In all seriousness, this list presents some absolutely world class wines from small producers you've probably never heard of. It's an ABC list of whites - anything but Chardonnay. I like Chardonnay, but here's a list with some amazing wines, amazing values, from small, artisnal producers that will absolutely knock your socks of.... and from a region you'll definitely thats so incredibly up-and-coming!
Matt Spacarelli and his wife Casey are killing it at Fjord Vineyards in the tidal Hudson River Region. Their new Albarino 2018 is out of this world! So refined, delicate, and complex. Amazing!
I know. Pear wine?! I promise you, this is a terrific white wine. Forget what it's made from, give it a try. And after your amazed by this wonderful classic white wine, with pear, apple, and other tropical notes, then remember it's made from pears, and be even further shocked! An absolute winner from Maquam Winery!
If you are a white wine lover and haven't been to Palmer Vineyards, then you are absolutely missing out! Some of the best white wines on the entire east coast! Their Palmer Albarino 2018 is ab absolute knockout! Outstanding!
Winemaker Kareem Massoud takes his family's classic Chenin Blanc to a whole new level this year with this spectacular Chennin Blanc. Big, flavorful and impressive, you'll dream of shellfish and summer salads and evenings spent bu the dunes or with your bare feet in cool grass.
Sauvingnon Blanc from Connecticut?! Damn skippy! This is a wonderfully refreshing white wine made from grapes grown in Connecticut. All together zippy and impressive. Love Saltwarer Farm wines. You really can't get more summery than this!
Nostrano Vineyards Pinot Gris
Nostrano Vineyards is a small but growing boutique estate winery in the southern Hudson Valley in the Shawangunk Trail region. This crisp light white is bursting with flavor and acidity!! Great job by Nic and Kayleigh Bozzo!
Leitner Gruner Veltliner is from Mount Salem Vineyards. It's incredible. Lots of tropical fruit but the austerity that makes is a world class grape...and wine. Am incredible version of this grape from this small boutique New Jersey producer. Im,pressive!
Unionville Vineyards is among the forefront of east coast winemaking. This Mistral Blanc is a blending of predominantly Viognier, with small portions of Marsanne and Roussanne. An elegant, refined light white wine with bouquet and structure. Unionville continues to grow, expand, and mature with the new team leading this top quality producer. Outstanding!
A blending of Louise Swenson, Prairie Star, and Adalmiina, Lincoln Peak Vineyards Black Sparrow is an excellent wine for lunch, dinner, or cocktail hour. Its perfect for a a picnic lunch or elegant enough for a dinner party. Unique and delicious, fresh peaches and tropical fruits explode out of the glass, with lots of zippy acidity at the end. Great wine from cold climate master Chris Granstrom.
Iapetus Tectonic 2017
The pet project of Shelburne Vineyards passionate winemaker Ethan Joseph, Iapetus Tectonic is an organic, cool climate natural wine. Iapetus is one of the steps in wine geek heaven. It's 100% LaCrescent long skin contact white wine big on flavor and represents the cutting edge of what's happening in Vermont and New England! different and unquestionably wonderful!
Veteran vintner Richard Olsen-Harbich is one of the most talented winemakers on the North Fork. His Bedell Cellars Albarino is a wonderful acid bomb with incredible notes of tropical fruits and grapefruit. An absolute winner!
Macari Lifeforce Sauvignon Blanc
Kelly Urbanik has established herself as not only one of the best winemakers on the North Fork, but one of the most interesting on the east coast! Her Lifeforce wines have been the talk of the east coast wine world, and show
Jonathan Edwards continues to be be one of the best winemakers on the seacoast, North Fork or mainland. His Connecticut estate wines are are absolutely wonderful. This Gewurztraminer is every bit as good as any Gewurz east or west. A lovely bouquet is followed by a citrus explosion. Fabulous!
Greenvale Vineyards Albarino
Greenvale Vineyards is one of the most established vineyards in New England. They have been a quality producer for more than two decades. This Abarino is proof that Greenvale is still well on top of their game. A big, bright, delicious wine from New England!
Stonnington Vineyard Riesling
Stonington Vineyards, located not far from the Rhode Island boarder, but still in Connecticut continues on their march toward being one of the top quality wine producers in the state. This reisling has all the hallmarks of a fine German or Finger Lakes riesling, with a lovely floral nose, great green apple flavors, and a lovely zippy acidity! Mouth watering!
Channing Daughters Tocai Fruilano
(photo courtesy of The Cork Report)
Yes, a Long Island, South Fork Tocai Fruilano. Its perfection, especially in summer! This is what white dresses and sandals and summer evenings were made for! Partner/Winemaker James Christopher Tracy knocks this out of the park into a clear Periwinkle blue summer sky! Guaranteed hit! Amazing!