July 30, 2016

 

             More great ratings, the rain dance, a listening session, and more from New York wine country and beyond. 

 

             Cheers!          

             Jim Trezise

 Enthusiastic About New York Wines 

 

                

                  Wine Enthusiast's September edition has a terrific photo spread highlighting the Hudson Valley as a food-and-wine destination, along with lots of great scores for wines from the Finger Lakes and Long Island.

 

                  "Hudson Valley Harvest Party" highlights the foods, craft beverages, and beauty of the region so close to New York City.  Because of that proximity and its easy access to New York City farmers' markets, the Hudson Valley has long been a go-to place for top chefs in the Big Apple. 

 

                   The multi-page spread centers around one multi-course meal of local products paired with some Hudson Valley wines from Benmarl, Hudson-Chatham, and Millbrook wineries, along with others from the Finger Lakes (Dr. Frank and Keuka Spring) and Long Island (Paumanok). And featured on the last page of the magazine is Clinton Vineyards Jubilee, a sparkling wine from the east side of the majestic Hudson River.

 

                    The Buying Guide starts with Roses--91 for Keuka Spring 2015 Dry Rose, and 90 for Anthony Napa 2015 Anomaly Pinot Noir, Damiani 2015 Dry Rose, Inspire Moore 2015 Grace Dry Blaufrankisch Rose, Kelby James Russell 2015 Dry Rose, Macari 2015 Rose, Osprey's Dominion 2015 Rose, Paumanok 2015 Dry Rose, Pellegrini 2015 Rose, Raphel 2015 Rose of Pinot Noir, Wolffer 2015 Grandioso Rose, and Wolffer 2015 Summer in Bottle Rose.

 

                    In the red wine categories, McCall scored partcularly well with a 93 for 2012 Reserve Cabenet Franc, and 91 for 2009 Reserve Corhaug Estate Merlot.  Scores of 90 went to Harbes 2013 Proprietor Reserve Hallock Lane Merlot, and Wolffer 2013 Lambardo Merlot.

Free Run...                          

                      

                        Wanted: RAIN!  In most winegrowing regions of the State, it has been a very dry summer, to the point of severe drought  is affecting the grape crop in the Finger Lakes and Lake Erie regions.

                        It's great to have dry weather during the fall harvest, but that doesn't start for another month, and the situation is becoming very tense.  We all have our fingers crossed.  As a classic rock ballad went, "I just wish it would rain."

                        Earlier this week, temperatures were higher than normal in all 50 states on the same days, wildfires raged, and sea levels rose--and yet some politicians with their heads in the sand still reject climate change.  Are you kidding?!

 

                        Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who sits on the Agriculture Committee in Washington, recently visited the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley in one day to hold listening sessions with industry representatives.  Crop insurance, unfair Canadian tariffs the need for immigration reform, and the upcoming Farm Bill were among many topics discussed.

                        It's great to have representatives in DC who actually visit the farmers where they live and work, and listen to their concerns and ideas.  Senator Gillibrand is also the host of New York Farm Day, which this year will occur on Wednesday, September 14 in the Senate Russell Building.  It's the most popular reception on Capitol Hill, and a great way to remind official Washington that New York is a major farm state whose views should be seriously considered when shaping agricultural policy.

 

                       Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle was once again an awesome conference, tasting, and networking opportunity for Riesling producers, the trade, and consumers.

                        First created in 2006 by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington, and Dr. Loosen in Germany's Mosel region, this event is Riesling Heaven for anyone in love with the world's most noble white wine.  It was also great to see that, other than Germany, the Finger Lakes region had the most winery representation at the event.

                        The International Riesling Foundation also used the opportunity to unveil a new website (www.drinkriesling.com), series of videos, and social media program.  The IRF was conceived at the 2006 event, and among other things has created the IRF Riesling Taste Profile, a popular dry-to-sweet scale now on more than 30 million bottles of Riesling in the U.S. market.  It's a great way to know what you're getting in each bottle of Riesling that features the scale on the back label.

 

                        Michigan Wines are similar in many ways to those of New York, and the Finger Lakes in particular--both cool climate regions producing elegant wines, largely from the same mix of varietals.  I've tasted some randomly over the years, but this week had the chance to taste a lot at the Michigan Wine Competition. Result: AWESOME.

                        We expected the Rieslings to be good, and we weren't disappointed, but what was really amazing was the quality and elegance of red wines made from hot quality grapes in Michigan's cool climate.  Our flights of Merlots and Syrahs were stunning, and the wines showed great versatility--as pleasant"sippers" or great meal accompaniments.

                        Due to two consecutive extreme winters, Michigan's production has been down, but with a crop looking good so far, hopefully things will return to normal this year so more people can enjoy these great wines. 

 

                        Chateau Frank, the historic house high above Keuka Lake just down the road from Dr Konstantin Frank Winery, now includes an "1886" Reserve Tasting Room for VIP events. 

                         Chateau Frank was the dream of the late Willy Frank, son of Konstantin, father of Fred, and grandfather of Meaghan.  Willy planted the classic Champagne grape varieties on neighboring Seneca Lake, and converted the home's basement into an incredibly space-efficient sparkling wine production area.  Chateau Frank's elegant sparkling wines have won dozens of top awards in competitions around the world.

                          The newly renovated 1886 room, named for the year the house was built, is directly above the sparkling wine cellar. The elegant space will be the site of special, rotating wine and food experiences every Friday and Saturday.  www.drfrankwines.com.

 

 

                      

   Words on Wine...                      
 
         "The people of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learnt to cultivate the olive and the vine."
                                      --Thucydides, 5th Century Greek Historian
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