St. Julian Strawberry Wine 2015 Braganini Mountain Road Riesling

The summer release wines for July Wine Club are bright, refreshing and loaded with pizazz! Whether you are
heading to the beach, relaxing poolside or enjoying a crazy family backyard BBQ, these wines will help you
celebrate the season. Below we have highlighted two of our favorites; the 2015 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road
Riesling and St. Julian’s new Strawberry Wine. Cheers to your summer being bright, refreshing and loaded with
pizazz!
2015 Braganini Mountain Road Riesling
Grown at St. Julian’s Estate Vineyard in Coloma, the Mountain Road Riesling has become a highly sought
after favorite year after year. Riesling loves the sandy soil and higher elevation at the Mountain Road
Vineyard, producing grapes with bright fruit and crisp acidity. To all of our BR Sauvignon Blanc lovers
who drank all of yours and wish you had more, this Riesling will make you very happy! The flavors are
reminicient of a Sauvignon Blanc. The 2015 BR Mountain Road Riesling has incredible tropical fruit and
grassy notes with a tangy citrus finish. The semi-sweetness is balanced by the perfect amount of acidity,
making this one of the most food-friendly wines of summer. Come see for yourself why grapes grown at
the Mountain Road Vineyard make such delicious wines. RSVP for one of the “Vino in the Vines” events
this summer (more info on page 5). You’ll be glad you did!
St. Julian Strawberry Wine
On the banks of a river on a well beaten path, we harvested our strawberries so the memories could last.
Sip after sip we come back to this place, just to remember the taste… of St. Julian Strawberry Wine.
St. Julian is proud to release our new 100% Strawberry Wine. Local strawberries were harvested in the early
morning hours so the fruit was cool when it reached the winery in order to preserve the fresh flavor. The berries
were pressed and the juice underwent a long, cool fermentation. All aging was done in stainless steel, resulting in a
bright, clean wine meant to be consumed shortly after release. The semi-sweet flavors, like strawberry jam on
toast, make this a carefree summer wine to enjoy with all your BBQ favorites!
My first taste of love, oh bittersweet. The green on the vine; like Strawberry Wine.
Lyrics adapted from the song “Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter.
Sus.tain’abil’i.ty:
n. the ability of not being harmful to the environment or depleting
natural resources, thereby supporting long-term ecological
balance.
Nancie Oxley, Winemaker
As the oldest and largest winery in the state of Michigan, St. Julian has always
been a leader in viticultural practices that benefit the land, as well as the
commercial success of the fruit we grow. We recognize our responsibility to
the environment and our consumers to produce quality products in the most
healthful and conscientious manner. When you drink St. Julian wines, you can
be assured that sustainable practices were used in their production. But what
does that mean? We focus on sustainable methods in the vineyards and
winery in a variety of ways.
In the Vineyard
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Mt. Road Estate Vineyard awarded the Michigan Agriculture
Environmental Assurance Program Certification. St. Julian’s Estate
Vineyard has met all the qualifications in this voluntary proactive
program designed to prevent agricultural risks. It was officially
certified last year!
Integrated Pest Management. Good bugs, birds and predators eat
pests that threaten crops which negates the use of chemical
insecticides. Bird houses have been built in the vineyards to encourage
the presences of blue birds,which eat bad bugs. Pest decoys, like fake
owls, bird calls and cannon booms are used to scare pests from the
fruit.
Composting. Each spring, after all the vines have been pruned, the
canes are mulched, providing “green manure” to the soil.
Cover Crops & Erosian Control. We actively have planted grass
between vineyard rows to control erosion. The cover crops protect the
soils along with promoting habitats to beneficial insects and birds.
Vine Balance. A joint effort between our growers and St. Julian to
achieve the best grapes grown in SW Michigan. Shoot thinning, leaf
pulling and crop thinning all support efforts to grow grapes that match
our climate and soil.
