Comments on: Column: Arbor Vinous

By: Bob Martel

Bob Martel — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:19:09 +0000

Joel, In fact I think that I have a few bottles of the Domaine Berrien Marsanne in my cellar (either in here in AA or our week end place in Saugatuck.) As you note, all these wines are purchased at the wineries themselves which make a good excuse to head out west every once an awhile! Bob

By: Joel Goldberg

Joel Goldberg — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:07:40 +0000

Erroll, of course you’re right about the the Ontario comparison. While I’d be a happy camper if more Michigan retailers turned up the PR volume on behalf of the better local wines, that’s not to suggest we consider swapping our system for Ontario’s government-run version.

Joel

By: Errol Kovitch

Errol Kovitch — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:43:17 +0000

Joel, great writing!

One nit though, comparing our 5% of the market to Ontario’s 40% of their home market is really apples to cherries. The LCBO has quite a discriminative pricing structure that gives (last time I saw the figures) a 40% advantage to the local product. Personally, I am happy that my new home believes in a free market system and quite frankly most of the Ontario labelled wines sold there aren’t even from Ontario grapes, but from imported juice from South America or Australia.

I am looking forward to more prose from your word processor!

By: Joel Goldberg

Joel Goldberg — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:16:31 +0000

Bob, it’s disappointing that smaller wineries from the southwest part of the state don’t have good distribution here. Last night a friend served us a very nice bottle of 2007 Domaine Berrien Marsanne that he brought back from the winery in Berrien Springs. That’s a white grape native to the France’s Rhone Valley, and I believe they’re the only Michigan winery growing it. But their wines generally aren’t available around here.

– Joel

By: Bob Martel

Bob Martel — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:20:04 +0000

Hi Joel, Although their wines are not usually available locally (that is in or near AA,) Southwest Michigan has a number of excellent wineries that make a great day or week end trip. Check out: http://www.miwinetrail.com/The_Wineries.html

By: Marguerite Patterson

Marguerite Patterson — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:15:42 +0000

A very interesting and informative article, Joel. I enjoyed the availability of Michigan wines tour through the wine departments of the various stores in Ann Arbor and look forward to your future monthly offerings in the Chronicle. Cheers!

By: TeacherPatti

TeacherPatti — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:31:32 +0000

Drink local beer, too!! :)

Great article, even though I’m not a wine drinker. I’m sorry! I’ve tried and I’ve tried!

By: Clay Johnson

Clay Johnson — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:02:46 +0000

Nice review Joel. Nice to see a mention of Brys Estate wines, and also availability in Ann Arbor. Last night Mom brought over a Brys 2007 Pinot Grigio that was richer and more interesting than any PG I’ve ever bought at retail.

Hey, I like the Chronicle too.

By: Leah Gunn

Leah Gunn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:45:17 +0000

Hello, Joel – great article. Did you know that Ann Arbor has won awards for its water? So that tap water request should catch on. It saves not only money, but also reduces the carbon footprint by not using plastic to bottle the water, nor fossil fuel to deliver it. This movement has taken hold abroad as well, where people are drinking tap water in Europe instead of buying bottled water.