Arrowhead Spring is another excellent winery that opted to journey down “the road not taken” that so many New York wineries have feared to venture. Arrowhead has successfully created wines that for many years were not associated with New York, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and even Syrah. As with other wineries that have dared to follow this route, Arrowhead Spring has low yields which help to increase the flavor intensity of their wines.
The beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario region is that in the Fall the lake is warmer at night than the surrounding land, causing breezes to blow toward the water. The daytime warmer breeze is reversed because the land is not as cool as the water. The slow maturation of the fruit and the longer growing season makes ripening of reds possible in what would normally be a too cool climate.
One of my favorite wines from the winery is the Pinot Noir which is a reasonably priced at around $17.99 a bottle. There is plenty of rich, tart cherry, a bit of earthiness and mushroom notes with hints of vanilla, and followed by cranberry and raspberry notes. In warm weather try this slightly chilled with grilled Salmon, roasted potatoes and a beet salad.
On the more traditional side for New York, Arrowhead Spring also makes Riesling. This is a semi-dry Riesling that is bright straw colored with pear, apple and lime and lemon fruit and appropriate notes of slate and petrol as well. It is delicious and will liven up a simple fruit salad to grilled sweet and sour ribs. It’s a bargain at $14.99.
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards is located at 4746 Town Line Road, Cambria, NY 14094. Visit their website at www.arrowheadspringvineyards.com.
Tasting Room Hours:
- January-April: Friday-Monday: 12 to 6pm
- December-March: Everyday: 12 to 6pm