"June is a time when the vineyardist thins and trains shoots, which seem to grow inches a day. During thinning and training one learns intimately about the personality of the grapevine. It is a strange creature, and one can see why in ancient Greece and Rome it represented the cycles of life. The bark on the main trunk tends to be cracked and crumpled, hanging in threads in some places, and reminiscent of a withered old man. It’s not pretty to look at. But the vine comes to life in the smooth brown canes that were young growth the year before, and then in the tender, rubbery green shoots of the current season." In 1998, Gary and Rosemary Barletta purchased seven acres of land on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Descending to the west from the state route that runs along on the ridge overlooking the lake, the land was fertile, rich with shalestone and limestone bedrock, and exposed to moderating air currents from the lake. It was the perfect place to establish a vineyard, and the Barlettas immediately began to plant their vines and build the winery about which they had dreamed for years. The Barlettas’ story, as John C. Hartsock tells it, is a window onto the world of contemporary craft winemaking, from the harsh realities of business plans, vineyard pests, and brutal weather to the excitement of producing the first vintage, greeting enthusiastic visitors on a vineyard tour, and winning a gold medal from the American Wine Society for a Cabernet Franc. Above all, Seasons of a Finger Lakes Winery describes the connection forged among the vintner, the vine, and terroir. This ancient bond, when tended across the cycle of seasons, results in excellent wines and the satisfaction, on the part of the winemaker and the wine enthusiast, of tasting a perfect harvest in a single glass. Today, Long Point Winery sits on seventy-two acres (eight of which are under cultivation with vinifera grapes) and produces sixteen varieties of wine, a number of which are estate wines made from grapes grown on their property. With interest in winemaking continuing to grow, the Barlettas’ experience of making award-winning wines offers both practical advice for anyone running (or thinking of running) their own winery, whether in the Finger Lakes or elsewhere, as well as insights into the challenges and joys of pursuing a dream.
The connection between vintner, vine, and terroir as seen across the cycle of seasons in the Finger Lakes region of New York. --Hudson Cattell, editor of Wine East in Wines & Vines and co-author of Wine East of the Rockies "Gastronomica"
Filled with fun and likable characters, Summer in a Glass brings this burgeoning area to life and captures its exciting diversity--from its immigrant German winemakers to its young, technically trained connoisseurs, from classic Rieslings ...
I had difficulty putting the book down because it was entertaining. This should make a very fine contribution to the literature of wine-making in New York._ _ John C. Hartsock, author of Seasons of a Finger Lakes Winery
The Finger Lakes of New York
As they and the world tune in to watch an owl couple raise its brood, all realize there is much to be learned from a wisdom of owls.
In GREETINGS FROM THE FINGER LAKES, local restaurateur Michael Turback profiles the best wineries, restaurants, farms, and markets surrounding the five largest lakes, and includes interviews with the proprietors, tasting notes, and even a ...
Various Author: DeSimone Mike; Jeff Jenssen Title: Wines of the Southern Hemisphere Subtitle: The Complete Guide Place: New York Publisher: Sterling Epicure Date: 2012 Format: Hardcover ISBN: 9781402786259 Location: Southern Hemisphere ...
For more than a century, the natural scenic beauty of the Finger Lakes has drawn generations of tourists. The vineyards, glens, and steamers that made the region famous are displayed through the vintage images in this volume.
These pioneers were followed by an increasing number of dedicated growers and winemakers who fought in each of their states to get laws dating back to Prohibition changed so that an industry could begin.Hudson Cattell, a leading authority ...
... season—not unlike the Finger Lakes, Willy thought. The added sugar, brandy and second fermentation of the traditional Champagne method produced a sweet wine that would not have been possible otherwise. At the time the Champagne method ...