The History of the Finger Lakes<\/h2>\r\n
While it has only recently been recognized as a major wine region, the Finger Lakes have been producing internationally-recognized wine since the late 19th century. The first record of successful wine production in Upstate New York was in 1829, and comes from Hammondsport<\/em> located at the southern end of Keuka Lake<\/strong><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\r\n By the end of the 19th century, Keuka and Canandaigua Lake had vineyards that were commercially producing wine for sale across the United States and Europe. Production was focused on primarily native grapes, like Catawba, Niagara, and Concord, with a preference for making Sparkling Wine<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n In 1867, Pleasant Valley Winery on Keuka was awarded honorable mention at the Exposition Universalle in Paris for its Sparkling Wine, and in 1873, that same wine was awarded first place at a competition in Vienna<\/strong><\/a>. Production stalled in the 1920s due to Prohibition, and many wineries folded. But the region persisted, and the larger wineries like Pleasant Valley survived.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n Due to the climate, commercial growers continued to focus on native grapes, believing that European varieties would not thrive. That changed in the 1950s, when a Ukrainian immigrant named Dr. Konstantin Frank<\/strong><\/a> began experimenting with grafting European varieties onto hardy native rootstock. This combination enabled him to grow the classic European grapes, and led to the rise of varieties like Riesling<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Chardonnay<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Pinot Noir<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Gew\u00fcrztraminer<\/strong>, and Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/span> flourishing in the Finger Lakes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n Since then, the region has continued to grow, going from a handful of wineries scattered across the lakes to over 200 tucked in its hills and along their shores. In between, there are also breweries, cheese producers, chocolatiers, and cideries for those who want a range of edibles and beverages. For a break from tasting, there are state parks, paddling and kayaking, local artisans and antique shops to explore and enjoy. With so much to do<\/strong><\/a>, there\u2019s something for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n The Finger Lakes built its reputation on Riesling, and it continues to be a noteworthy grape. It is no surprise that the grape flourishes in the area given it does well in the cooler climates of Germany and Alsace<\/strong><\/a>. Every winery in the region produces at least one Riesling, and a variety of clones are grown. They range from bone dry steely and citrusy to sweet and tropical, and can be produced into still, sparkling, late harvest and ice wine.<\/span><\/p>\r\n This grape has increasingly become the signature red variety of the region. Despite often being a blending grape in other regions such as Bordeaux, in the Finger Lakes it is often a standalone. The wines are often peppery and vegetable-forward, but with a bright cherry fruit note and tart acidity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Spicy and floral, Gewurztraminer is a prominent variety, and in some ways similar to Riesling. It does well given the climatic similarities with Germany and Alsace. Usually done in an off-dry to sweet style, Gewurztraminer is a spicier alternative to Riesling with a waxy texture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n This Austrian grape is gaining strength as a leading variety in the region, though it may be called Blaufrankisch or Lemberger depending on the winery\u2019s preference. It produces wine that is a lighter to medium bodied, with notes of black currant, blackberry, pepper and spice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n The largest and deepest of the lakes, Seneca is home of the highest number of wineries. With Geneva at the North end and Watkins Glen at the South, it is one of the most popular lakes to visit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n As the first wine producing lake in the region, Keuka has a depth of history<\/strong><\/a> that can still be experienced today. Wineries like Pleasant Valley and Dr. Konstantin Frank<\/strong><\/a> continue to thrive, and newer wineries have popped up in between.<\/span><\/p>\r\n This lake has fewer wineries but is still a wine lovers destination producing excellent wine. With Ithaca and Corning to the South and Aurora<\/a><\/strong> on its Eastern side, it's perfect for those looking to explore.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Canandaigua celebrates the idea of the \"grape,\" both as a fruit and for the production of wine. Naples to the South holds a festival for grapes, and grape pies are a popular treat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Finger Lakes wines vary in terms of accessibility, but many wineries will ship across the United States. Wineries that are more commonly available include Dr. Konstantin Frank<\/strong><\/a>, Hazlitt Cellars<\/strong><\/a>, Forge Cellars<\/strong><\/a>, Ravines Wine Cellars<\/strong><\/a>, and Hermann J. Wiemer<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n Written By Kate Meyers Emery<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Kate Meyers Emery is a Finger Lakes wine evangelist, sharing the love and knowledge of her region through the classes she teaches and in her writing. She is the author of VinifeROC, a personal chronicle of her adventures in exploring the wines of New York, with a particular focus on Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Follow her wine adventures on Instagram at @kmeyersemery.