Fred Merwarth, co-owner and winemaker of renowned Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in the Finger Lakes Region, was in Washington DC. Annette and I attended a winemaker dinner with Fred Merwarth at trendy restaurant/ wine bar Proof in downtown. Chef Austin Fausett built a super five-course tasting menu paired with the estate's beautiful wines, introduced by Winemaker Fred Merwarth.
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Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Hermann Wiemer has been a viticulture and winemaking pioneer in New York since he emigrated from Bernkastel, Germany in the 1960s, and the winery today remains a leader in the Finger Lakes for both wine production and vine propagation.
Hermann was born to make wine. His mother’s family had over 300 years of winemaking experience in the Mosel, and his father was responsible for restoring vines in that region after World War II. Hermann grew up learning to graft vines by hand with his father before attending prestigious German winemaking and viticultural institutions.
Since 2007, the winery has been run by Hermann’s longtime apprentice Fred Merwarth and the agronomist Oskar Bynke. Fred works to further Hermann’s vision by precise and thorough vineyard management and winemaking, while Oskar focuses on winery operations.
The wines of Hermann J. Wiemer are stunning, pure Rieslings that speak of Seneca Lake with more than a little reference to the Mosel. The grapes are grown in three distinct estate vineyards that take advantage of the various microclimates and aspects of the western shore of Seneca Lake. The original 1976 vineyard, HJW, is where the winery resides. The Josef and Magdalena vineyards are about 10 miles north and differ greatly in slope, soil, and vine age. From the Dry Riesling which blends the vineyards together to the single vineyard offerings, Hermann J. Wiemer deserves a place amongst the great wines of not only America but also the world.
See also:
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The Dinner
Sweetbread & Sweet Corn Eloté
Cuveé Brut, 2011, Finger Lakes, New York
Garlic Soup
green onion, spot prawns, pumpkin seed oil
Dry Riesling, 2015, Finger Lakes, New York
Skate Wing
cauliflower risotto, capers, sultanas, bergamont sauce
Gewurztraminer, 2016, Finger Lakes, New York
Heirloom Tomato Panzanella
beef consummé, benton's ham, red onion, parmesean
Riesling, Magdalena Vineyard, 2015, Finger Lakes, New York
Smoked Porchetta
Anson Mills rosemary polenta, ragu sauce
Cabernet Franc, 2015, Finger Lakes, New York
Coconut Panna Cotta
hibiscus caviar, kiwi & pineapple sorbet
Riesling, "Noble Select," Magdalena Vineyard, 2015
Thanks
Thanks Morgan, Austin and Fred for world class service, food and wine.
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