Red Wine Diva

The month of May is celebrated throughout all of social media as wine month for wines coming out of the Finger Lakes Region of New York.  Media samples are sent to numerous bloggers, special live tasting events are held at various venues around New York, and tastings/interviews are streamed live via Ustream.  I was fortunate enough to receive media samples of some of the best Rieslings in the world so that I could participate in this celebration.  But Riesling isn’t the only wine in the Finger Lakes.

I received 2011 Dry Riesling from Swedish Hill Winery (@SwedishHillWine), a drier Riesling with floral aromas and a crisp finish.  This wine was a blend of two different clones as well as grapes from Overlook Vineyards at Senneca Lake.  Both clonal and vineyard lots are kept separate during fermentation until blending decisions are made in the Spring following harvest allowing the winemaker more flexibility in managing each lot.

I also received 2012 Dry Riesling from Glenora Wine Cellars (@glenorawine).  Having been around since 1977 and specializing in white wines, it is no wonder that Glenora is able to produce this exotic but well balanced Riesling.  This wine is 100% Riesling with tropical and citrus flavors and a crisp clean finish with the slightest hint of sweetness.

Next in my  lineup was Lakewood Vineyards 2012 Dry Riesling (@lakewoodwines).  With only .78% residual sugar, this wine falls half way between “Dry” and “Medium Dry” on the Riesling Taste Profile scale created by the International Riesling Foundation.  The wine boasts of a crisp mouth-watering acidity and the taste of fresh citrus, lime peel and apple.

Standing Stone Vineyards 2012 Riesling (@ssvny) was also in my sampler box.  Standing Stone Vineyards has been around more than 40 years producing Riesling that begs to be savored by the wine enthusiast.  This wine is fresh with Granny Smith Apple and melon.  It pairs great with spicy foods and mild cheeses.

A new wine for me was from Red Newt Cellars Riesling Sawmill Creek Vineyards 2011 (@FLXnewt).  This wine is touted as being dry and complex with aromas of peach and apricot; however, on the Riesling Taste Profile scale, it is ranked closer to medium dry.  Red Newt Cellars was named 2011 Winery of the year by Wine & Spirit Magazine.

The last bottle in my media sample was 2012 Red Oak Vineyard Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing (@LamoreauxWine).  With undertones of honeysuckle, pear and tropical fruit, this wine finishes smooth and exquisite.  For 20 years Lamoreaux Landing has set the standard for sustainability for viticulture and cool-climate winemaking.

The virtual tasting I participated in was Thursday, May 9 and centered around the Rieslings mentioned above.  There was an earlier tasting on May 2 featuring Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Lemberger and red vinifera blends.

If you have missed out on both of these, you still have the chance to catch one.  There will be a virtual tasting Wednesday, May 15 hosted by Bill Eyer (@cuvee_corner), Tina Morey (@winescop) and Eric Guy.  They will be tasting and discussing Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gruner Veltliner.

Another virtual tasting will be held Saturday, May 25 for consumers, media and trade people.  If you want to participate or follow along, simply use your favorite social media and the hash tag #FLXWineVT.  This final virtual tasting will feature all Finger Lakes Wines so choose your favorite and join in.