Vintages are a true variable in the Finger Lakes, in the Old World sense. The 2018 vintage began with a healthy, dry spring and early summer, though transitioned into a very rainy late-summer and early fall. With low crop levels, many Riesling vineyards were able to hang fruit into late October, allowing for diligent grape-sorting in the field, and harvest picks during dry stretches. The resulting wines of the vintage exhibit classic varietal character, with a softer, more approachable style in their youth, yet the structure to age as well.

Designed to be an honest representation of Finger Lakes Riesling, they worked with varied vineyard sites that have a mix of mineral soil types ideal for dry Riesling, including: shale + gravel, shale + clay, sand over shale, and limestone + shale. Each vineyard site was vinified entirely separately to best bring out individual character; from cold soaking decisions, to fermentation style, to storage in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels.

A shimmering silver-yellow colour, on the nose this Riesling displays supple fruit tones of golden apple, tangerine, lime zest & ginger, with racy mineral aromas of gravel, shale & limestone. Brisk acidity hits the palate, followed by flavours of peach, grapefruit pith & candied lemon, all leading to a long, savoury mineral finish

About EMPIRE ESTATE:

GWGP is thrilled to introduce EMPIRE ESTATE to the United Kingdom! The force behind EE is Finger Lakes native son, Thomas Pastuzak, former executive wine director of The NoMad in NYC. Thomas was named one of the Best New Sommeliers of 2012 by Wine & Spirits Magazine, Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2013, and one of Food & Wine’s Sommeliers of the Year of 2015. He created Empire Estate to showcase the incredible Finger Lakes region of New York State. Along with renowned winemaker Kelby James Russell (Apollo's Praise, formerly Red Newt Cellars) their goal is to present Finger Lakes Riesling to the world and give everyone yet another reason to love New York. Be sure to try their Traditional Method SPARKLING RIESLINGS, too!

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