Wines Finger Lakes (New York) Weis Vineyards - Winzer Select Riesling K - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Weis Vineyards’ Cuvée Winzer Select Riesling K 2023 hails from the renowned Finger Lakes region in New York, a rising star among American wine regions with a worldwide reputation for finely balanced Rieslings. Crafted entirely from Riesling grapes, this cuvée is a trocken or dry style ("K" denoting "Kabinett" or a similar ripeness). The 2023 vintage benefitted from a cool, even growing season, preserving bright acidity and aromatic complexity. Vinification was executed with precision to maintain the variety's signature floral and citrus notes, likely involving cool fermentation in stainless steel to best express the grape’s purity and terroir.

The Finger Lakes AVA lies in upstate New York and is characterized by its long, narrow glacial lakes, especially Lake Seneca and Keuka Lake, which create a unique microclimate. These deep waters temper the cold in winter and buffer summer heat, granting the region one of America's most promising cool-climate viticultural sites. The soils are typically glacial deposits with limestone and clay, providing fine drainage and imparting a distinctive minerality to the wines. German immigrants brought their winemaking expertise to this area in the 19th century, and today, its Rieslings are widely regarded for their elegance, vivid acidity, and precision.

This dry Riesling is exceptionally food friendly. Bright, racy acidity with citrus, green apple, and white blossom notes make it ideal for pairing with seafood—think fluke crudo, steamed littleneck clams, or a fillet of roasted trout. Its mineral backbone and faint salinity also complement regional dishes like New England lobster rolls or a classic Waldorf salad. For a nod to Germanic cuisine, try it with pork schnitzel, potato salad, or even a lightly spiced currywurst.

Serve this wine chilled, at around 7-9°C, to maximize its crisp freshness and aromatic nuances. Pour into tulip-shaped white wine glasses to accentuate the expressive nose. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to unfurl its delicate mineral and orchard fruit character, and enjoy young while the vibrancy of the vintage is at its peak.