A $30 ice wine made from Vidal blanc grapes, a Northeastern speciality, was chosen New York’s best wine yesterday in the state’s 20th annual contest.
The 2004 white, Fiori delle Stelle, came from Casa Larga, a Finger Lakes winery.
Beginning tomorrow, when the state’s historic direct-shipment law takes effect, consumers in states permitting shipments of New York wines can order winning wines in all categories.
The New York Wine and Grape Foundation, a trade association, sponsored the two-day contest.
Other winners, all from the Lakes region were as follows:
Overall white: Swedish Hill’s 2004 Vidal blanc
Chardonnay: Lamoreaux Landing’s 2002
Dry Riesling: Atwater’s 2004
Semi-dry Riesling: Standing Stone’s 2004
Vinifera sparkling wine: Hermann J. Wiemer’s 2002 blanc de blanc
Pinot Noir: Chateau Lafayette Reneau’s 2002
Cabernet Sauvignon: Lafayette Reneau’s 2001 Owner’s Reserve
From Long Island:
Best Gewürztraminer: Corey Creek’s 2004
Best Merlot: Diliberto’s 2003
Best overall red: Osprey’s Dominion’s 2001 Cabernet Franc
Best vinifera red blend: Pellegrini’s 2001 Vintner’s Pride Encore
Written by Howard G Goldberg in New York