2023 Après Late Harvest
Notebook: A staple in the Billsboro lineup, this late harvest Vignoles offers a bold and rich palate with a surprisingly zesty finish. Perfect alongside fruit tarts and peach cobbler a la mode. Vignoles is an intriguing varietal with a unique backstory. Believed to be a French hybrid named Ravat 51, it was widely grown and given the name Vignoles by the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association in 1970. However genetic testing has shown that there is no relationship between our Finger Lakes Vignoles and Ravat 51, leaving the origin of this grape varietal a mystery. What we know for certain: it ripens well and maintains vibrant acidity, making it perfect material for a post-meal sip.
Vineyards: 100% Hunt Country Vineyard
Harvest Date: October 12 (w/ 25% botrytis)
Fermentation: Stainless steel tank, fermentation stopped at approximately 10% residual sugar remaining.
Aging: Stainless steel tank. Filtered and bottles on April 2, 2024.
Blend: 100% Vignoles
ABV 9.6%
Cases Produced 144
Atwater Vineyards in Burdett, NY is located along the southeast corner of Seneca Lake, in a stretch of sloping vineyards many refer to as the "banana belt" of the Finger Lakes. We thank Chris, Mike and Wes for their dedication and passion!
Vinny Aliperti started his wine journey making wine as a teenager with his relatives, never considering it would one day become his profession. After graduating college with a liberal arts degree and a stint in the Peace Corps, an opportunity to pursue commercial winemaking on his native Long Island was presented and he never looked back. From 1997 through 1999, Vinny apprenticed under winemaker Roman Roth at Wolffer Estate, producing mostly Chardonnay and Merlot at its state-of -the -art facility.
In early 2000, Vinny moved his family to the Finger Lakes to work at the legendary Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, where he was first exposed to Riesling production. In 2001, Vinny joined the startup Atwater Estate Vineyards, where he continues today heading up winemaking operations for over 15 varieties. Its 8000 case facility produces estate grown wines, including multiple Rieslings, Gewurztraminer, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Franc.
With Atwater's blessing, Vinny and his wife, Kim, started their own label, Billsboro Winery, in Geneva, NY in 2007. Sourcing grapes from Sawmill Creek Vineyards on Seneca Lake, Billsboro specializes in producing small lots dry vinifera wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.
