Exploring the wine region of New York State

Educational, extensive knowledge about this region. This is what I could say about the mini master class and round table discussion led by Dr. Jamie Goode.

New York State boasts six major wine growing regions:

Finger Lakes AVA.
Lake Erie AVA.
Niagara Escarpment AVA.
Hudson Valley AVA.
Long Island AVA.
Champlain Valley AVA (The latest AVA in New York State, approved in 2016)

New York State as wine region, still unexplored and not very well known for the majority of wine lovers or wine professional in Europe. Saying that, the first record of planting grapes is dated back in 17th century by Dutch settlers.

For many years the region has been dominated by Native American varieties as such; Concord, Cassady or Isabella. However, European vinifera grapes can now being seen particularly in Seneca Lake AVA and Cayuga AVA, where Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc are increasing and playing an important role.

Today, there are over 440 wineries in New York State.

My Highlights:

Fox Run, a former dairy farm turned winery! Based on Seneca Lake AVA. The winemaker Peter Bell is really flying the flag for Riesling, producing an expressive limey and bergamot notes with stunning freshness finished.

"Quality is coaxed, never wrestled from grapes"

Dr. Konstantin Frank an Ukrainian born, established his winery in 1962. He ignited the Vitis Revolution which changed forever the the course of wine growing in Finger Lakes.

His dry Riesling is a good representation of "Old world Riesling" Great minerality with lemon skin and crush rocks finished.

This was one of my favourite whites, a blend of 10 different Chandonnay clones, plus Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Griogio, Muscat Ottanel and Gewürztraminer.

Ripe white apricot with touches of mango and pineapple, full bodied wine with notes of vanilla and white chocolate, yet fine.

This gem is produced by Channing Daughters, family owned farm based in Bridgehampton (Long Island AVA). He is boasting the oldest vines on the South Fork.

The Red Hook Winery is a relatively new winery established in 2008 in Brooklyn (New York) .... Yes Brooklyn!! They are focused solely on individual vineyards from North Fork of Long Island AVA. (just 80 miles from their winery)

Red plum and ripe cherries notes with super fresh finished. Aged for 18 months in neutral 100% French oak.

Located on the south eastern side of Seneca Lake AVA. Forge Cellars is a joint venture between Château de Saint Cosme (Rhône Valley) and Finger Lakes Partners. Their philosophy is to stick totally transparent winemaking ethic.

Finesse and velvety Pinot Noir is what you can find in their Pinots, a great surprising discover with brilliant future for Pinot Noir on Seneca Lake.

Bloomer Creek Vineyard is a pioneer in organic and natural winemaking in the Finger Lakes AVA (despite of the humidity and disease pressure in the area) Harvest is done by hand, while fermentation is with wild yeast.

Tanzen Dame (roughly means Dance Lady in German) is a tribute wine to the great wines produced is similar way in Germany, Austria and Alsace.