Finger Lakes Wine of the Week:

Wagner Vineyards 2013 Fathom 107

By Nicholas Baldwin

It’s no surprise that blended wine are becoming ever more popular. What one grape may lack, another may provide, and when blended together these grapes can create a great, balanced liquid. It’s a wonder that Riesling and Gewürztraminer haven’t been blended together sooner. It’s only been recently that this blend has been popping up at wineries around the Finger Lakes, but the estate-bottled Wagner 2013 Fathom 107 is by far one of the best.

A blend of 65-percent Riesling and 35-percent Gewürztraminer, the Fathom 107 contains zer0-percent residual sugar. This mineral-driven, bone dry wine shows off aromas of cherry blossoms, Meyer lemon, kumquat, clove, starfruit and a kiss of vanilla. It has a full mouthfeel despite the absence of sugar and a surprisingly long finish.

With a shelf price of $20, this is a bottle to savor. After removing the wine from your refrigerator, allow it to come up in temperature a few degrees before drinking. This will let the aromatics open and fill the bowl of your wine glass. Pair this with light cheeses, fruits, pork tenderloin with apples, and even desserts like apple tarte tatin. Keep an eye out for this bottle at your local stores.

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 of Nicholas Baldwin’s wine tasting notes, click here.