NEW YORK WINE

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

Start spreadin’ the news. There’s great wine in New York! Sure, it’s still earning its wine popularity; however, New York comes in third in the States for wine production, behind California and Washington. New York vineyards are producing fabulous Cabernets, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, Riesling, Chardonnays, Gewurztraminers, and more. Expect lighter, fruitier wines with stronger, perfumey scents.

THE REGION

Wine regions crop up statewide in New York State, which sits on the east coast of the United States. The major regions are Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

THE GRAPES

NEW YORK REDS:

Cabernet Sauvignon

The big red daddy stands tall in the warm ocean breezes of Long Island in particular. Always full of character and complexity, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines burst with deep fruitfulness and rich earthy tannins.

Merlot

Merlot is always the softer, easier way to a robust red. In the oceanic climate of Long Island and the Finger Lakes, this berry presents an even-keel, plum-flavored, full-bodied, and savory wine.

Pinot Noir

The persnickety Pinot Noir invites the milder climates of the Finger Lakes specifically. Less tannic and all the more elegant than the Cab or Merlot, the best in New York Noirs are brightly fruity with a touch of oak.

Cabernet Franc

The east coast Cabernet Franc is lighter than its west coast relatives. Infused with flavors ripe with fruit and hints of herbiness, the Franc is destined to take the lead in New York reds.

NEW YORK WHITES:

Riesling

The Riesling blooms delectably in the New York’s Finger Lakes region’s crisp climates and shale soils. With lush tropical fruit flavors and a refreshing character, this grape delivers by far one of New York’s claim-to-fame whites.

Chardonnay

These grapes may be grown everywhere, but New York vintners have made the area Chardonnay their very own. Skipping the buttery overtones of a California, the New York version is crisp with the ripest fruit spirit.

Gewürztraminer

Floral and spice and everything nice, that’s what the Gewürztraminer grape is made of. Made dry to semi-dry, this grape does its thang in the cooler regions of the New York wine country.

CHOOSING A NEW YORK WINE

Various Finger Lake Producers

Various Long Island Producers

References

www.cellarnotes.net
www.tastings.com
www.vintagenewyork.com
www.wineloverspage.com