skies, and air that is inhaled slowly to assure a non-heart stopping shock, are remembrances of winter at its best. Floridians, woosies at best, have no clue as to these sensorial experiences. Three generations of Grossnickles, grandfather, father, and son, and best friend, visited the winery under these exact conditions. We tasted the still young wines that Shawn and David have perfected, and I must say they…
