New York State: White wines to try

The cool climate of New York State is well-suited to producing crisp, refreshing white wines. Riesling is perhaps the most iconic of these, and it is produced in a full range of styles, from bone dry to lusciously sweet.

Scroll down to see Charles Curtis MW’s top New York State White wines

Grown throughout the state, the dry wines from the Finger Lakes are particularly successful. There are also several exciting small production single vineyard wines from producers such as Ravines, Forge Cellars and Red Newt Cellars.

In addition to Riesling, other international grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are grown throughout the state.

Chardonnay is remarkably adaptable and flourishes from the North Fork of Long Island through the Hudson Valley, into the Finger Lakes, and to the Niagara Peninsula.

In each region, the style reflects the climate and soil conditions.

See also: Charles’ New York State Red wines and Sparkling wines to try

The best Chardonnay from the North Fork can recall those of the Cote d’Or, with aromas of ripe apple and hazelnut and a rich, waxy texture. Those of the Finger Lakes are more Chablis-like, and in the best vintages, they can have a lemon-saline fruit character and a thrilling minerality that is hard to beat. Wines from the Niagara Escarpment tend to be lighter, softer, and more easy-drinking.

Another important wine style in New York is the ice wine made from Riesling and the hybrid grape varieties Vidal and Vignoles. True ice wines (when the fruit freezes on the vine) are made in the Finger Lakes and on the Niagara peninsula, while ‘iced wines’ where the grapes are artificially frozen are also produced throughout the state.

White wines made with skin contact are also growing in popularity in New York. These wines are known as ‘orange wine’ from the color imparted from the skins or from oxidation, and can be made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or other varieties.

The Dr. Konstantin Frank winery even makes an ‘Amber Rkatsiteli’ from the eponymous Central European grape variety.

Some producers also experiment with Friuli-style blends that include many grapes. The ‘Research Bianco’ from Long Island’s Channing Daughters includes Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia, Verdejo, and Albarino and trace quantities of quantities Gewurztraminer, Semillon, Tocai Friulano, and Pinot Grigio.

Charles Curtis MW’s top New York State White wines

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