Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Seneca Lake 'Classique' 2021

Winemaking partners Rick Rainey and Louis Barruol (of Château de St. Cosme, in Gigondas) have organized Forge Cellars to explore the unique qualities of Seneca Lake vineyard sites. With a focus on biointensive and regenerative growing practices, they have made a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of their business. And they treat the east shore of the lake as a cohesive subregion, comparable to an appellation in France. The Forge line of rieslings, in particular, draws from a collection of vineyards they have identified as New York “lieux-dits.” Each “lieu-dit” gets vinified and bottled separately; the catalog includes detailed information about the location, history, soil, and people of each vineyard, as well as distinct tasting notes. This, their riesling “classique,” incorporates a careful blend of those lieux-dits to create a balanced yet complex picture of Seneca Lake terroir. A subtle nose of honeysuckle and peach leads to spiced apple on the palate, with a lean finish of green apple skin and lemon. Organically grown, sustainably grown.