The Finger Lakes AVA Masterclass Riesling in Mondial Des Vins Blancs Strasbourg 2023

Wine is produced all over the length and breadth of the USA. Let's first get to know the legislation governing the term AVA.

The US system of geographical indications is based on the term American Viticultural Area (AVA). AVAs vary considerably in size. The Rutherford area in Napa County is very small, while the Central Coast area covers the stretch from San Francisco in the north to Santa Barbara in the south. AVAs may include land from more than one state and may also overlap each other, such as the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is located within the boundaries of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA.

There are federal laws that specify the minimum percentages of grapes that must come from a single variety, vintage, or AVA for these terms to be allowed to appear on the label. However, many states also have their own laws that may differ from the federal law.

THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Compared to the wine producing regions of the West Coast of the United States, New York State viticulture is dominated by American and hybrid grape varieties. These grapes are used for juice and jelly production, but because of their winter hardiness, they are also used in wine production. Wines are also produced from V. vinifera varieties, with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes being predominantly grown.

The Finger Lakes AVA is an important region in terms of wine production. The deep glacial lakes in the region store sufficient heat until *5 November, leading to rising air temperatures in the surrounding vineyards and lengthening the growing season. Although distinguished primarily for the quality of its aromatic Riesling, the region also produces Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, as well as wines from some American varieties and hybrids. Some of the lakes each have their own smaller AVA.

During the Mondial Des Vins Blancs Strasbourg a masterclass on the Finger Lakes Riesling was held with Bob MADILL Chair Promotions & Board Member of NY Wine and Grape Foundation and Annemarie MORSE Wine Educator & Wine Writer.

Let's first meet the two internationally renowned judges and presenters of the masterclass:

Bob Madill provides educational and consulting services to the wine industry.

Bob Madill co-founded Sheldrake Point Winery, Finger Lakes, NY in 1997 and was Winegrower & GM, for 12+ years for the 44 acre (18 ha) vineyard & winery. Bob is a Board Member of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Chair, Promotions Committee. He represents Tonnellerie Bossuet in the Finger Lakes, NY, and Niagara, ON. Bob is the Head Judge for the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition. He is WSET 3 certified, a Certified Sommelier CMS, and is a certified AWS Wine Judge Instructor. Bob & his colleague Prof Pascal Durand conduct personalized Educational Wine Tours to Europe.

Annemarie Morse, Master of Oenology, Wine Educator/Writer/Sommelier, International Wine Judge

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education (7000 members) and manages a wine judge certification program. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes wine and food articles for various publications. She has taught as a wine class at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 12 years.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes, training and events for staff, students, alumni clients and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata. Annemarie hosts wine tours nationally and internationally. She welcomes the opportunity to travel the world over to explore wine and food at its source and to share these experiences with others. The highlight for her always comes through translating her experiences into a richer understanding and appreciation of wine among wine lovers of all degrees. She looks forward to tipping her glass to future adventures in wine regions with new friends!

Discover The Finger Lakes AVA,Masterclass Riesling:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zlZu_binWVpGDRls-CKim_h9b6RxKkjm/view?usp=sharing

Source: Mondial Des Vins Blancs Strasbourg 2023

New York Wine & Grape Foundation

Michèle Piron, Vinnconection

WSET