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.
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