WTN: 2005 Fox Run Lemberger (Finger Lakes)

I purchased this a few weeks ago to become familiar with the grape variety, as I am purchasing about 100 lbs. of this to make wine next week. I opened it last night with a dinner of hot meatball sandwiches. Ruby colored, but not very dark with hints of strawberries and black pepper on the nose. In the mouth, it is dominated by fairly high acid and a bit thin with a short finish and no hints of oak. I was expecting much more, especially since 2005 was a very good growing year for the region and it was $16. I would not buy this again and I hope it's not typical of Lemberger, also known as Blaufrankish in Germany. Research on the web tells me wines from this grape can be Merlot-like and it is sometimes used to blend into Pinot Noir. I hope mine turns out better.

Only 11 views, Lemberger gets no respect Howie!!
My Friulano only has 9 views, whats going on here? So slow eh.

Don't despair about those grapes that you bought: there have been some decent Lembergers made in the Finger Lakes. Fox Run's version seems to vary a lot from year to year; I would expect more given the experinced winemaking that they have. Seems like it could be a tough year for grapes grown in the NE, especially the later ripening ones. Hope you get some good ones.

Thanks Joe. I picked up 100 lbs. of the Lemberger grapes Saturday evening and crushed them yesterday. Today I will pitch the yeast and ferment on the skins for about 2 weeks. The numbers are very encouraging, thanks to a dry and sunny September: Brix - 23; TA 0.90; pH 3.26. I believe with cold stabilization, malo-lactic fermentation and some oak aging, the wine will be good. It should be ready to bottle by next Summer.

Hi Howie,
Those numbers do look good! What yeast strain are you planning to use too inoculate?
Good luck!

Salute

Lalvin RC-212. I also used it on my Pinot Noir. I'm using D-47 on my white vineferas and EC-1118 on the hybrids.