Wines Niagara Escarpment (New York) Forge Cellars - Caywood Dry Riesling - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Forge Cellars Cuvée Caywood Dry Riesling 2022 from the Niagara Escarpment AVA in New York is a fine representation of the region’s evolving style for white wines. This wine is crafted predominantly from Riesling grapes, sourced from the Caywood vineyard site, known for its rocky soils and unique microclimate overlooking Seneca Lake. The 2022 vintage in the Niagara Escarpment benefited from a relatively warm and long growing season, which allowed the grapes to achieve balanced ripeness while conserving their vibrant acidity. Fermentation takes place mainly in stainless steel, aiming to preserve the varietal’s purity and its aromatic freshness, while occasional lees stirring adds depth and texture to the wine.

The Niagara Escarpment AVA is located in Western New York and is part of a geological formation that stretches from New York through Ontario, all the way to Wisconsin. The area is known for its cool climate, moderated by the influence of Lake Ontario and deep glacial lakes like Seneca, which help extend the growing season and ensure slow ripening—a key factor for quality Riesling. The soils here are varied, but the escarpment’s gravelly terraces and underlying limestone provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive minerality and energy to the wines. The history of winegrowing in this region dates back to the 19th century, but there’s been a renaissance in recent decades, with Riesling emerging as one of the most expressive and successful grape varieties.

This dry Riesling’s lively acidity and crisp mineral profile make it exceptionally versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with fresh seafood such as oysters or steamed mussels, sushi, or delicate fish like sole and trout. Its subtle floral and citrus notes can also complement spicy Asian dishes, particularly Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. If you wish to explore regional New York pairings, try it with local goat cheese or a classic Waldorf salad, where the apple and celery flavors echo the wine’s refreshing character.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. Pour into medium-sized white wine glasses to allow the delicate aromatics to open up. This Riesling can be enjoyed on release, but a short period of cellaring—up to 3-5 years—will highlight its mineral complexity and develop subtle honeysuckle nuances.