For our current March/April 2015 issue’s Wines of the Season column, we asked local winemakers to send us wines that fit into the category of light, fresh varietals that they’re excited about for spring. Hosted at Coltivare in Downtown Ithaca, the EFL staff and a number of other wine professionals and enthusiasts tasted the submitted wines. Below is one of the wines that made our final list of favorites. For the full list, be sure to pick up a copy of the issue!

Finger Lakes Wine of the Week:

Buttonwood Grove Winery 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling

By Nicholas Baldwin

At the heart of the Finger Lakes viticulture community is Riesling. The clay, shale and sandy soils are chock-full of minerals that Riesling grapes thrive in. The varietal is poured in every tasting room around the Finger Lakes, and is offered by-the-glass at restaurants and wine bars. Recently winning a double gold medal at the globally recognized San Francisco Wine and Spirits competition, Buttonwood Grove Winery’s 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling is a prime example of the regions finest.

This Cayuga Lake Riesling has soft golden yellow hues. The aromas jump out of the wine glass quickly and reach your nose before you even raise it to your lips. Typical of a semi-dry Riesling, this shows aromas of sweet apricot, lime zest, Bosc pear and lemon. The 3-percent residual sugar is balanced nicely with the sharp acidity and long finish.

With a little bit of sweetness, dry wine drinkers should not be afraid to pop the cork on this bottle as it would make for a fantastic pairing with a lot of different foods, especially ethnic cuisine. The residual sugar compliments and cools down chili heat in dishes from India and Asia. One of my favorite dishes to pair with a semi-dry Riesling is Thai Panang Chicken.

Nicholas Baldwin has worked in the wine and spirits business for more than 12 years and traveled the world visiting vineyards. He holds numerous wine certifications. 

For more Wines of the Season tasting notes from our March/April 2015 issue, click here!