26. New York State

Question 1

How many AVAs are within New York State?

Answer 1

11

Question 2

What are the three most important New York State AVAs?

Answer 2

1) Finger Lakes AVA
2) Hudson River Region AVA
3) Long Island AVA

Question 3

What is the climate of Finger Lakes AVA?

Answer 3

Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters

Question 4

The 11 lakes that comprise the Finger Lakes aren’t large, but still have important roles to play. How?

Answer 4

They are extremely deep and often fail to freeze in winter

Question 5

What role in autumn do the Finger Lakes play?

Answer 5

Provide a warming influence in the autumn enabling the grapes to ripen over a longer period and reducing the risk of autumn frosts

Question 6

What role in spring do the Finger Lakes play?

Answer 6

Cool air from the lake delays budburst reducing chance of damage in spring frosts.

Question 7

What is lake effect snow and why is it advantageous? (3 steps and an outcome)

Answer 7

1) Occurs when cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes
2) Warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere
3) The air rises, clouds form and grow into narrow bands that produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.
4) Snow helps insulate vines in winter

Question 8

How does the topography around the lakes benefit the vineyard area?

Answer 8

The slopes around the lakes causes cold air to drain towards the water. As it reaches the lake, the air warms and rises creating a vacuum that draws more cold air off the land.

Question 9

Why are vineyards planted at low densities of large vines in Finger Lakes AVA?

Answer 9

Due to fertile soils and sufficient rainfall throughout the year

Question 10

What training and trellising system is common in Finger Lakes AVA and why?

Answer 10

1) Scott Henry - split canopy either vertically or horizontally
2) Allows greater air circulation
(reducing fungal disease) and light penetration.

Question 11

How do growers in Finger Lakes AVA protect their vines during winter?

Answer 11

By hilling up the soil to cover the graft union

Question 12

What is the dominant hybrid common in New York State?

Answer 12

Concord

Question 13

What are the three most common v. vinifera varieties planted in Finger Lakes AVA?

Answer 13

1) Riesling
2) Chardonnay
3) Cabernet Franc

Question 14

What two properties of Cabernet Franc make it the most planted black vinifera variety?

Answer 14

1) Mid-ripening
2) Winter hardy

Question 15

How might Finger Lakes AVA Riesling achieve residual sugar? (3)

Answer 15

1) Late harvesting
2) Botrytis
3) Stopping fermentation early

Question 16

What two types of oak are commonly used in the maturation of Finger Lakes AVA’s Cabernet Franc and why?

Answer 16

French and Hungarian

American oak could overwhelm the wine

Question 17

Name a significant producer of Finger Lakes AVA

Answer 17

Forge Cellars

Question 18

What three bodies of water surround Long Island AVA?

Answer 18

1) Atlantic Ocean
2) Peconic Bay
3) Long Island Sound

Question 19

What is the climate of Long Island AVA and why?

Answer 19

Maritime with a long growing season because the water bodies slowly release the accumulated summer heat into the autumn and harvest period.

Think Bordeaux!

Question 20

What is the key variety of Long Island AVA?

Answer 20

Merlot (and black Bordeaux varieties)

Question 21

What four white vinifera varieties can be found on Long Island AVA?

Answer 21

1) Riesling
2) Pinot Gris
3) Sauvignon Blanc
4) Chardonnay

Question 22

What viticultural hazard plays a part in Long Island AVA?

Answer 22

Humidity and fungal disease pressure

Question 23

Describe the differences between the North Fork and Hamptons AVAs’ soils

Answer 23

1) North Fork = sandy
2) Hamptons = silt loam

Question 24

Name a significant producer of Long Island AVA

Answer 24

Wölffer Estate

Question 25

Where are most Hudson River Region AVA vineyards planted?

Answer 25

Within a few kilometres/miles of it on glacial deposits of shale, slate, schist and limestone

Question 26

What is the climate of Hudson River Region AVA?

Answer 26

Continental with warm summers and cold winters

Question 27

What are two viticultural hazards of Hudson River Region AVA?

Answer 27

1) Spring frosts
1) Winter freeze

Question 28

What five varieties are commonly planted in Hudson River Region AVA? (2 hybrid, 3 vinifera)

Answer 28

1) Seyval Blanc and Vidal
2) Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc

Question 29

How is most New York State wine sold?

Answer 29

Via cellar door

Question 30

Why are New York State’s sales unlike most wine regions with a major city nearby?

Answer 30

The NY trade has been slow to embrace its state’s wines in a competitive and demanding market