Finger Lakes Late Harvest Wine Guide

Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines are a type of sweet dessert wine produced primarily from white grape varieties. These wines are known for their luscious sweetness, intense fruit flavors, and balanced acidity. Here are some key characteristics and information about Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines:

1. Grape Varieties: Late Harvest wines in the Finger Lakes region are often made from grape varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Vidal Blanc, and sometimes even Chardonnay. Riesling is particularly popular due to its ability to retain high acidity even when grapes become very ripe.

2. Harvesting Process: The term "Late Harvest" indicates that the grapes used for these wines are harvested later in the growing season than those used for regular table wines. This extended hang-time on the vine allows the grapes to accumulate more sugar and develop complex flavors.

3. Sweetness Levels: Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines are typically quite sweet, often falling into the "dessert wine" category. They can range from moderately sweet to intensely sweet, with residual sugar levels ranging from around 6% to over 15%.

4. Botrytis Influence: Some of the finest Late Harvest wines from the Finger Lakes may also exhibit the effects of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), a beneficial fungus that dehydrates grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors. This can add layers of complexity to the wine.

5. Flavor Profile: These wines are known for their rich, honeyed, and fruity flavors. You may encounter notes of apricot, peach, pear, citrus, and tropical fruits, depending on the grape variety used.

6. Acidity: One distinguishing feature of Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines is their vibrant acidity, which helps to balance the sweetness and provide structure. This acidity makes them excellent candidates for pairing with a variety of desserts.

7. Aging Potential: While Late Harvest wines can be enjoyed young, they also have the potential to age gracefully due to their high sugar and acidity content. Over time, these wines can develop additional complexity and depth.

8. Food Pairing: Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines are ideal for pairing with a range of desserts, including fruit tarts, cheesecake, crème brûlée, and even spicy dishes like Thai or Indian cuisine. The acidity in the wine complements the sweetness and helps cut through rich, creamy textures.

9. Serving Temperature: These wines are typically served chilled to allow their aromas and flavors to fully express themselves. A recommended serving temperature is usually around 45-50°F (7-10°C).

Finger Lakes Late Harvest wines are a testament to the winemaking expertise and unique terroir of the region. They offer a delightfully sweet wine experience that can be enjoyed on its own or as a pairing with various desserts and dishes.

Here are a few Finger Lakes wineries known for producing Late Harvest wines:

1. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard: This winery is renowned for its Riesling wines, including Late Harvest Rieslings, which are highly regarded for their quality and sweetness.

2. Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars: Dr. Konstantin Frank's has a long history of winemaking in the Finger Lakes and produces Late Harvest wines, often from Riesling grapes.

3. Fox Run Vineyards: Fox Run Vineyards produces a range of wines, including Late Harvest selections, typically made from Riesling grapes.

4. Boundary Breaks Vineyard: This winery specializes in Riesling wines, including some Late Harvest Rieslings, which are highly regarded for their balance of sweetness and acidity.

5. Standing Stone Vineyards: Known for their diverse range of Riesling wines, Standing Stone has produced Late Harvest Rieslings that offer a sweet and aromatic profile.

6. Sheldrake Point Winery: Sheldrake Point Winery produces Late Harvest Riesling, showcasing the Finger Lakes region's potential for sweet dessert wines.

7. Glenora Wine Cellars: Glenora offers Late Harvest Rieslings as part of their portfolio, often with varying degrees of sweetness.

8. Heron Hill Winery: Heron Hill produces a variety of Riesling wines, including Late Harvest selections that capture the essence of the Finger Lakes.

Remember that wineries may vary from year to year in terms of which specific wines they produce, so it's a good idea to visit their websites or contact them directly for the most current information on their Late Harvest wine offerings and availability.