Category Archives: FLXtra
Cool Climate is Dead in Old Europe
I just attended the wonderful and stimulating FLXcursion global Riesling conference in the Finger Lakes (FLX) region of Upstate New York where I also presented a seminar on Tuesday, 23rd July. I got a lot of requests to post at … Continue reading
“I dwell in possibility” – Nancy Irelan, FLX Rebel Winemaker with a Cause
Since early March 2019, when I began work for the Gut Hermannsberg (GHB) wine estate in Niederhausen in the Nahe region of Germany, the focus of this blog has certainly shifted. Here’s proof that it is by no means limited … Continue reading
New York Wine Diary: Day 1 – The Best 2015 Rieslings are New High Point for FLX
No doubt you’re wondering what Tony Cardova, brewmaster for the War Horse Brewing Company belonging to the Three Brothers winery in Geneva in the FLX (Finger Lakes in Upstate New York) is doing pictured at the top of a Riesling … Continue reading
FLXtra: FIFTEENTH EDITION! – The Riesling & Co. Wrap
Since this is the last time FLXtra is appearing this season it’s time to do a Riesling & Co. Wrap, and to report on all the important things that didn’t make it into the “paper” so far. This isn’t because … Continue reading
FLXtra: FOURTEENTH EDITION! – Winemaker Julia Hoyle and the Future FLX
IMP. NOTE: I only ever accept hospitality from wine producers on the basis that I will offer them equally generous hospitality at some point in return. I stayed with Julia Hoyle from June 20th thru July 16th and the most … Continue reading
FLXtra: THIRTEENTH EDITION! – The New York Metamorphosis of Peter Becraft
One version of the Peter Becraft story says that he’s been the chief winemaker of the Anthony Road winery on the West side of Seneca since 2013 and has done a good job of following in the over-sized footsteps of … Continue reading
FLXtra: TWELTH EDITION! – Paul Hobbs & Johannes Selbach at the Riesling Edge
Or are the rumors that they’ve gone clear over the edge true? This is the sight that greeted me at 8am this morning at the beginning of my tour of the new vineyard that California-based flying winemaker Paul Hobbs and … Continue reading
FLXtra: ELEVENTH EDITION! – Heart & Hands for Riesling (and the Truth about Bald Eagles)
The small Heart & Hands winery just outside Union Springs on Cayuga Lake that was established by Tom and Susan Higgins, pictured above, in 2008 rightly has a serious reputation for Pinot Noir red wines. They have elegant dry tannins … Continue reading
FLXtra: TENTH EDITION! – The Chateau Frank Sparkling Wines Celebrate 30 Years and US Declares Independence from Champagne
Although the Dr. Frank winery on Kueka Lake celebrated the 30th anniversary of their Chateau Frank sparkling wines today, the 5th of July rather than the 4th, a rumor circulated at the celebration that the US had just declared independence … Continue reading
FLXtra: NINTH EDITION! – Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer in Depth with Quotation Marks
When I first visited the FLX (for new readers, the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York) back in October 2004 the most exciting wine tasting was my last one at Hermann J. Wiemer on the western bank of Seneca Lake. … Continue reading