Riesling, in the parlance of our times
The D&C reports on the success of the wines of local winemaker Constantin Frank:
The Hammondsport winery, located on the western shores of Keuka Lake, has been honored with more than 30 gold medals from national and international wine competitions.
What got my attention (and prompted the Big Lebowski reference) was the following:
All 20 of the “best of class” platinum winners will have their wines sold at 50 Ralphs supermarkets throughout California. Frank said the grocery chain agreed to buy 200 cases of the award-winning 2006 Dry Riesling, which should be on store shelves within the next few months.
“This is the first time a premium Finger Lakes wine is available to a large group of consumers in California,” he said. “This, along with other out-of-state successes, brings new visitors to the area.”
Those of you familiar with “The Big Lebowski” will recall that The Dude (pictured above, alongside John Goodman) was fond of the phrase “in the parlance of our times”…and that his only form of identification was a Ralph’s check-cashing card.
As we’ve noted earlier, we believe that progressives should promote local businesses (and in particular those who produce alcoholic beverages). This story is good news for the Finger Lakes wineries.
“I’m tellin’ ya, Dude. They guy’s a pedarist.”
Donnie, you are out of your element.
Oh, you know. . . The Dude, The Duder, El Duderino. . . .
. . .Your Dudeness. . .
You want a toe, I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. You don’t wanna know about it, believe me.
I’ve got a beverage here!
“That is NOT what we fought and died for in ‘Nam”
“You didn’t die!!!”
Off the topic of The Big Lebowski and on the topic of alcoholic beverage, the wife and I just made a run to the Seneca Wine Country to stop in to our favourite place, Montezuma Winery. They’ve got a couple new selections you should try out, there, Exile! Including a sparkling meade that is just amazing and also something called “Dragonfly,” appropriately enough, that is a black currant and apple wine mix. Delicious!
I”ve heard good things about Montezuma.
I had a very nice trip down the east side of the Seneca a few weeks ago. I went to a lovely Austria restaurant on the lake (can’t remember the name) and visited Damiani, Shalestone, and Bloomer Creek, all of which were excellent.
Is there any websites out there for home vintners living by the Finger Lakes? It’s hard to find recipes and blending suggestions considering how unique our varieties are. I want to blend something with Pink Catawba this fall but I have no idea what works. Anyone know any resources to check?