by Samantha Garbarini
Let’s be honest: In New York, there are good wineries, and there are bad wineries. The climate isn’t exactly favorable to growing grapes for great wine, and our reputation isn’t nearly as prestigious as Napa or Bordeaux. Still, New York State is the third largest producer of wine after California and Washington, and some of what’s it making is pretty darn good (and we’re not just talking about the Riesling).
Okay, I know we just said it’s not only Riesling, but there’s no question that vintners in the Finger Lakes region turn out some serious bottles of this white juice. Derek and Carol Todd, owners of Wine Geeks in Armonk, recommend this bottle from Boundary Breaks with notes of peach, citrus, and honeysuckle. “These guys are all about Riesling; it’s all they make.”
Wine Geeks, $14.99
559 Main St, Armonk
(914) 273-9463; www.winegeeksarmonk.com
If you want something crisp and slightly fruity to pair with poultry, pasta, or cheese dishes, look no further than this stainless steel-fermented chardonnay from Long Island’s North Fork.
Zachys, $17.99
16 East Pkwy, Scarsdale
(914) 874-8000; www.zachys.com
We’re staying on the North Fork, but going red with this merlot, showing dark fruits like black plum, blackberry, and cherry. This biodynamic vineyard also boasts a weekend getaway-worthy bed and breakfast.
Wine Geeks, $18.99
559 Main St, Armonk
(914) 273-9463; www.winegeeksarmonk.com
Zachys Vice President Andrew McMurray’s favorite New York State bottles come from this Long Island winery, including this moderately prices Cabernet Franc.
Zachys, $29.99
16 East Pkwy, Scarsdale
(914) 874-8000; www.zachys.com
Head south to Sagaponack for this fruity and floral rosé from Wolffer Estate. If you’re still not convinced about New York State wines, keep this in mind: This was the number one selling pink wine at Wine Geeks last summer. Clearly, New York’s doing something right.
Wine Geeks, 19.99
559 Main St, Armonk
(914) 273-9463; www.winegeeksarmonk.com
To enjoy New York State wines—and bottles from myriad other wine regions—go to Wine & Food Fest and learn about this magazine’s June 8-11 festival.