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n [jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]<\/p>\r\n<\/div>","post_title":"Finger Lakes","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"finger-lakes","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-11-17 19:51:17","post_modified_gmt":"2022-11-18 00:51:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=919","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"address_1":"10014 Day Rd","address_2":"","country":{"ID":418,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content":"","post_title":"United States","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_modified_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":894,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-01-12 19:59:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-01-12 19:59:07","post_content":"","post_title":"New York","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"new-york","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-01-12 19:59:07","post_modified_gmt":"2018-01-12 19:59:07","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=894","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Hammondsport","postal_code":"14840","lat":"42.4846897","lng":"-77.1377506","place_id":"ChIJvclE0hz_0IkR0RV0Aa3tMho","tasting_details":"A selection of 5 wines from our list, which our wine educators pour one at a time and give brief descriptions and tasting notes on. We offer guided tastings inside at 4 different bars and we also offer wine by the glass or pre-selected flights outside at our picnic tables.Finger Lakes Grape Varieties<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
Riesling<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nCabernet Franc<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nGewurztraminer\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nBlaufr\u00e4nkisch<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Individual Lakes<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
Seneca Lake<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nKeuka Lake<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nCayuga Lake<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nCanandaigua Lake<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nFinger Lakes Wine Recommendations Available Nationally<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Get Started With Exploring the Finger Lakes Here:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
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\r\n","tasting_price":"$12","tour_details":"","tour_price":"","reservations_required":false,"reservation_details":"We don't take any reservations, we are all walk-in service.","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/weis-vineyards-wine-tasting-views-1.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":2698,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-04-20 06:50:05","post_date_gmt":"2018-04-20 06:50:05","post_content":"
\r\n\r\nRiesling is typically thought of as one of the more aromatic white wine grape varieties found around the world. It tends to be its most expressive when crafted as a single-varietal, late ripening wine. Many of the finest producers opt to include the name of the particular vineyard from which the grapes were harvested due to its ability to so successfully express terroir.\r\n\r\nIN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t
\r\n\r\n<\/a>What Does Riesling Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTraditionally, Riesling producers will make varietal wines that reflect both the climate and terroir of the area. Premium cooler-climate producers making off-dry or dry Riesling will make wines with ripe green, tree fruit notes backed by apple blossom and lime. Classic fruit notes are melon, pear, lemon peel, lime, peach, and apricot.\r\n\r\nPremium moderate-climate producers make Riesling more stone-fruit-forward, with notes of nectarine or white peach with mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and green apple.\r\n\r\nSweeter Rieslings typically also display honeysuckle, almond, smoke, and a distinctive petrol note.\r\n\r\nBecause Riesling can be vinified from bone-dry to very sweet, Germany created a classification system to help consumers understand what the labels mean.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_16296\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"724\"]
![\"Riesling](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/riesling-wine-and-grape-variety-profile.jpg\")
Riesling is a flexible grape variety, both in flavor and its ability to be crafted into drastically different tasting wines. From dry to ultra-sweet, to green to tropical fruit flavors. The final Riesling product is dependent on a number of factors, mainly relating to the terroir the grapes are grown in and the wine-making practices employed during and after the growing season.[\/caption]\r\n<\/a>German Riesling \u2013 The 7 Levels of Riesling Wine Sweetness<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGerman Riesling has two categories. The first is Qualitswein<\/em>, which is a reference to Riesling that is traditionally dry and on the lighter side in terms of body. Often, Qualitswein depicts the best expressions of German Riesling. It can give off a flower-bomb of an aroma and is delightfully refreshing, acidic and loaded with green and stone fruit flavors on the palate.\r\n\r\nConversely, German Pr\u00e4dikatswein<\/em> takes it up a notch in sweetness, and this is where the following levels of sweetness come into play:\r\n
Trocken<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTrocken Rieslings are the driest and most common style of Riesling.\r\n
