Enjoying all the Seasons at Lamoreaux Landing

The growing of grapes and the process of turning them into fine wines is driven by the changes of the seasons. That is why the timing of your visits to the winery can provide a very different "look" out in our vineyard.

Summer and fall provide winery visitors an opportunity to see the vineyard at its showiest. Grapevines are lush with hanging clusters of fruit and large green leaves that slowly begin to show off their fall colors. However, we believe that Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars is a great place to visit each season.

If you visit the winery during most winters you will see our vineyard staff winter pruning the vines. It is the process of removing a large amount of the previous year's new cane growth, leaving a certain number of buds that will produce the grape crop in the coming season. The number of buds left on the remaining canes will vary from vine to vine based on how well the vine grew in the previous year.

"Max" enjoys a morning romp in the vineyards.

In addition to leaving the appropriate number of buds, the pruners are also trying to shape each vine so that the fruit that will eventually be produced is properly positioned. Evenly distributing the fruit in a fruiting zone three to four feet off the ground will maximize the ripening potential of the fruit for the coming season.

This past winter our region was on the receiving end of a nearly unprecedented cold winter blast. On January 10, 2004, we experienced record cold temperatures that damaged a large number of grapevine buds. To allow for the potential reduction to the grape yield we have decided to leave as many buds as possible on the vines by doing very little pruning. A smaller crop load on the vines may provide some very flavorful fruit and 2004 may turn out to be a superb vintage despite the weather. Stay tuned for more updates.

We are now awaiting bud break ­ when the buds begin to open ­ which is usually in May when the vines first start to produce shoots and leaves. This marks the beginning of the growing season. The grapevines soon become masses of leaves with the first tiny clusters that will flower and then produce fruit. The many shades of green are a sight to behold. We invite you to come and taste some wine and walk through the vineyards to see where exceptional wine begins while you enjoy the Finger Lakes wine country's harbingers of spring ­ robins and emerging grape leaves.

Mark J. Wagner, Owner

From the Cellar – New Releases

We are particularly excited about some new releases from our cellar, two reds and two whites you are sure to enjoy. Lamoreaux Landing's 2001 Pinot Noir is best described as "Burgundy velvet". This wine has soft tannins, bright fruit character of cherry, blackberry, strawberry and some spice in the finish. Drink now, but do cellar some, as it should age quite well. Serve with grilled meats, fowl, salmon, fresh tuna, marinara sauce and almost any good cheese.

Our 2001 Cabernet Franc, is a full-bodied red with black plum, fig and date character and has an excellent oak structure that will allow it to stand the test of time. Do try now with your most flavorful roasts, game meat, steaks and rich tomato based dishes. You will also want to put some of the 2001 Cab Franc away in your wine cellar. Riesling fans will be very pleased with our two new offerings.

2001 Cabernet Franc is a Double Gold and Gold Medal winning new release, available to taste during your Wine Guild tour

The 2002 Semi-Dry Riesling is full of intense Riesling character with its stunning pear, pineapple and peach flavor profile. A beautifully balanced, slightly sweet wine, stands very well on its own but is also very food-friendly. Try with salty foods, especially cheeses or with foods with some sweetness, such as fruit, and also with most spicy cuisines.

The first of our 2003 vintage is the 2003 Dry Riesling. A signature Lamoreaux Riesling, beautifully balanced with lots of apricot, pear and citrus notes. A wonderfully refreshing food-friendly wine, serves well with salty, spicy or rich foods. Goes well with Asian, Mexican, French and German dishes as well. It is featured in Grady Wells recipe.

Spring is a perfect time to visit our beautiful Finger Lakes region and enjoy all Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars has to offer including these outstanding new releases.

Finger Lakes Wine Guild Dream Lottery

The Finger Lakes Wine Guild announces a lottery for wine lovers. Prizes include some of the Finger Lakes finest wines, food and lodging. Here's how it works: Pick up a free ticket at any Guild winery (Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Standing Stone Vineyards, Shalestone Vineyards, Silver Thread Vineyard, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars and Sheldrake Point Vineyards) between May 1 and June 30, 2004, and taste the splendid wines at all seven wineries (take your time, you have two months!) As you visit each winery (tickets have a map with winery locations) your ticket will be stamped and you'll have an opportunity to savor the wines, including something special for lottery ticket holders.

When your ticket has all seven winery stamps, leave it at your last stop (by June 30). All tickets will be pooled together for a July 14 drawing. On July 15 two Grand Prizes that include dinners and lodging and a special Wine Prize will be awarded to three lucky winners. For more information and a downloadable lottery ticket, visit www.fingerlakeswineguild.com or contact Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars at 607-582-6011.

New Book by Lamoreaux Landing's
Columnist Grady Wells

Finger Lakes vinifera wine lovers will soon have a book to call their own: Wine Tour of the Finger Lakes, written by wine-and-food pairing columnist Grady Wells. The book, due out from McBooks Press this June, takes a close look at the Finger Lakes wine scene and highlights noteworthy wineries in the region, including Lamoreaux Landing. Best of all, Wells includes a selection of 15 mouthwatering recipes, some contributed by area chefs and vineyard owners, as well as his own creations. That's good news for readers who have come to enjoy Grady's recipes in our newsletter. Paired with regional vinifera wines suggested by Wells, these dishes make spectacular dinner offerings.

The book is a timely herald of the importance Finger Lakes wines now hold in the wine community. Year by year, the Finger Lakes region has produced more and better wines ­ wines that now hold their own in international competition and continually attract new aficionados. Lavish panoramic photographs by Kristian Reynolds combine with Wells's insightful text, and a directory section of 70 wineries, to round out a book that can be used as a reference for years to come. To ensure its timeliness, Wine Tour of the Finger Lakes will be continually updated at a companion website: www.finger-lakes-wine.com For more information on Wine Tour of the Finger Lakes, or to order an advance copy of the book, contact McBooks Press at 1-888-266-5711.

Food and Wine Pairing: Pork Chop Packets with Potatoes and Apples paired with Lamoreaux Landing's 2003 Dry Riesling
by Grady Wells

This versatile, classic Finger Lakes riesling tasted great with slow cooker corned beef and cabbage this spring. It complements these year-round pork chop and potato packets equally well. The wine's abundant apricot character suited Cortland apples perfectly, but others will work as well. Try cooking these packets on the grill, too.

Grady Wells is a radio producer and recipe developer who lives in Ithaca, New York.