The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York has a long, storied history of grape-growing and winemaking, but its sparkling wine production in the late-1800s is what initially put the area on the world’s wine map. With vineyards planted on mineral-rich soils, on slopes that hug the glacially-carved lakes, and a cool climate similar to many of the finest Old World wine regions, the Finger Lakes is an ideal terroir for making world-class sparkling wines.

Made from 100% Riesling, this traditional method sparkling wine marries our long history of sparkling wine production and our celebrated modern era where Riesling reigns supreme.

A shimmering silver-yellow colour with a persistent mousse, on the nose this sparkling wine displays fruit tones of green apple, golden peach and baked lemon, notes of toasted brioche, and racy mineral aromas of gravel and limestone. Refined bubbles and a brisk acidity hit the palate, followed by flavours of lemon cream, orange blossom and stone fruit, all leading to a long, mineral finish.

Critics Reviews

90 pts - Decanter: Classic Riesling nose with lime, petrol white, peach, orange blossom, jasmine and Granny Smith apple. Textural mid-palate, with bright acidity, minerality, tropical hints and a lingering finish. — Andy Howard MW, Christine Allen, Eugenio Egorov, Decanter.com

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!