Morten Hallgren, of Ravines Wine Cellars in New York’s Finger Lakes calls New York State Pinot Noir a revelation. ‘In contrast to the dominant Pinot Noir character from the West Coast, it’s a cool-climate expression with noticeable acidity. Bright, fresh fruit; never on the jammy, heavier side of things.’ It reminded him of home.
Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for 18 New York State Pinot Noirs
Hallgren made this discovery while working as the winemaker for Dr Konstantin Frank Winery in 1998. In the Finger Lakes, he worked closely with vines planted by the winery’s namesake in the 1950s.
Having grown up in Provence, studied oenology and viticulture in Montpellier, and made wine in Bordeaux, Hallgren found himself particularly drawn to New York’s expression of the grape. ‘It’s a good reminder that Pinot Noir, at least in its original form, is a cool climate variety,’ says Hallgren.
