Thanks to the WINEderful folks at the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, I am getting to try wine from the Finger Lakes wine region in upstate New York for the first time. I am grateful! Last week, the focus was on two beautiful Finger Lakes Rieslings. This week, the focus is on a Finger Lakes Rosé. This was a dry Rosé from the Billsboro Winery in Geneva, NY.
About Billsboro Winery
According to their website, “Billsboro Winery sits on 65 acres overlooking the northern end of Seneca Lake. Surrounded by century old walnut trees, terraced fields and a deep wooded ravine, our idyllic setting sets the stage for wine lovers to enjoy. In 2007, Vinny and Kim Aliperti embarked on a quest to create dynamic wines from grapes sourced from the southeastern slopes of Seneca Lake. Focusing on dry vinifera varietals, Billsboro strives to produce balanced and distinctive wines that reflect the character of the Finger Lakes and the personality of the vintage.”
The owners of the winery, Vinny and Kim Aliperti, decided on their honeymoon that they wanted to make wine. Unlike most of us who have wishful thoughts, they pursued their dreams! Much to our benefit!
Their main tasting room is a centuries old barn. Can you imagine drinking incredible wine in a centuries old barn with a view of a beautiful lake and old walnut trees? Sounds pretty romantic. Doesn’t it?
Their Grapes
Billsboro’s grapes comes from Sawmill Creek Vineyards, which has been lovingly managed by six generations of the Hazlitt family. The farm was converted to wine grapes in the 1980s, and they’ve never looked back.
Celebrating Rosé
June 10 was National Rosé Day. So I’m delighted to get to write about Rosé today.
Rosés are perfect for spring and summer. They’re served chilled and can be a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of warm weather fare. They’re also very food friendly, making them great for picnics and potlucks.
Unfortunately, per TheSpruce.com, “they have had an image problem to overcome, thanks in part to the run of ‘White Zin,’ as many consumers mistake Rosé wines to be overly sweet and in the category of ‘starter wine.’”
The good news is that Rosé wine sales are on the rise as people discover that many of these pink wines aren’t the sugary sweet wines we “grew up with.” Interestingly, the Finger Lakes appellation has an annual Discover Dry Rosé event. They definitely understand the importance of getting the word out on this front.
Celebrating Finger Lakes Dry Rosé
I have one word for the $17 Billsboro 2016 Dry Rosé. YUM! Many dry Rosés are a little bitter. This one had no bitterness whatsoever. It was very fruity, with notes of watermelon, strawberry and cherry. It also had some nice acidity.
The Billsboro website doesn’t tell you what grape is in this wine. So I looked up some other sites. Most said it was 100% Pinot Noir. One said it was a blend. But I’m thinking it was just Pinot.
According to the Billsboro website, “this classic representation of Finger Lakes rosé opens with crisp acidity [and] balanced intense fruit for a refreshing finish that is sure to invigorate the taste buds. These grapes were destemmed and soaked for just 6 hours on the skins. Pair this versatile wine with a sharp Italian cheese or asparagus and prosciutto.”
If you have an opportunity to try the Billsboro Rosé, or another Finger Lakes Rosé, please share your tasting notes here. Cheers!
As an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home, I absolutely enjoy bringing a taste of the Napa wine country home to you one sip at a time. Whether you simply love to drink wine, seek a special personalized wine gift, or are in search of a new wine jobs opportunity as a wine consultant, feel free to contact me for a truly unique wine tasting experience!
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