Flag Hill Winery, New Hampshire (United States) Cayuga White 2017

 Cayuga is a hybrid grape that was developed at Cornell University beginning in 1945 and released for use in 1972.  It is a cross between Seyval Blanc and Schuyler (which is a cross of Zinfandel x Ontario), so the lineage is complex.  Most often, Cayuga makes a light, fresh and fairly neutral white.  At Flag Hill in southern New Hampshire, they focus on off-dry styles of white wines that can survive the rugged New England winter.  Their 2017 Cayuga captures an added dimension for the grape.  Harvested to optimize the fruit/acid balance, it shows a lovely range of pear, peach, pineapple and guava fruit elements enhanced by floral and delicate herbal components.  On the palate, it is juicy and bright, with the vivid fruit unfolding in layers across the palate.  The sweetness is in balance with its racy acidity and low alcohol.  It’s a perfect summery white to pair with grilled seafood or your favorite Asian recipes.