Summer is upon us, and there are plenty of refreshingly distinctive Finger Lakes wines available to acÂcompany the lighter fare of the season. While the region’s fine Rieslings are available in abundance, many other varieties are on offer as well.
The Standing Stone 2013 Gewürztraminer ($14.99), for example, is just begging to be served at a picnic. Its aroma jumps out of the glass, full of exotic hints of brown spices, rose, lychee, and citrus. Rich and round in the mouth, its slightly honeyed character is well balanced by zesty acidity that adds a nicely refreshing character to the finish. Try this Seneca Lake beauty with a platter of grilled meats and vegetables at your next cookout.
Another fine choice for summer sipping is the Dr. Konstantin Frank 2014 Grüner Veltliner ($14.99). The most commonly planted grape in its native Austria, Grüner Veltliner is now producing some excellent wines in the Finger Lakes. The Dr. Frank rendition is quite a mouthful of fruit, with notes of grapefruit, lemon, and peach vying for the drinker’s attention. Its dry, mouthwatering finish makes it an excellent candidate for pairing with a wide range of foods. In particular, try it with grilled seafood and light pastas.
A third wine worth tracking down this summer is the Sheldrake Point 2014 Dry Rosé ($18). Located on Cayuga Lake, Sheldrake has been on a roll in recent vintages, and their current rosé offering is a beauty. Brimming with strawberry and cherry fruit, this is a seriously delicious wine with a bright, zippy finish that invites another sip. Made from 100 percent Cabernet Franc, it is another wine tailor-made for a picnic on a warm summer day.