Riesling Dry 2020

Morten Hallgren , a winemaker, and his wife Lisa, herself a chef, founded Ravines in 2001. Born in Denmark, Morten grew up on his family's wine estate in Côtes de Provence, France, and later took courses in oenology in Montpellier. One of his first jobs was at Chateau Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux, and many years later, in 1998, he began working as head winemaker for Dr. Konstantin Frank Cellars in the Finger Lakes, where he discovered the enormous potential of the region's terroir and wines.

This Riesling is made in a decidedly dry style, from fruit sourced from vineyards bordering Keuka and Seneca Lakes . These vineyards are sustainably farmed and quasi-organic were it not for the occasional need during wet and difficult vintages. The grapes are hand-picked, with whole-cluster pressing which adds a bit of chewiness. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks, using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged for 6 to 8 months on fine lees. This is a dry, crisp and taut Riesling with bright aromas and flavors of white flowers , lemon , lime , white peach , tangy pineapple and a hint of smoky stone . This wine feels round and ripe, not heavy and well rendered thanks to its natural acidity. The finish is sapid and mineral.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.