V21 in the Finger Lakes

We’re *almost* ready to wrap up harvest in the Finger Lakes! There’s still late-harvest Riesling and Vidal hanging on the vines and a bit longer, but the rest of our batches are at various stages of ferment in the winery. We’re working with familiar varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, but we’ve also brought some newcomers into the winery this year: DeChaunac, Marquette and Corot Noir for Session Red, among others.

A rainy start to the growing season created challenging conditions with more disease pressure due to the moisture, while cooler temperatures and recent rains have kept sugar levels on the lower side. Canopy management has been vital in the vineyard, with wire lifting and leaf plucking increasing airflow through the vines and allowing excess water to evaporate.

In the winery, we’ve been hand-sorting as grapes go into the crusher to eliminate sour rot [not to be confused with the more desirable ‘noble rot’ botrytis], and are allocating some of these lower sugar [and therefore lower alcohol] batches to our new Session range.

Despite the challenges, there are great wines that will come from V21 in the Finger Lakes! We just have to work a little harder for them.

‍

Introducing Our Ranges

ESTABLISHED

Our Aussie family has worked with these classic varieties that you know and love for six generations. We’re continuing their legacy and making styles we love to drink – with varietal and regional expression, minimal inputs and maximum deliciousness.

UNDERGROUND

In a world with increasingly adventurous palates and a changing climate, we see these emerging [and re-emerging] varieties and styles as the way forward. Think high-quality French-American hybrids in the Finger Lakes, heat-loving Mediterranean varieties in South Australia, and Pét-Nats across the board.

SESSION

Produced with a combination of natural techniques, including picking super early and making piquette, our Session wines are an ideal pairing for warm weather, spicy foods and extended sipping sessions. They’re also lower in alcohol [7-10%] than the average wine — without sacrificing flavor.

‍

The Wines

• Finger Lakes Session Sparkling White
• ‍2019 Finger Lakes Vidal
• 2020 Finger Lakes Dry Rosé
• 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz

‍