Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake is raising a glass to the Marquette grape with a special month-long tasting event throughout March. Wine enthusiasts are invited to explore the unique terroir-driven variations of this popular hybrid grape through side-by-side tastings of the winery’s 2022 Reserve Marquette from two distinct vineyards: Doyle-Pulteney and Morris Vineyards.
This unique opportunity allows guests to experience firsthand how the subtle differences in soil composition, sun exposure, and slope can influence the final character of a wine.
Doyle-Pulteney Vineyards: Nestled on the west side of Keuka Lake, Doyle-Pulteney’s steep, east-facing slopes offer ideal conditions for slow ripening, resulting in a Marquette bursting with bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors. The winery describes this expression as a “charming” wine, with vibrant notes of raspberry, strawberry, and red plum balanced by silky tannins.
Morris Vineyards: Located on the west side of Seneca Lake, Morris Vineyards presents a contrasting terroir. The rocky site, dominated by shale and boasting moderate sun exposure, yields a more structured and complex Marquette. Here, the winemakers highlight the “earthy elements” that intertwine with the bramble fruit character, creating a unique expression of the grape.
By offering these side-by-side tastings, Heron Hill Winery invites guests to embark on a journey of discovery, appreciating the subtle nuances that terroir brings to a single grape variety.
So, if you’re in the Finger Lakes region this March, head to Heron Hill Winery and raise a glass to the fascinating world of terroir-driven wines!