Hazardous Waste Management. Our growers maintain “spray”
buildings for safe storage of chemicals, as well as an area for mixing
spray materials. These facilities protect the environment from
chemicals that could potentially seep into the soil and groundwater.
In the Winery
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Mechinization. We continually invest in equipment to improve
efficiency. Examples include jacketed tank chillers, energy efficient
lighting, mechanized case packer & Cross Flow Filtration.
Waste Management & Recycling. We employ techniques that reduce
waste and recycle.This includes Cross Flow Filtration, which is a
method that reduces our use of filter media creating less than 3%
waste compared to traditional wine filtration. Also Composting is
utilized. A local nursery and livestock farmers use our grape pumace,
returning it to the environment to strengthen soils from our winery
operations. And of course, we Recycle all glass, paper, cardboard and
plastic.
Safe Quality Food Certification. The winery and staff have been
certified in food supply chain safety, providing customers with
confidence in the safety and quality of the products we make.
What does “appellation “mean in terms of
wine making?
Roger Dunson
Winter Haven, FL
An appellation, or American Viticultural Area
(AVA), is a geographical area that has a
distinctive climate, kind of soil, elevation, and
physical features. St. Julian’s grapes come
from the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation.
Officially established in 1983, this area is part
of the great fruit belt with commercial
vineyards dating back as far as 1867. Located
in the southw est corner of Michigan, this
appellation extends from Lake Michigan 45
miles inland to Paw Paw .
Vineyards grow n here are benefited from
w hat w e call the “Lake Effect.” Lake Michigan
acts as a temperature moderator throughout
the year. In spring, w inds coming off the
chilled lake delay bud burst until after the
greatest frost risks have passed. In the
summer, the lake w arms up and this leads to
milder fall temperatures from w armer air off
the lake. This extends our grow ing season
generally by three w eeks longer than up north,
allow ing our grapes to ripen and develop
longer.
The terrain of this AVA is largely the result of
glacial movement that formed the Great Lakes
during the Ice Age. Sandy slopes and hills
made up of glacial moraine provide great
drainage that the vines like. They grow deep,
strong root systems needed to produce the best
fruit.
In order for an AVA to be stipulated on a w ine
bottle, 75% of the grapes in that w ine must be
from the specified AVA. We are proud to say
that all of the grapes used to make St. Julian
w ines come from the Lake Michigan Shore
Appellation!
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE AVA
more beautiful. Share your story atNew a [email protected].
Wine Club Changes in
OR
Wine Club Logos!
We are always looking for ways to improve your Wine
Club experience and appreciate your feedback. There
have been numerous requests to change the Wine
Club months, both from members and the
winemaking team. The current months fall over
major holidays and busy winemaking times, making it
inconvenient for many of us. Therefore, starting in
2017, the quarterly Wine Club allocations will be in
the following months:
FEBRUARY
MAY
We are excited to share the new St. Julian Wine Club
logos and we think you’ll agree- they’re awesome!
Since St. Julian only uses locally grown Michigan fruit,
we think this Michigan- shaped wine splash is the
perfect representation for the Wine Club. Locally grown
and produced, St. Julian products are Pure Michigan!
Look for these logos on merchandise in the coming
months so that you can show off your St. Julian Wine
Club pride. Cheers to beautiful changes!
AUGUST
NOVEMBER
We appreciate your
understanding & support!
Say hello to…
KYLE
St. Julian’s new Enologist
graduated from Michigan State
University. He came to St. Julian
after an intership with Gallo Wines
in California. As Nancie’s right hand
man, he is responsible for much of
the lab work done on the wines.
He enjoys coming to events so say
hello if you see him!
ROSIE
LAURA
Lovingly refered to as “Rosie”,
The Wine Club is lucky to have Laura
St. Julian’s new robotic palletizer is join as the new WC Consultant. Laura
has a degree from Western Michigan
an amazing piece of technology.
