St. Julian Cock of the Walk Red Wine

St. Julian Cock of the Walk Red Wine is a dry red blend from Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan, available in a 750ml bottle. This nine-varietal wine earned a Double Gold medal at the Tasters Guild International, underscoring the complexity achieved by blending both classic vinifera and cold-climate hybrid grapes grown in southwest Michigan.

Quick Facts: Style: Dry Red Blend  |  Origin: Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan  |  Varietals: Nine-Grape Blend  |  Winery: St. Julian Winery

Production & Heritage

St. Julian Winery, founded in 1921 by Italian immigrant Mariano Meconi, holds the distinction of being Michigan's longest-continuously-operating winery. Cock of the Walk draws from an unusually broad palette of nine grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chambourcin, Chancellor, Rougeon, DeChaunac, Marquette, Petite Pearl, and Noiret. The blend marries traditional Bordeaux varietals with hybrid grapes specifically bred to thrive in Michigan's cool continental climate, producing a wine that reflects both Old World winemaking ambition and Great Lakes terroir.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cacao and ripe black cherry lead the nose, followed by layers of cassis and a subtle vanilla bean sweetness. The aromatic profile is notably rich for a Michigan red, with the hybrid varietals contributing depth rather than the green or herbaceous tones sometimes found in cool-climate reds.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward, with black cherry and cassis dominating the initial impression. At mid-palate, dark chocolate and vanilla bean emerge alongside a gentle tannic structure. The hybrid grapes add an earthy complexity that rounds out the vinifera backbone, creating a wine that drinks with more weight than many Lake Michigan Shore reds.

Finish: Smooth tannins carry through to a silky, medium-length finish with lingering dark fruit and cocoa. The aftertaste stays clean, without bitterness or excessive oak influence.

How to Drink Cock of the Walk

This blend shows its best character at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, served in a large-bowled red wine glass that allows the cacao and fruit aromas to open fully. Decanting for 20–30 minutes helps integrate the tannins further. For cocktail-adjacent applications, Cock of the Walk works well in a classic Sangria where its dark fruit and vanilla tones anchor the citrus and brandy; a Mulled Wine that benefits from its natural spice-friendly profile and smooth body; or a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the wine's chocolate notes and soft tannins create a surprisingly refined result.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Michigan's emerging red wine scene
• A hearty dinner pairing alongside grilled or braised meats
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates unusual blends and regional character
• Cool-weather evening sipping by a fire pit or fireplace

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cock of the Walk taste like? Cock of the Walk leads with black cherry and cassis fruit, layered with dark cacao and vanilla bean, finishing with smooth, silky tannins. It drinks as a medium- to full-bodied dry red with notable fruit-forward character.

How does Cock of the Walk compare to St. Julian Simply Red? Simply Red is positioned as a lighter, sweeter everyday sipper, while Cock of the Walk is a dry, more complex blend with nine varietals and a fuller tannic structure. Cock of the Walk has also earned higher competition recognition, including a Double Gold at the Tasters Guild International.

Is Cock of the Walk good for sipping neat? Yes — its smooth tannins and layered fruit make it a strong stand-alone sipper, particularly when served slightly below room temperature and given time to breathe in the glass.

Where is Cock of the Walk made? Cock of the Walk is produced by St. Julian Winery, Michigan's longest-continuously-operating winery, founded in 1921. The grapes are sourced from the Lake Michigan Shore appellation in southwest Michigan, a region moderated by lake-effect climate patterns.

What foods pair well with Cock of the Walk? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and tannin weight. Aged cheddar or Gouda brings out the vanilla bean notes. Braised short ribs mirror its rich, savory character. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cacao tones, and mushroom risotto pairs well with the earthy hybrid grape influence.

What sizes does Cock of the Walk come in? Cock of the Walk is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cock of the Walk worth the price? Cock of the Walk positions as a mid-range expression within St. Julian's portfolio, offering considerably more complexity and structure than the winery's entry-level reds. Its Double Gold medal and nine-varietal composition represent strong value for a competition-recognized regional blend.

Why Cock of the Walk?

The nine-grape blend itself is the headline: few American wineries attempt a red that weaves Cabernet Franc and Merlot together with seven cold-climate hybrids into a cohesive, dry wine. That ambition paid off with a Double Gold at the Tasters Guild International and a Silver at the Indy International Wine Competition. For drinkers curious about what Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore appellation can produce beyond the state's better-known Rieslings and rosés, Cock of the Walk serves as a compelling proof of concept — a serious dry red built from grapes that actually belong in this climate, rather than struggling against it.