A Trio of Wines from the Finger Lakes: Goose Watch Winery, Glenora Cellars, and Thirsty Owl

Hello Friends,

Today’s Recent Sips features two sparklers and an Ice Wine from the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. I had an opportunity to taste these wines during a recent event put on by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. In addition to making some really nice Rieslings, which the region is well-known for, the Finger Lakes cool-climate produces a number of bright, well-balanced white and red wines that are well suited to a wide variety of occasions and foods. Sparkling wines are one style of wine that can match just about any situation and any dish you throw at them. Their high acidity and palate-cleaning bubbles make then one of the most versatile and food-friendly wines you’ll find.

Two flutes of Brut Rosé coming right up!

And at these price points, there is no need  to reserve the bubbly for ‘special occasions.’ The special occasion is when you pop the cork-- and that can be any day of the week. Just whip out the [Champagne] flutes, grab some appetizers, invite friends over, pour, and enjoy! For a sweet-ending to your sparkling evening and dinner, the lip-smacking Ice Wine from Thirsty Owl Wine Company makes for a pleasant sipper in place of dessert. For further information and where you can find these wines see my tasting note below. If you're outside the region, your best chance of finding any one of these wines is via the producer’s website (and I have left links).   

Goose Watch Winery Pinot Noir Brut Rosé

Review: Goose Watch Winery NV Pinot Noir Brut Rosé (SRP $18): Deep blush in color, this sparkling wine offers a delightful core of bright red fruit with strawberry and cranberry aromas and flavors leading the way. The wine’s mouth-watering acidity and palate-cleansing bubbles make it a good match for a wide variety of foods – including everything from ham and turkey to picnic fare. Overall, this enjoyable wine is crisp and refreshing and at a price point that won’t break the piggy bank. Region: Finger Lakes, NY. (Other info: ABV 12%.) Click here to find this wine. 

Glenora Wine Cellars 2003 Brut 

Review: Glenora Wine Cellars 2003 Brut (SRP $24.99): This sparkling wine, made using the traditional method as they do in Champagne, is composed of 68% Pinot Noir, 19% Pinot Blanc and 13% Chardonnay. Deep straw in color with a frothy mousse and a fine persistent bead, the wine shows aromas and flavors of mature tree fruit, white stone fruit, and almond butter with muted (sweet) brioche notes. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a slightly creamy middle, this is a nice and affordable sparkling wine to have around the house for any day you feel like enjoying a nice glass of bubbly. Approximately 992 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Finger Lakes, NY. (Other info: ABV 12.5%) Click here to find this wine.  

Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2012 Ice Wine 

Review: Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine (SRP $39.95 / 375ml): Light brick in color with orange-tawny hues, this wine serves up inviting aromas of fresh strawberry preserve, framboise, rhubarb, and crushed cherries. The aromas extend to the palate with a slightly rich texture while remaining light on its feet with just enough acidity to balance the fruit and sugars. Serve chilled in cordial glasses and enjoy this lip-smacking treat for dessert after a scrumptious and satisfying meal. It’s not every day you see an Ice Wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and this selection is extremely likable and pleasant. (Other info: ABV 13.6%, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.) Click here to find this wine. Note: The '13 is currently available. 

A splash of Thirsty Owl Ice Wine

Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: These wines were provided for review. Thoughts are my own.

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