Finger Lakes: A guide to the Region’s Premium Wine Production
New York’s Finger Lakes region is well-known for its breathtaking scenery. Yet the region is also well-known for its wine, with a tradition stretching back to the nineteenth century. There are several vineyards and wineries in the area, and the wines they make span the spectrum from sweet to dry.
Climate
The existence of such enormous quantities of water contributes to the distinctive climate of the Finger Lakes region. The lakes moderate the climate and extend the growing season by acting as a barrier to the sun’s heat. The longer the grapes are allowed to develop, the more complex the flavors and aromas will be in the finished wine. Extremely cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers characterize the region’s hybrid continental/marine climate. High-quality wine grapes like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir flourish in the region’s mild climate.
Soil
Mineral-rich shale and limestone make up the bulk of the Finger Lakes region’s well-draining soil. Grapevines thrive in these environments because their roots may spread out and get a wide variety of nutrients. The mineral makeup of the soils is another factor that gives wines from this region their distinctive tastes and smells.
Production
There are more than a hundred vineyards and wineries in the Finger Lakes area, which together produce around 1.2 million gallons of wine annually. Due to this, it has become one of the most significant wine-producing locations in the northeastern United States. The Riesling produced here is often regarded as the greatest in the world, and the region as a whole is renowned for its excellent wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc are a few other popular grapes grown in the Finger Lakes region.
Zone of Production
The western half of the Empire State is home to the Finger Lakes wine region, which consists of the 11 Finger Lakes and the land around them. The Finger Lakes region can be broken down into three distinct sections: the Eastern Finger Lakes, the Central Finger Lakes, and the Western Finger Lakes. Dry red and white wines are produced in the Eastern Finger Lakes region, while Rieslings and other white wines are produced in the Central Finger Lakes region. Sparkling wines and sweet dessert wines from the western Finger Lakes region are highly regarded.
Vine Cultivars
Among the several grape varieties grown in the Finger Lakes area, Riesling is by far the most popular. The chilly climate and soils of the region are ideal for growing Riesling, which results in wines with distinctive floral and fruit aromas, strong acidity, and minerality. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc are also commonly farmed and show off to their full potential in this area.
History
Grapes were first planted in the Finger Lakes area by European settlers in the nineteenth century, marking the beginning of the region’s long tradition of winemaking. Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant who is widely recognized as the person responsible for bringing the Riesling grape variety to the region, founded the country’s first commercial winery in 1860. Dr. Frank is widely regarded as the area’s first winemaker since, in the early 20th century, he introduced European Riesling grapevine cuttings to the region and began experimenting with them.
The Finger Lakes area has emerged as a major player in the world of winemaking, earning a reputation for both its excellent vintages and its breathtaking surroundings. Many people visit the region each year to take part in winery and vineyard tours, sample local vintages, and take in the region’s stunning scenery. It is simple for tourists to sample the best the region has to offer because so many wineries host tastings, tours, and other events all year long. One of the most well-attended events in the Finger Lakes region is the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which takes place in Watkins Glen and showcases the wares of more than eighty wineries from the region and beyond.
Finger Lakes visitors can also enjoy the region’s many wineries and the scenery along one of the many wine trails that wind through the area. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of wine trails, including the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Visitors can get a feel for the individuality of each winery and its wines by stopping at a variety of stops along the trail, from tiny, family-owned wineries to bigger, commercial wineries.
Wine experts and lovers from all over the world have been paying more attention to the Finger Lakes region in recent years. The wines of this region have won acclaim for their exceptional quality, distinctive tastes and aromas, and reasonable prices. In particular, the region’s Rieslings have been hailed for their high quality and complex flavors, earning them numerous prizes. The Finger Lakes are rapidly being recognized as a premier wine-producing region thanks in large part to the efforts of numerous wineries to export their wines to other nations.
To sum up, the Finger Lakes region of New York State is a stunning and singular wine-growing area, renowned for its excellent wines and scenic scenery. From dry reds and whites to sparkling and sweet dessert wines, the region has something for every palate. Explore the Finger Lakes region and sample some of the best wines the northeastern United States has to offer at one of the many wineries, both large and small, run by passionate wine enthusiasts.
Highlights
Wines from the Finger Lakes region consistently receive high marks from critics.
Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Dry Riesling is one of the best-known examples; it routinely receives excellent marks from wine experts and wins awards in wine competitions. Known for its refreshing acidity, minerality, and aromas of green apples and lemon, this wine is crafted entirely from Riesling grapes cultivated in the Finger Lakes region.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard also produces world-class Riesling. This wine received a gold medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a perfect score of 90 points from Wine Spectator. All of the grapes used to make these Rieslings come from New York’s Finger Lakes; the resulting wines are well-balanced, with excellent minerality and fruity aromas and flavors of peach and apricot.
Gold medals were given to the dry Riesling produced by Hosmer Winery at such famous events as the New York Wine Classic and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Green apple and lemon notes give this wine its reputation for refreshing acidity.
More specifically, the region’s red wines have won acclaim as well. For instance, the Pinot Noir produced by Anthony Road Wine Company has received a Gold Medal from the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and 90 points from Wine Spectator. Cherry, raspberry, and spice aromas and tastes give this wine its reputation for complexity.
All of these wines are excellent examples of the variety and high quality of Finger Lakes wine and should be sampled by anybody curious about the wines of this region.
Recommended wines
Fox Run Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2014, Methode Traditionelle. This vintage of sparkling wine was produced in the conventional style from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Fine, persistent bubbles give this wine its distinctive golden hue, while toasty, bready, and citrusy scents set it apart. Flavors of apples and brioche combine to create a rich and velvety texture. You might confidently give this sparkling wine a score of 90 points out of 100 and call it a high-quality example of the category.
Fox Run Vineyards will be planting a new hybrid grape called Traminette in 2020. This vine is a mix between Gewürztraminer and Joannes Seyve 23.416. The apricot, peach, and rose petal scents in this wine go well with its pale yellow color. Peach and tropical fruit notes mingle with pleasantly tart acidity and a clean, refreshing aftertaste in this wine. A score of 85 out of 100 would indicate that this wine is an exceptional example of Traminette.
This 2019 vintage of Anthony Road Wine’s Riesling is crafted from grapes specifically bred for winemaking in the cool climate of the Finger Lakes. Lime, green apple, and fuel smells mingle with a pale yellow hue. Flavor-wise, it’s bright and refreshing, with notes of citrus and stone fruits and a superb minerality. Assuming a scale from 0 to 100, this Riesling would score at around 90.
This 2016 vintage from Forge Cellars is a Riesling crafted from the region’s signature varietal, the Riesling grape. The gasoline, peach, and apricot scents are subtle, and the hue is a pale yellow. Medium acidity and sweetness meet in the middle of the tongue. Its well-balanced peach, apricot, and honey tastes have won widespread acclaim. If asked to give a score out of 100, this wine would probably get 85 points because it is a solid example of Riesling.
2016 New York State Cabernet Sauvignon, a premium pick from Brotherhood Winery: This wine boasts a deep red hue and flavors of black fruit, cassis, and vanilla; it is crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Tastes of dark chocolate, berries, and a touch of spice fill the mouth. Approximately 85 points out of 100 would indicate that this wine is a solid example of a Cabernet Sauvignon cultivated in New York.
Lemberger 2016 – Fox run Vineyards: A red grape variety planted primarily in Germany and Austria, where it is also known as Blaufränkisch. Colored a deep ruby, this wine has scents of leather, spices, and dark fruit. Black cherry, plum, and spice notes mingle in its medium body. Approximately 85 points out of 100 would indicate that this wine is a solid example of Lemberger.
