26. New York State Flashcards
How many AVAs are within New York State?
11
What are the three most important New York State AVAs?
1) Finger Lakes AVA
2) Hudson River Region AVA
3) Long Island AVA
What is the climate of Finger Lakes AVA?
Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters
The 11 lakes that comprise the Finger Lakes aren’t large, but still have important roles to play. How?
They are extremely deep and often fail to freeze in winter
What role in autumn do the Finger Lakes play?
Provide a warming influence in the autumn enabling the grapes to ripen over a longer period and reducing the risk of autumn frosts
What role in spring do the Finger Lakes play?
Cool air from the lake delays budburst reducing chance of damage in spring frosts.
What is lake effect snow and why is it advantageous? (3 steps and an outcome)
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
How does the topography around the lakes benefit the vineyard area?
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.
Why are vineyards planted at low densities of large vines in Finger Lakes AVA?
Due to fertile soils and sufficient rainfall throughout the year
What training and trellising system is common in Finger Lakes AVA and why?
1) Scott Henry - split canopy either vertically or horizontally
2) Allows greater air circulation
(reducing fungal disease) and light penetration.
How do growers in Finger Lakes AVA protect their vines during winter?
By hilling up the soil to cover the graft union
What is the dominant hybrid common in New York State?
Concord
What are the three most common v. vinifera varieties planted in Finger Lakes AVA?
1) Riesling
2) Chardonnay
3) Cabernet Franc
What two properties of Cabernet Franc make it the most planted black vinifera variety?
1) Mid-ripening
2) Winter hardy
How might Finger Lakes AVA Riesling achieve residual sugar? (3)
1) Late harvesting
2) Botrytis
3) Stopping fermentation early
What two types of oak are commonly used in the maturation of Finger Lakes AVA’s Cabernet Franc and why?
French and Hungarian
American oak could overwhelm the wine
Name a significant producer of Finger Lakes AVA
Forge Cellars
What three bodies of water surround Long Island AVA?
1) Atlantic Ocean
2) Peconic Bay
3) Long Island Sound
What is the climate of Long Island AVA and why?
Maritime with a long growing season because the water bodies slowly release the accumulated summer heat into the autumn and harvest period.
Think Bordeaux!
What is the key variety of Long Island AVA?
Merlot (and black Bordeaux varieties)
What four white vinifera varieties can be found on Long Island AVA?
1) Riesling
2) Pinot Gris
3) Sauvignon Blanc
4) Chardonnay
What viticultural hazard plays a part in Long Island AVA?
Humidity and fungal disease pressure
Describe the differences between the North Fork and Hamptons AVAs’ soils
1) North Fork = sandy
2) Hamptons = silt loam
Name a significant producer of Long Island AVA
Wölffer Estate
Where are most Hudson River Region AVA vineyards planted?
Within a few kilometres/miles of it on glacial deposits of shale, slate, schist and limestone
What is the climate of Hudson River Region AVA?
Continental with warm summers and cold winters
What are two viticultural hazards of Hudson River Region AVA?
1) Spring frosts
1) Winter freeze
What five varieties are commonly planted in Hudson River Region AVA? (2 hybrid, 3 vinifera)
1) Seyval Blanc and Vidal
2) Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc
How is most New York State wine sold?
Via cellar door
Why are New York State’s sales unlike most wine regions with a major city nearby?
The NY trade has been slow to embrace its state’s wines in a competitive and demanding market
