Argetsinger Riesling 2020

Located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the Argetsinger vineyard benefits from a cool climate and a strong lake influence that moderates temperature fluctuations. The Riesling vines are rooted in particularly poor limestone and schist soils, providing remarkable natural drainage and a pronounced expression of minerality. This steep, lakeside slope is considered one of the region's most renowned sites for this grape variety, producing precise and taut wines.

From the Argetsinger vineyard on the limestone slopes overlooking Lake Seneca, this Riesling is made from hand-harvested grapes, carefully sorted and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must is then fermented slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity and minerality of the terroir. Aging continues on fine lees, also in stainless steel tanks, until bottling, without any oak influence, to maintain the tension, precision, and crystalline expression of the grape variety.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , crisp green apple , and stone fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, a chalky minerality, and subtle spicy nuances. The palate is distinguished by its elegant texture, vibrant acidity that prolongs the tasting experience, and precise structure, underpinned by remarkable aromatic purity. The finish is long, saline, and refreshing, leaving an impression of tension and balance.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.