Wild Arc Farm 'Blackbird' Finger Lakes 2022

Todd Cavallo and Crystal Cornish left Brooklyn in the summer of 2016 to try their hand at building sustainable food systems in the Hudson Valley. The couple had limited experience in agriculture, mostly confined to growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and hops on city fire escapes, fending off the depredations of spiteful neighborhood squirrels. Beginning with ten acres, this small, biodynamic, permaculture-focused farm in Pine Bush is making outstanding wines from regionally-sourced grapes while waiting for their own vineyards to come of age. The grapes for this riesling-noiret coferment come from the Folts Farm, a vineyard on the western shore of Keuka Lake managed by fifth-generation grapegrower Adam Folts. Spicy noiret (a red hybrid developed at Cornell University) and aromatic riesling share the spotlight in a 60/40 red-white blend. The grapes are hand harvested and co-fermented for a total of 4 weeks before being pressed into neutral French oak barrels. Subtle earthy aromas not unlike a dry cider lead to blueberry and blackberry flavors over well-structured acidity. The riesling provides refreshing lift; tannins reminiscent of rooibos slowly develop on the finish. Sustainably grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.