University in Public Relations and she
“She” increases productivity and
allows the crew to save their backs adores wine. With Laura and Cassandra
working together, you can be assured
while using their talents
members will get the very best in
elsewhere. If you visit in Paw
Paw, make sure to see Rosie in
personalized service! Make sure to say
hello the next time you call or visit WC!
action. She is impressive!
Beach & Wine Time Reads
Dinner with Churchill
By Cita Stelzer
s
Eight Hundred Grapes
By Laura Dave
Looking for a page-turner you can dive into this summer. Here are a couple suggestions that
go great with waves, water and St. Julian wine!
On numerous best summer read lists, this fiction novel shines with wisdom
and intelligence. Growing up on her family’s Sonoma vineyard, Georgia
learns some important secrets, like it takes 800 grapes to make a bottle of
wine. Weeks before her wedding, she learns that her fiancé has been
keeping a secret so explosive it will change their lives forever. Georgia
returns to her family’s vineyard for comfort to learn there are more
secrets. Heartbreaking, funny, complex, and insightful. Amazon review
Read it with something equally captivating and complex like our
BR Mountain Rd. Riesling; a wine bursting with bright acidity and
complex flavors of passionfruit and citrus flavors. Polar Vortex would
be a good sweet wine to enjoy with this book, with its intense
pineapple, apple and mineral flavors… layers upon layers going on,
just like in the book.
An eloquent narrative of the great man’s dinner table diplomacy. Dinners
for Churchill were more than good food, great wines and cigars. They
were social occasions which he used to cement alliances and sway
opponents. A feast for foodies and history buffs alike, it offers a delicious
tale of the culinary tactics that helped Churchill end the biggest global
conflict of the time. Amazon review
Enjoy this book with something distinguished and full of character
like the BR Chancellor; a wine full of rich flavors of black currant,
black raspberry and cherry. Another great sipper to enjoy while
reading this book would be the new St. Julian Strawberry Wine;
intense with lots of flavor… just like Churchill himself!
Members of St. Julian
St. Julian has Wine Club members across the nation, each with a unique connection to the winery. It’s
through these individual stories that we realize we are part of a shared culture; one where the experience
of enjoying wine makes life more beautiful. Share your SJ story and connect with us!
My friend, Abby, introduced me to the Wine Club in December over the holidays. We met
up in the Paw Paw tasting room and I enjoyed it so much I joined the club. I love the
Perfectly Paired Club because I get my delicious dry wines and even though I’m not a
sweet wine lover, I like having it around the house for my friends to try when they come
over. My membership also allows me to try things I wouldn’t ordinarily get to, like the
Bella Bee which I ended up loving! We’ve made coming to get our wines our Girls Night!
We randomly stopped into St. Julian one day in 2013. We had such a great
time that we joined the Wine Club. St. Julian is our favorite because we love
the friendly staff, the atmosphere and the sweet wines! Now we look
forward to stopping in everytime!
Connect with us on Facebook
Instagram #stjulianwinery
Twitter
[email protected]
UPCOMING
FUN
MUSIC ON THE PATIO
May- Labor Day in Paw Paw
Join us on Fridays from 4-7 pm and Sundays
from 2-5 pm on the patio for live music and
wine. Music schedule can be found at
stjulian.com
95 YEAR HISTORY CELEBRATION
RSVP required
$5/ person
Come pick up your
Wine Club wines,
meet the
Winemaker, enjoy
small bites &
celebrate
St. Julian’s history.
July 23rd Open house 1-4 pm in Dundee
July 23rd
Dundee
1-4 pm
October 15th
Union Pier
Members and up to 4 guests are invited to our
July pick up party to learn about the history of
St. Julian. Meet the winemakers while
enjoying wine & small bites. Space is limited.
RSVP required. 800.732.6002 ext 785.
$5/person in advance.
VINO IN THE VINES
August 13th /September 24th
Mountain Road Estate Vineyard in Coloma
See details to the left.
