Posts Tagged“wine”

New NY Wine Blog: NiagaraEscarpment.net

Have you heard about the Niagara Escarpment wine region in Western New York? I have, but I’ll admit to not knowing a whole lot about it or its wines. Very few of the wines make it to Long Island and, so far, very few wineries that I’ve dealt with have much interest in publicizing their wines in this part of the state. But, that might be changing. Duncan Ross, of not-yet-opened Arrowhead Springs Winery, and I just did an interview together that will be published over at Appellation America soon–and I learned a ton about the region. It’s really an…

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WTN: Waters Crest Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

Waters Crest Winery isn’t new to me or to you guys. I’ve written about Jim Waters and his wines many times in the three-plus years I’ve had this blog. But, for those of you that are new to LENNDEVOURS, Waters Crest Winery is one of Long Island’s smallest producers and one that I’ve long loved mainly for its white wines. The riesling in particular is a favorite of mine. Being a small winery is one thing, but with his Waters Crest Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) winemaker and co-owner Jim Waters has taken "small batch" wine to a new level.…

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Father’s Day Happenings at Long Island Wineries

Sunday is Father’s Day–and thanks to the four-month old who currently runs our household, this is my first Father’s Day as a father. Father’s Day gifts aren’t as easy to choose as those for Mother’s Day. The lack of a go-to gift like jewelry (like I bought for Nena) makes it even more of a challenge. So what do I want for Father’s Day? I already told Dr. Vino. But, I already have three grills–gas, charcoal, and a smoker�–so that’s out. And while I can hold my own around the house, power tools don’t hold any special place in my…

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Visting the Finger Lakes: Part 1

By Finger Lakes Correspondent Jason Feulner The Finger Lakes are worth visiting for many reasons, but it is not always an easy vacation to plan if one is not familiar with the region.  In a two-part series, I will attempt to provide some general answers to basic questions about planning a trip to the Finger Lakes.  I encourage readers to ask me more questions if these topics do not provide all of the answers! When is the best time to visit?I’ll run the answer down by seasons to flesh out the possibilities: Winter–Darn cold, but can be downright beautiful after…

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A Delicate Touch in the Finger Lakes: An Interview with Ravines’ Morten Hallgren

By Finger Lakes Correspondent Jason Feulner Morten Hallgren has an unusual background for a U.S. winemaker, especially one in the Finger Lakes.  He was born in Denmark and moved to Provence in southern France after his father decided to purchase an ancient winemaking estate founded in 1307.  Although Hallgren learned French winemaking techniques throughout his childhood, he decided to pursue science and attended university in the United States, majoring in astrophysics (yes, it seems that in this case it does take a rocket scientist to make wine). Eventually, Hallgren found his calling and enrolled in an oenologist program at the…

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A Response from Howard Goldberg

The following is an email I received from Howard Goldberg, a well-known wine writer who I read most often in the New York Times in his "Long Island Vines" column. As you will see, he offered it up for publication here on LENNDEVOURS, so that is what I’m doing. Below his email is my response as well. Dear Mr. Thompson, Your Web entry of April 25, which recently came to my attention, suggests a failure to respect such elementary principles of professional journalism as fairness and accuracy. The question in the title, “LI Wineries Shutting Out Howard Goldberg?”, is never…

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Empire Oenophile in Edible Brooklyn’s Spring Issue

The fine folks at Edible Brooklyn have gotten around to posting the current issue, Spring 2007, on their website, so now I can point you to my first "Empire Oenophile" column there(It’s a pdf). I think you’ll find it an interesting read–especially if you’re sick of always reading about Long Island wines. In this particularly column, I focus heavily on the Finger Lakes but then include Long Island as well. Read it now.

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Tourism Expands in the Finger Lakes

By Finger Lakes Correspondent Jason Feulner According to the New York State Department of Agriculture, nearly 60% of wine sales in the Finger Lakes occur at the winery site by visiting consumers. These sales statistics are reflected in the strong regional alliances between wineries, wine routes, businesses and restaurants. The Finger Lakes has long sold itself as a scenic destination with wine as the main attraction. Visitors, enamored with the beauty of the area, are often inclined to purchase what they taste. This story in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle by Deborah Alexander reports that visitors with more spending money…

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WTN: Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island)

Roanoke Vineyards is still relatively new on the North Fork scene, but its red wines are already among the best made on the East Coast. In time, I believe they will also prove to be among the most long lived wines as well (I’m talking 20 years here). The wine that first "hooked" me on Roanoke was their 2000 merlot. I have one bottle of that wine left and when I opened a previous bottle a year or so ago, it wasn’t even close to peaking. We’ll see how patient I’ll be. But, no matter how good any winery’s red…

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WTN: Jamesport Vineyards 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (North Fork)

Most Long Island wineries focus on the red wine grapes of Bordeaux—particularly merlot—and the white wine grape of Burgundy—chardonnay. They are, by far, the two most planted varieties on the East End. Jamesport Vineyards is a little different. They make merlot and chardonnay of course—the market demands them. But, they also have a well established pinot noir program and consider the white wine of Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc, a speciality as well. Most local sauvignon is reared entirely in stainless steel tanks, which highlights the fruit character and results in fresh, lip-smacking wines that tend to be straight forward no matter…

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