EXCURSIONS OFF THE RIESLING TRAIL Jamal Rayyis · Tara Thomas · Lisa Granick MW Sunday 3:15–5:00 PM · Dr. Konstantin Frank
With a challenging climate, the Finger Lakes have long been a region of experimentation – whether through research on hybrids at Cornell’s Geneva Station, or relentless trials with vinifera dating back to Konstantin Frank’s work in the 1950s until the present day. While Riesling has emerged as the Finger Lake’s hallmark grape, other, less-known varieties have become unique references for the region. Georgian-origin Rkatsiteli and Saperavi are prominent among these, but others from Austria, Germany and northern Italy are showing their worth, too. And, in an ironic twist, there is revived appreciation for hybrid and labrusca grapes. We will explore some of the varieties and wine styles representing this current trend alongside their European inspirations and discuss how taking the road less-travelled can help Finger Lakes winemakers manage these uncertain times.
Flight 1 1.Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli, 2025Finger Lakes, NY 2.Casreli Marani “Amidasturi”, NVKakheti, Georgia 3.Standing Stone Saperavi, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 4.Mukado Saperavi, NVKartli, Georgia Flight 2 5.Fox Run Grüner Veltliner, 2025Finger Lakes, NY 6.Fritsch Ried Steinberg Grüner Veltliner, 2023Wagram, Austria 7.Heart & Hands Esoterra, 2023Finger Lakes, NY 8.Ambrositsch Gemischter Satz “Ringelspiel”, 2021Wien, Austria Flight 39.Keuka Lake Vineyards Skin-Fermented Vignoles, 2021Finger Lakes, NY 10.Fio Wines Mosel Glou Glou, 2024Mosel, Germany 11.Usonia Good Spirit, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 12.Vignoble du Rêveur “Rien ne Bouge”, 2023Vin de France Flight 4 13.Ravines Agricolae Keuka Red, 2022Finger Lakes, NY 14.Marcus Sara Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali, 2023Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