WINE CLUB 101 TASTINGS
August / September at all locations
See details to the left.
Join our winemaker & President at
St. Julian’s Mountain Rd. Estate
Vineyard as we walk the rows and
sip wines made from those very
vines. Enjoy small bites and
breathtaking views. RSVP
required.
$35/Person $30/WC
WINE CLUB 101
DESSERTS AND WINE
August 27th in Dundee
Enjoy wines paired with different desserts; as
well as making desserts with our wines.
RSVP required
734-529-3700 $25/person $20 WC
CASE SALE WEEKEND
September 9th-11th at all locations
Members receive 25% off mix & match cases
for pick up or on shipping orders.
Wine Club members are invited to our new free Exclusive
Guided Tastings held in each tasting room. Taste and learn
about the wines you love in a fun and relaxed setting. Each
month will focus on a different topic . 2 people/ membership.
RSVP to the tasting room where you wish to attend to reserve your spot.
Walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits.
Upcoming 101 Tastings: 5:30-6:00ish pm
WINE AND HARVEST FESTIVAL
August 17 Chilled vs. Not Chilled
Learn how the temperature of wines can completely change the flavors.
Join Winemaker Nancie Oxley for a dinner
pairing harvest-inspired food with SJ wines.
More info at www.stjulian.com
September 21 What’s In the Glass? A fun game of discovery.
Learn how to identify 6 different wines by their flavors, aromas and appearance.
September 9th-11th in Paw Paw
Come celebrate the harvest! So much to see
and do! Complete schedule at
www.wineandharvestfest.com
WINEMAKER’S HARVEST DINNER
November 5th in Paw Paw
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches with Wasabi Mayo
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Wasabi Mayo:
Make the wasabi mayo. Put all the ingredients in a
bowl and stir completely. Make the BLT sandwich
using your favorite toasted bread. Slather the bread
with the wasabi mayo. Add bacon, sliced tomoatoes,
lettuce and sliced avocado to taste. Summer in every
bite!
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. Wasabi paste*
2 tsp. rice vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
Sandwich:
toasted bread
cooked bacon
sliced tomatoes
sliced avocado
lettuce
*Wasabi paste can be found in
your grocery store in the
Asian section.
WINE PAIRING
BR Mountain Road Riesling
The savory notes of the bacon and avocado compliment the acidity of this winery favorite
semi-dry white wine. The slight sweetness of the wine balances the slight heat of the spicy
Asian-inspired Wasabi Mayonnaise. This summertime favorite sandwich would also pair
well with the Strawberry Wine and Polar Vortex.
St. Julian Strawberry Wine Limeade
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 bottle St. J Strawberry Wine
½ can frozen limade, defrosted
1 c. strawberries, sliced
¼ lime, sliced
1 L Sprite or sparkling water
Fresh mint to garnish
Splash of Grey Heron Vodka*
*optional
Put the St. Julian Strawberry Wine in a pitcher. Add the ½ can
of limeade and mix thoroughly. Add the sliced strawberries
and lime, as well as the Grey Heron Vodka if using. Chill in the
refrigerator. When ready to serve, top each glass with Sprite or
soda water and garnish with fresh mint.
WINE PAIRING
St. Julian Strawberry Wine
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing cocktails made
with your favorite flavors. The freshness of the Strawberry Wine is a natural choice!
WHAT WE ARE DRINKING IN
VINEYARD SELECT
2015 BR Mt. Rd. Riesling
2014 BR Chancellor
2013 BR Syrah
2015 BR Albarino
2015 BR Traminette
2012 BC Cabernet Franc
PERFECTLY PAIRED
Strawberry Wine
2015 BR Mt. Rd Riesling
2015 BR LH Vignoles
2013 BR Syrah
2015 BR Albarino
2015 Polar Vortex
SWEETER HARVEST
Strawberry Wine
2015 Polar Vortex
2015 BR LH Vignoles
TRUE Blueberry
2 Paws
2015 Polar Vortex
VINEYARD SELECT RED PERFECTLY PAIRED WHITE
2014 BR Chancellor
2013 BR Syrah
2012 BC Cabernet Franc
Founder’s Red
2010 BR Cabernet Franc
Cock of the Walk
2015 Polar Vortex
2015 BR Albarino
2015 BR Mt. Rd Riesling
2015 BR LH Vignoles
2015 BR Traminette
Envy
Read about a wine you didn’t receive?
