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Finger Lakes | USA

Seneca Lake Riesling AVA Wine Guide

America's Germanic Riesling — lake-cooled, slate-mineral, genuinely great

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot GrisServe 8–10°CAge 5–20 years
Seneca Lake Riesling wine colour in the glass
Typical colourPale lemon-green

Overview

The deepest of the Finger Lakes at 187m — Seneca Lake never freezes, moderating the brutal upstate New York winters. Riesling here shows Alsatian texture combined with Germanic precision — Dr. Konstantin Frank's 1962 plantings proved that the Finger Lakes could produce world-class vinifera. Hermann J. Wiemer's Rieslings are internationally respected.

In The Glass

Colour
Pale lemon-green
Nose
Lime, Green apple, Apricot, Slate and Petrol.
Palate
America's Germanic Riesling — lake-cooled, slate-mineral, genuinely great. Generally light-bodied, electric acidity, dry, with a long finish.

Tasting Profile

Body Light2/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Electric5/5
Sweetness Dry2/5
Alcohol Moderate2/5

Grapes

RieslingGewurztraminerPinot GrisCabernet Franc

Aromas And Notes

LimeGreen appleApricotLemonSlatePetrolWhite flowersMineralsPetrolHoneyToast

Terroir

Continental modified by Seneca Lake's thermal mass — lake-effect warming allows vinifera to survive harsh winters.

ShaleSlateGlacial tillSandy loam

Food Pairings

Lake troutFinger Lakes goat's cheesePork loinSpicy Asian dishes

Notable Producers

  • Hermann J. Wiemer, founded 1979 - Dry Riesling Reserve
  • Dr. Konstantin Frank, founded 1962 - Dry Riesling Crimson Label
  • Ravines Wine Cellars, founded 2000 - Dry Riesling