Riesling, a fascinating grape variety, served as the focal point of a seminar held at the Konstantin Frank winery, located on the picturesque west side of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region. The seminar aimed to explore the unique characteristics of Riesling and its place in the local wine landscape.
Konstantin Frank, originally from Odessa, Ukraine, made a name for himself as a leading viticulturist. Upon arriving in the Finger Lakes, he faced skepticism about growing vinifera varieties due to the region’s cold winters. However, drawing from his experiences in Odessa, he successfully cultivated Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, ultimately planting 66 different vinifera varieties.
The FLXcursion seminar, which included a curated tasting of notable Rieslings, was led by experts Stuart Pigott, Lisa Granick, and Thomas Pastusak. The selection featured wines from various regions, highlighting the versatility of Riesling.
Tasting notes from some standout wines included:
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Dr Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2024, Mosel, Germany: This wine showcased exotic, tropical, and floral citrus notes, with a vibrant palate of off-dry lemon and lime fruit balanced by good acidity, earning a remarkable 94/100.
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Robert Weil Kiedricher Gräfenberg Riesling Spätlese 2024, Rheingau, Germany: Noted for its powerful limey character and keen acidity, this wine achieved an almost perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, also rated at 94/100.
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Martin’s Lane Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling 2025, Okanagan, Canada: Highly praised for its mineral quality and tension, this wine delivered crystalline citrus and a lovely floral twist, earning an impressive 95/100.
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Forge Breakneck Creek Vineyard Dry Riesling 2023, Finger Lakes, New York: With a bold and concentrated flavor profile, this Riesling highlighted vivid citrus and a touch of peach, receiving a score of 94/100.
The tasting not only celebrated the rich flavor profiles and styles of Riesling but also emphasized the growing reputation of Finger Lakes wines in the broader wine community. Through events like this seminar, the Finger Lakes region continues to establish itself as a notable player in the world of wine, showcasing the potential of its unique terroir.
For more on the Finger Lakes and its wines, visit Konstantin Frank and Exploring Riesling in the Finger Lakes.