Wine Club members have access to any wine, in any
shipment at a discounted rate.
Call to check availability @ 800.732.6002 ext 785
Seasons change and so do our tastes. If you see a
club that looks more tempting, call now to change
before October’s shipment!
July Tasting Notes
Vintage
Grower
Mt. Road Riesling
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
41027515
Cases
431
This summer sipper is made from Riesling grown on our Estate Appellation
Vineyard and is bursting with aromas of ripe peaches, tropical
Alcohol
fruits and grassy notes. Reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc, it's semidry, finishing with flavors of passion fruit, gooseberries and tangy Acid
citrus fruits. Our Mountain Road Riesling is grown sustainably as pH
our vineyard was recently awarded the Michigan Agriculture Residual Sugar
Assurance Program Certification; see more about this in our
Retail Value
Sustainability article.
Food Pairing
Strawberry Wine
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
Vintage
Grower
Varietals
Albariño
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
This white wine has its roots in Portugal & Spain but with our
Michigan soil’s natural acidity it makes alluring soft fruit aromas
of apricot, pineapple, peach and passion fruit come out of the
glass. St. Julian was the first winery in the state to grow Albariño
commercially and it was a huge success. This wine is round, ripe
and savory with a slightly exotic personality that begs for another
sip. The finish is fruity and powerful with excellent minerality
with no oak aging to weigh down this summer wine.
Food Pairing
Syrah
12%
7.4 grams/Liter
2.86
1.1%
$24.99
2016
Michigan Strawberries
Strawberries
Appellation
Michigan
Alcohol
10%
Acid
10.2 grams/Liter
pH
3.50
Residual Sugar
9%
Retail Value
$14.99
Cases
350
Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Berry
Tarts, Strawberry Shortcake, and Cream.
Food Pairing
Lake Michigan Shore
Marinated Chicken, Grilled Vegetables, White Fish, Summer BBQ, Salty
Cheeses, Anything you would squeeze a Lemon onto.
The newest addition to our 100% fruit wine collection, our
Strawberry Wine is the perfect complement to the fruit that
grows so well here in Michigan. The bold, fresh aromas of
strawberry sorbet mingle with tangy and sweet flavors to
create the ultimate sweet berry experience. This wine is best
enjoyed chilled and goes great with picnics, sunsets, and any
fun loving activity you find yourself in this summer!
40011215
Varietals
2015
David & John Braganini
Riesling
0
Vintage
Grower
2015
Mike & Sandy Nitz
Albariño
Cases
109
Varietals
Appellation
Alcohol
Acid
pH
Residual Sugar
Retail Value
Lake Michigan Shore
12%
9.2 grams/Liter
3.01
0.1%
$19.99
Grilled Shrimp, Spicy Fish, Butter Garlic Scallops, Lemon Aioli, Mint, Pesto,
Roasted Turkey, Capers, Leaks and Tomatoes.
Vintage
Grower
2013
Joe & Sue Herman and Dan
Nitz
Syrah
Varietals
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
Syrah produces its best, most elegant wines in cool climates Appellation
Lake Michigan Shore
like that of Southwest Michigan, enjoy the last of this varietal as Alcohol
12%
we will not be making more in the near future. Intricate
Acid
6.5 grams/Liter
aromas of chocolate covered strawberries and juicy plums with
pH
3.48
a hint of sweet vanilla intertwine with the raspberry and pink
0%
peppercorn flavors. The finish of this wine is soft, lingering Residual Sugar
Retail Value
$24.99
tannins that pair perfectly with your next steak dinner or
Cases
500
backyard BBQ.
