By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Heartandhands_08rieslingAs you may have read, May is Riesling Month in the Finger Lakes and
to take part we'll be publishing a riesling review every weekday throughout the month.

We have a variety of styles and a bevy of producers lined up, but we'll start this little project today with the Heart & Hands Wine Company 2008 Riesling ($19).

Heart & Hands is has quickly earned a reputation for its nearly singular focus on the pinot noir grape — a unique proposition in the Finger Lakes to be sure. But, winemaker and co-owner Tom Higgins makes riesling too — and not simply to round out the portfolio for summer tasting room visitors. 

Made using fruit grown by Jim Hazlitt at Sawmill Creek Vineyards on Seneca Lake, this fresh, mouth-watering riesling bursts with aromas of lime, citrus blossom, green apple and dried pineapple.

Off-dry in style (2.6% RS), it features mouth-filling flavors of juicy sweet apple, grapefruit, lime and honeyed peach spread out over the palate before an electric jolt of acidity cuts through all that fruit, drying out the finish. The finish brings back the floral-blossom character and a subtle grapefruit zest note.

One of the things I like best about this wine is the 8.3% ABV level. That means you can have a couple glasses with your meal without worry.

Producer: Heart & Hands Wine Company
ABV: 8.3%

RS: 2.6%

TA: 7.7 g/l

pH: 3.09

Case Production: 71
Price: $19

Rating: 87

(Ratings Guide)