New York Wine Events’ mission is to showcase craft beverage makers and craft foods. We always seek especially to highlight the talents of such makers that are local to New York.
In that spirit, we will be featuring New York State wineries and craft spirits makers over the next several weeks. Right now these makers need all the support they can get. While we are all practicing social distancing, please consider purchasing these products online, and supporting the amazing people who make them. They need us right now. We will be providing links to various local makers in a series of upcoming blog posts.
Of course, there are dozens of unique and interesting grapes grown here in NY but we want to bring you back to the roots of our local wine industry. There’s a white, a red, and a rosé which means there’s something for everyone. While you’re being safe and responsible staying home, here are three of our favorite New York state wines to rediscover!
Cabernet Franc: You might have forgotten about this red beauty but we never do. Up in the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley, winemakers are spending their time cultivating this deep red grape, particularly because of its affinity for cool climates. Cabernet Franc is actually the parent grape for many of our favorite classics like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which is why it’s such a popular grape.
It tends to be on the fruitier side with flavors like berries, currants, and cherries, and is complemented by notes of spice and vanilla. The low tannins and lighter ruby color are reminiscent of a Bordeaux-style wine which make it a perfect pair to just about everything. Drink it with those steaks you panic-bought at Whole Foods or even the frozen fried rice that’s stacked up in the freezer. It’s a win no matter what.
Featured Winery: Jamesport Vineyard
Wine: 2016 East End Cabernet Franc
Riesling: If there is ever a wine to be the mascot of New York, it’s the Riesling. This white wine was all but forgotten until the Finger Lakes region not only revived it, but brought it back to the forefront of the wine industry all over the United States. The cool climate of the Finger Lakes plus the unique Northern soils have created an environment that produces Riesling perfection, both dry and sweet.
In its old days, Riesling was a poor man’s wine; considered cheap and less than desirable. Now, the New York Riesling is a perfect companion to a summer day or as a lovely finish to a giant feast. The dry has gorgeous notes of citrus and stone fruits while the sweet are luscious and jammy, with flavors like honey and candied fruit. It goes down smooth so you will enjoy yourself as your Mondays turn into Tuesdays and your Saturdays turn into Wednesdays.
Featured Winery: Dr. Konstantin Frank
Wine: 2017 Riesling Reserve
Petit Verdot: This red may not be on your list as a go-to but it should be. A less-revered grape, the Petit Verdot has come back into the limelight thanks to vineyards in Long Island. It’s typically used as a blending grape in Bordeaux-style wines but has been turned into a single varietal in this region. The maritime climate of Long Island is no match for this late-ripening grape, but the long, warm summers are perfect for letting those flavors marinate for as long as possible.
The intense, boldly floral flavor of the Petit Verdot is bright and delicious, and the deep purple color is just nice to look at. This isn’t a wine to take lightly so on those days when you are ready to run out of the house with your hair on fire, drink this instead.
Featured Winery: Pellegrini Vineyards
Wine: 2016 BBQ Red
We know that times are hard and we hope you are all staying safe and healthy. You can buy all of these and so many more New York wines online, which will help support these local businesses during this stressful period!
