26 - New York State Flashcards
Describe the growing conditions in New York State.
Generally cool with varying degrees of continentality e.g. Finger Lakes AVA vs. Long Island AVA
Very cold winters esp. inland winter freeze a major problem only overcome as recently as 1957 with hard rootstocks and extensive experimentations
Bodies of water for moderation are crucial esp. in areas such as the Finger Lakes
Rainfall is sufficient
Soils vary incl…
Fertile soils in Finger Lakes suiting large canopy systems in e.g. Scott Henry esp. to maximise sunlight and reduce disease pressure
Infertile, free-draining soils e.g. sandy soils in North Fork (Long Island AVA)
In detail, describe how the Finger Lakes change the growing environment of the AVA named for them (6).
1. Alters the topography slopes around lakes allow cold air to drain, the lake warms this air pulling more cold air out of the vineyards –> reduces risk of spring frosts
2. Delays spring budburst by cooling vineyards in spring –> redues risk of spring frosts
3. Lake-effect snow insulates vines during winter
4. Extent growing season by raising autumn temps via retained heat from summer, lakes are very deep –> reduces autumn frost risk
5. Reduces dirunal range during growing season (deep lake, check?) –> supporting ripening
6. Reflects sunlight –> supporting ripening
In addition to the snow that help to insulate vines, how can producers protect their vines from winter freeze? (3)
1. Select winter freeze resistant varieties e.g. Riesling and Cabernet Franc, as well as numerous hybrids like Vidal
2. Select resistant rootstocks
3. Pile up earth around the graft union
Why are benches near the Finger Lakes avoided when planting grapes?
Cold air pools creating a frost risk –> steeper slopes preferred
Describe the style of Riesling produced in the Finger Lakes including any notable viti/winemaking techniques used.
Fresh apple, lemon, peach
Most are dry-medium dry, high acid, low-med ABV, med(-) - med body
Sweeter wines possible often via botrytis, late harvest, early ferment stop
Skin contact, SST ferment
Good-VG / mid-priced-premium
Why is French oak often used instead of American oak?
Flavour is subtler esp. for grapes with delicate flavours e.g. Cab F
Which other grapes are planted in the Fingers Lake?
Chardonnay fresh, often with oak
Pinot Noir
Gewurtz
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Gris
Briefly describe some of the hybrids grown in the Finger Lakes.
All are capable of HQ wine although many used for cheaps and jam/jelly
Traminette Gewurtz-like aromas, high acid, low alcohol
Vignoles susceptible to noble rot and high acid
Vidal ice wines
What is the key growing challenge in Long Island AVA
High humidity due to strong coastal influence although windy weather can help alleviate
What styles of wine is Long Island AVA known for?
Generally good-very good
Merlot-led Bordeaux blends
Chardonnay oaked or unoaked with medium(+) acid
Protective Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Gris
What is a key route to market for wineries in the Finger Lakes and Long Island AVA.
Cellar door sales e.g. Long Island’s proximity to the Hamptons
How are New York AVA laws different from Federal requirements?
Same e.g. AVA needs 85%, grape variety needs 75%, vintage needs 95%
How did the New York Farm Winery Act change the production and sale of wines in New York?
Which market has been surprisingly reticent to embrace New York state wine?
Production dominated by a few large firms making high vol wine
Act allowed wineries to sell DTC
Vast majority of wine sold in-state esp. via cellar door
Large and competitive wine market in NYC
Which black grape is the most widely planted in the Finger Lakes? Why? What style of wine does it produce?
Cabernet Franc
Mid-ripening + winter hardy
Red cherry, cranberry, black plum, herbaceous, with or without French oak
