Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tierce Goes to Washington



Tierce Goes to Washington



Yesterday was such a super day for all of us at Fox Run Vineyards. At Century Liquor and Wines in Rochester, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Tierce Riesling 2010 will be served at the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon on January 21, 2013. Senator Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, informed us that it will be served along with the first course. Thank you Senator Schumer!  We are so proud of our senior winemaker Peter Bell and his winemaking team.


For those who are not familiar with Tierce (Latin for “third’) - this is a collaborative wine created by our senior winemaker Peter Bell, with winemakers, Johannes Reinhardt of Anthony Road and Dave Whiting of Red Newt.  A limited production wine, with approximately 300 cases made each year, this innovative, “shared” venture brings into play complexities and nuances that set it apart from all other bottlings coming from single wineries – making it uniquely Finger Lakes.  Says Peter, “It's a one-third each blend of Riesling lots from each winery. It's all done by a series of punishing tastings. And ultimately we're looking for an austere style. We talk about minerality, electricity and tension. Can you quantify them? No, but we know what we're looking for.” Since the first vintage of Tierce, in 2004, it has gone on to be recognized as one of the iconic wines of the Finger Lakes wine region.

As Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation pointed out - "The Inaugural Luncheon is the ultimate power lunch in the world, with the President hosting his Cabinet, leaders of Congress, Supreme Court justices, diplomats, and others who wield global influence--and who will experience the fine wines and foods New York now produces."

I’d like to extend a very special thanks to Jim Trezise, for making this all possible. And Jim stated it so well. “The 2010 Tierce has won awards and accolades around the world, and is symbolic of the spontaneous cooperation among Finger Lakes wine producers.”

Other outstanding producers from across this great state will be represented at the luncheon as well,  including Bedell Cellars 2009 Merlot, from the North Fork of Long Island, to Rochester’s Crown Maple Syrup and apples from Golden Harvest Orchards in Otsego, NY. “The luncheon menu reflects Schumer’s choice of a theme for the 57th Inaugural Ceremonies. Faith in America’s Future commemorates the United States’ perseverance and unity and marks the sesquicentennial year of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the new Capital Dome in 1863.”

A great day, a great achievement – and what a superb way to start the New Year!


The "Tierce Brothers" with Senator Schumer, from left to right: 
Peter Bell, Dave Whiting and Johannes Reinhardt.


 Peter Bell and I listen to Senator Schumer announcing the great news.



Scott Osborn, Proprietor