The Finger Lakes, in upstate New York, is the eastern United States' premier cool-climate wine region, celebrated above all for Riesling. The deep glacial lakes moderate the harsh continental climate, letting Riesling ripen while keeping racing acidity, giving lime, green apple, peach and a slatey minerality from dry to off-dry to sweet. The region also makes fine Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.
Structure
| Body | The lakes' thermal mass protects vines from winter cold and spring frost, enabling viticulture at a northerly latitude. Riesling is the star — taut, mineral and ageworthy — while Cabernet Franc leads the reds with a fresh, leafy, red-fruited style suited to the cool climate. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | Very high, racy. |
| Tannin | None in Riesling; low to medium in Cabernet Franc. |
| Finish | Long and vibrant, with lime, peach and mineral. |
| Aroma | Lime, green apple, peach, white flowers and slate. |
Serving: 8–11°C Riesling; 14–16°C Cabernet Franc. · Decanting: None for Riesling; brief airing for reds.
Finger Lakes drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Drink within 1–4 years. |
| Premium Riesling | Best 3–12 years. |
| Top dry / single-vineyard | 8–20 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Drinking well now. |
| 2020 | Hold to 2030. |
| 2022 | Drink now to 2032. |
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Finger Lakes — questions answered
Why is the Finger Lakes good for Riesling?
The deep glacial lakes moderate the harsh climate, letting Riesling ripen while keeping the racy acidity that defines great examples.
What red wines does the region make?
Cabernet Franc leads, in a fresh, leafy, red-fruited cool-climate style, alongside some Pinot Noir.
Are Finger Lakes Rieslings sweet?
They span bone-dry to sweet; the high acidity keeps even off-dry and sweet styles fresh and balanced.
What food pairs with Finger Lakes Riesling?
Off-dry styles suit spicy and Asian food and pork; dry styles suit shellfish and lighter dishes.