Welcome to Wine Blogging Wednesday #50, hosted by Russ Beebe, known to many as the Winehiker. Given this alter ego, it is surely no surprise that Russ chose a "wine worthy of a hike" as his theme.
Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of hiking to be had on Long Island. You see, it's really just an overgrown sand bar jutting out into the Atlantic. But, there is a hike that I love that is still somewhat local... to my in-laws. The name of the mountain is Vroman's Nose in Middleburgh, NY.
Nena and I hiked to the summit on my first visit to meet her family and we've gone regularly ever since, most recently this past spring and next, I hope, this coming Sunday.
It's not a huge mountain or a particularly strenuous climb, but it's beautiful at the top. It's one of my favorite places in the world, in fact.
But what wine would we enjoy most after we get to the top? I asked Nena for her opinion, and the words "semi-dry riesling" came out of her mouth first, so that's what we went with tonight in honor of hikes past and hikes in the future?
Well, given my love of drinking local, we did that (shocking, right?) and since the hike isn't on Long Island, we chose a wine from a region somewhat local to Middleburgh, the Finger Lakes: Anthony Road Wine Company's 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling ($15).
The nose is citrusy and minerally, there are also hints of peach and pineapple The palate is medium-bodied and while there is a subtle sweetness, I think the acidity is more than enough to bring balance. The peach notes are a bit more pronounced on the palate with a lemon-lime finish that lingers and ends on a light minerally note.
Thanks for the great theme and for hosting Mr. Winehiker. I think that many bottles of wines will be enjoyed in the wilderness in the future.
Stay tuned for an announcement about the next edition of WBW.
great post Lenn
Posted by: john witherspoon | October 08, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Fine write-up, Lenn. Now how did I know you'd pick a Riesling? :)
Promise me, now, that you, Nena and Jax will take that hike next Sunday! And of course, you and I have plans to walk some California vineyards and redwoods real soon.
This WBW50 has been a truly terrific exercise.
Russ
Posted by: winehiker | October 09, 2008 at 07:27 AM
I've met various folks on top of mountains in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and have been offered a mysterious Italian white (which was excellent), a little Jack Daniels, and even some finely aged Scotch, all of which can certainly take the edge off after summiting a 4-5,000 foot mountain on a winter's day.
All I can say is Canadian hikers like to bring booze with them. I quiver at the thought of hauling any extra weight up with me...
Posted by: Jason Feulner | October 09, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Great write up of a wonderful New York wine!
I agree with Jason, I would never hike a heavy glass bottle up a mountain. I have been toying with the idea of tetra pak wine for hikes, though. And of course, Champagne will be on the mountain when I bag my 46th high peak.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen | October 09, 2008 at 04:47 PM
What a small world! Our family has a cabin in West Fulton, just about 5 miles from Vroman's Nose
Posted by: Ben | October 09, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Wow dude, major disrespect on the Hudson Valley. Did you forget about us? HELLO, WE EXIST, AND MAKE DAM FINE WINE! stupid finger lakes middle of nowhere sheesh.
Posted by: Rowland | October 09, 2008 at 10:20 PM
You know, you're right. But Nena asked for a riesling for this WBW and I've never had a HV riesling that matches up. Can you recommend any?
Keep an eye out for a three-way Hudson Valley Baco Noir tasting I'll be writing up soon!
Posted by: Lenn | October 09, 2008 at 10:40 PM
There is tons of great hiking on Long Island, maybe not "mountain hiking" but there are woods, dunes, and other tremendous hikes, especially out toward Montauk.. in fact, you can almost go completely through the woods from Wolffer Estate in Sagaponack to Channing Daughters in Bridgehampton....
Jay
Posted by: Jay Schneider | October 14, 2008 at 04:31 PM