Kabinett Riesling<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe first level of Pr\u00e4dikatswein is Kabinett Riesling. If it weren\u2019t for its sweetness level, Kabinett fruit notes on the palate resemble that of Qualitswein. The difference, however, is that it\u2019s traditionally off-dry or even medium-sweet. These wines typically maintain a lesser alcohol content.\r\n
Sp\u00e4tlese Riesling<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSp\u00e4tlese, which most directly is translated as \u201clate harvest,\u201d is the second level of Riesling on the sweetness scale. Because it\u2019s harvested later, these wines have more time to build up their sugar and acid levels. The result is a typically medium-bodied wine with a medium-sweetness and acidity and notes on the palate of lemon zest, melon, and or lychee.\r\n
Auslese Riesling<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAuslese wines can be either medium or medium-full-bodied. They begin to give off more prominent notes of tropical and or exotic fruit tones on the palate. While some Auslese is still considered in Germany to be off-dry, they are equally capable of being sweet. Keep this in mind when coming across this style and approach it with an open mind.\r\n
Beerenauslese Riesling<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIt\u2019s starting to get hot in here. And no, Beerenauslese is not a blend of Riesling and Beer. These wines are made by letting Riesling grapes linger on the vine to the point that they become consumed by botrytis rot. This rot isn\u2019t a bad thing when producing a sweet wine. The flavors become very concentrated as it sucks the liquid right out of the grape. The result is more solids within the grape itself. Beerenauslese wines are still able to maintain an elevated acidic content, which makes them prime for aging. These grapes are also hand-picked.\r\n
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nDepending on which scale is being used, Trockenbeerenauslese is sometimes considered to be the highest level of sweetness in terms of Pr\u00e4dikatswein. These wines are often more full-bodied than Beerenauslese and are always considered to be classified as dessert wines. They too are affected by botrytis, otherwise known as \u201cnoble rot.\u201d In fact, these grapes are harvested so late they can even look like raisins as they\u2019re picked from the vines.\r\n
Eiswein<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nLastly, we come to Eiswein (also known as Ice Wine<\/a><\/strong>). This is just about as sweet and concentrated as Riesling can get. Eiswein is also a late-harvested wine product, but what differentiates it from Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese is that these grapes are frozen on the vine before fermentation occurs, which extracts even more water out of the grape\u2019s chemical structure. At the same time, Eiswein shouldn\u2019t be affected by noble rot, setting it further apart from the two previous classifications.\r\n\r\nFreezing the grapes on the vine results in an ultra-concentrated dessert wine. Eiswein can only be produced in regions that are cool enough at the end of the growing season to freeze the grapes as they sit on the vine just before harvest and before botrytis sets in.\r\n
<\/a>Riesling Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGiven that many Riesling wines are refreshingly acidic, it\u2019s a natural pairing for citrus-flavored dishes. Pairing a somewhat acidic wine like Riesling with an acidic style of food helps ensure that the refreshing part of the wine is balanced by the dish.\r\n\r\nThe next step is to consider the sweetness level of the Riesling. As we discussed above, Riesling wines come in a variety of sweetness levels. Look for foods along the lines of shellfish or fish filets that are braised in citrus-marmalade or are fried. Fried oyster with avocado and sliced mango or pan-seared red snapper with lemon-zest are sure to be palate pleasers.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, don't be afraid to experiment with other light seafood or chicken dishes that incorporate invigorating spices such as jalapeno or cilantro, dependent upon the style of Riesling.\r\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Riesling<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nSome of the most well-known, premium Riesling-producing countries include Germany<\/a>, Austria, France<\/a>,<\/strong> and Canada<\/strong><\/a>. However, it was within Germany, specifically in the Rhine region, where the Riesling grape originated. Mentions of Riesling date back to the mid-1400s, and just a couple of decades later there is also evidence of its presence in Alsace, France<\/a><\/strong>, where to this day\u00a0some of the finest Rieslings are produced.\r\n\r\nRiesling may be a notoriously German wine, but that doesn\u2019t mean other countries don\u2019t produce it. In fact, beautiful Rieslings are being created in New World countries such as Australia and New Zealand. All of these countries, as well as some up-and-coming regions produce Riesling wine that can be dry, off-dry, medium and even quite sweet.\r\n
<\/a>How is Riesling Aged?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nRiesling is one of the most versatile grapes when it comes to age-ability. Acid and sugar levels both lend to age-worthiness and Riesling is naturally high in both. High-quality German Rieslings have been known to age for decades, evolving to be lush and mellow with time. Inexpensive iterations are meant to be enjoyed immediately \u2013 though we think it would be a fun experiment to see how they age too!\r\n
<\/a>Try some of these Riesling wine recommendations from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n