Some might be surprised to learn that Big Apple is home to over 300 vineyards/wine outlets. Though they can be discovered all over the state, the four major American Viticultural Areas (AVA) are the Finger Lakes, Hudson Brook, Lake Erie, and Long Island AVAs. The Manhattan area is particularly noted for its robust red wines; moderate temperatures and a long growing season led "Wine Spectator" magazine to dub the Long Island AVA "New York's Bordeau." Hudson Valley's Society Winery, which introduced its first commercial vintage in 1839, is the oldest operating winery in the US. Since that point New York wines have continuously increased in popularity and status.
The most well liked red wines from New York include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah (also called Shiraz). These are among the best Big Apple red wines.
Owner's Reserve Sauvignon 2001, Chateau Lafayette Reneau
This prize-winning wine made from 100 % cabernet sauvignon grapes is described by the Finger Lakes region winery as an "elegant wine with layers of black cherry and plum fruit...with a silky finish of chocolate and spice." One of New York's most renowned red wines, it will set the buyer back about 43 dollars.
2008 Reserve Merlot, Bedell Basements
Considered one of the best Manhattan red wines, it is produced from some of the oldest merlot vines on Long Ialand. Aged for 12 months in tiny oak barrels, Bedell Basements 2008 Reserve Merlot is noted for its scent of "violets, beach plums, and brambles."
2008 Estate Syrah, Arrowhead Spring
The tiny, family controlled and managed Arrowhead Spring vineyard in the Niagara Escarpment area is famous for using standard methods to craft their wines by hand in tiny lots. "Wine Beholder" gave Arrowhead's 2008 Estate Syrah the top score the magazine has ever given to a Syrah wine.
2002 Premier Cru Merlot, Wolffer Estate
This is the Manhattan red wine to serve or order when needing to impress a chief or customer. At roughly $125 a bottle, it's the Long Island region's most pricey wine.
Meritage, Casa Larga
This award-winning red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc which has been aged for 18 months. The medium- to full-bodied wine has a smell of dark berries.
Classic Red, Hunt Country
This lightly-oaked red wine from the Finger Lakes area has a complex fruit personality that is reminiscent of Chianti. It is particularly appropriate to pour it with pizza or Italian foods.
Cabernet Franc, Swedish Hills
Swedish Hills winery, established in 1986 in the Finger Lakes region, shortly gained a name for manufacturing a reasonably-priced superior product. The delicious Cabernet Franc, priced around only $15/bottle, is NY state's only three-time winner of the distinguished Governor's Award (1994, 2008 and 2010).
All of New York's wine-producing regions have winery tours that include the vineyards, production process, wine sampling, and often a delicious lunch. A wine lover's perfect day!
The most well liked red wines from New York include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah (also called Shiraz). These are among the best Big Apple red wines.
Owner's Reserve Sauvignon 2001, Chateau Lafayette Reneau
This prize-winning wine made from 100 % cabernet sauvignon grapes is described by the Finger Lakes region winery as an "elegant wine with layers of black cherry and plum fruit...with a silky finish of chocolate and spice." One of New York's most renowned red wines, it will set the buyer back about 43 dollars.
2008 Reserve Merlot, Bedell Basements
Considered one of the best Manhattan red wines, it is produced from some of the oldest merlot vines on Long Ialand. Aged for 12 months in tiny oak barrels, Bedell Basements 2008 Reserve Merlot is noted for its scent of "violets, beach plums, and brambles."
2008 Estate Syrah, Arrowhead Spring
The tiny, family controlled and managed Arrowhead Spring vineyard in the Niagara Escarpment area is famous for using standard methods to craft their wines by hand in tiny lots. "Wine Beholder" gave Arrowhead's 2008 Estate Syrah the top score the magazine has ever given to a Syrah wine.
2002 Premier Cru Merlot, Wolffer Estate
This is the Manhattan red wine to serve or order when needing to impress a chief or customer. At roughly $125 a bottle, it's the Long Island region's most pricey wine.
Meritage, Casa Larga
This award-winning red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc which has been aged for 18 months. The medium- to full-bodied wine has a smell of dark berries.
Classic Red, Hunt Country
This lightly-oaked red wine from the Finger Lakes area has a complex fruit personality that is reminiscent of Chianti. It is particularly appropriate to pour it with pizza or Italian foods.
Cabernet Franc, Swedish Hills
Swedish Hills winery, established in 1986 in the Finger Lakes region, shortly gained a name for manufacturing a reasonably-priced superior product. The delicious Cabernet Franc, priced around only $15/bottle, is NY state's only three-time winner of the distinguished Governor's Award (1994, 2008 and 2010).
All of New York's wine-producing regions have winery tours that include the vineyards, production process, wine sampling, and often a delicious lunch. A wine lover's perfect day!
About the Author:
Jeff Myers has been fascinated by wine bars in nyc for many years. He has written many articles about this topic, including short lived histories and the top most interesting facts. For more details about nyc wine bars come and visit http://www.nycwinebars.org