Food Pairing
Goat Cheese, Grilled or Sautéed Vegetables, Ham, Game Meat, Grilled
Eggplant, Steak, BBQ Ribs and Burgers.
44675013
Late Harvest Vignoles
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
41087515
The 2015 Braganini Reserve Late Harvest Vignoles has
aromas of candied peach, orange blossom honey, and
golden raisins. Accented by flavors of pineapple chutney
and honeyed lychee, the silky-sweet, lush, full body wine
finishes with a caramelized pear accent. Serve this liquid
dessert chilled and enjoy as an after dinner treat with
friends and family!
Food Pairing
Vintage
Grower
Varietals
Lake Michigan Shore
Appellation
11%
Alcohol
10.65 grams/Liter
Acid
3.48
pH
8.6%
Residual Sugar
$19.99
Retail Value
254
Cases
Shrimp, Trout, Asian Dishes, Salty Cheese, Havarti, Gouda, Pecans, Pears,
Apricots, Figs, Apples, Cheesecake and Ice Cream.
Vintage
2015
Grower
Dan Nitz
Varietals
Vidal
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
Made from the 2nd pressing of the season's Ice Wine, Polar Appellation
Lake Michigan Shore
Vortex offers apricot, warm honey and delicate spice aromas. Alcohol
11%
This sweet medium-bodied wine imparts flavors of pure peach Acid
9.1 grams/Liter
marmalade and tangy caramelized pineapple, followed by a
pH
3.40
slight mineral fade. This delicious, vibrant dessert wine is a
Residual
Sugar
9%
popular favorite amongst our Sweeter Harvest Wine Club
Retail Value
$19.99
members.
Cases
750
Food Pairing
Pork, Sea Bass, Trout, Asian Dishes, Havarti, Gouda, Pecans, Pears,
Apricots, Figs, Apples and BBQ.
Polar Vortex
Chancellor noir
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
43475012
2015
Ed Oxley- Succlent Seven
Vignoles
Vintage
Grower
481750
2014
Ed Oxley
Chancellor
Varietals
The 2014 Braganini Reserve Chancellor is truly a work of Appellation
Lake Michigan Shore
art that you can sip fireside or with your next dinner.
12%
Alcohol
Chocolate covered espresso bean and sweet cherry vanilla Acid
8.1 grams/Liter
aromas lead to a velvety, medium-body entry of super ripe
3.35
pH
currant, black raspberry and Bing cherry flavors. Aged in
0%
oak barrels for 10-14 months this rich bodied red wine has Residual Sugar
$14.99
Retail
Value
a beautiful dark plum color and finishes with silky tannins
321
Cases
and a hint of smoky clay.
Food Pairing
Grilled Steak, Venison, Duck, Lamb, Pasta with Red Sauce, Burgers,Dark
Chocolate and Pizza.
True Blueberry
Randy Adkin
Grower
Varietals
Blueberry
Tasting Notes from Nancie Oxley:
The last of this fruit wine is 100% pure Michigan blueberries: Appellation
Michigan
we blend fresh blueberry juice with the freshly fermented
Alcohol
10%
blueberry wine to create the ultimate blueberry experience! Acid
1.2 grams/Liter
Lively, attractive aromas of blueberry cobbler, cherry pastry
pH
3.17
and berry sorbet follow through to sweet, yet balanced fruity
9%
finish. A fun, flavor-packed fruit wine with absolute blueberry Residual Sugar
Retail Value
$14.99
purity. Healthy antioxidates in a bottle.
Cases
50
Food Pairing
Ice Cream, Pie, Chocolate, Rosemary, Spicy Food, Asian Cuisine,
Thyme and great as a Marinade for Pork or Chicken.
460750