Thursday, August 1, 2013

Anthony Road Wine Company: Finger Lakes Winery Visit

Another in our series of Finger Lakes winery reports from our recent visit.
One reason we love Anthony Road Wine Company (maybe it’s three?) is Tierce. Tierce is a Riesling collaboration between winemakers at Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt. It’s really a lovely expression of the best of the Finger Lakes signature wine.

With that memory fresh in our minds, we pulled up to the beautiful grounds of Anthony Road, which is located on the west bank of Seneca Lake, about 10 miles south of Geneva. The spacious visitor center and tasting room opens to a beautiful garden and has a patio with views to the lake.

Once inside we were anxious to try the wares of winemaker Johannes Reinhardt, a native of Germany. He worked at wineries in his homeland then interned at Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars before joining Anthony Road in 2000.

First up was the Devonian White, their casual blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Cayuga White. This is a simple and refreshing wine finished in stainless steel. A bottle is a mere $9.99.
The 2012 Gewürztraminer was very floral with notes of tangerine. I preferred instead the 2012 Pinot Gris, which had offered flavors of melon and citrus, a medium body and a crisp finish.

Riesling is always a featured attraction in the Finger Lakes and we sampled two. Unfortunately, Tierce was sold out. The first was the 2011 Dry Riesling, which was, not surprisingly, dry with .08 residual sugar but was rich with traces of lemon and grapefruit. I’m warming up to somewhat sweeter Rieslings and the 2011 Semi-Dry Riesling had an amazing fresh, full blooming flavor.

We capped off the tasting with the 2011 Cabernet Franc – Lemberger blend. Cab Franc is our favorite Finger Lakes red, but Lemberger is really on the ascendance. This is a great combination that pops with the pepper of the Cab Franc, but is mellowed by the raspberry and blueberry tones of the Lemberger. This was our highest rated wine and was a bargain purchase at $19.99.

Anthony Road is a picturesque stop for your next Finger Lakes trip. If it is available (and it goes quickly) don’t leave without a bottle of Tierce Riesling.

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