FLCC, Petillant Naturel Rose, "Embracing Vines," Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes 2025

Each year, the graduating class of FLCC (Finger Lakes Community College) viticulture program, crafts a range of wines, sourced from vineyards on the shores of Seneca Lake that the students painstakingly manage. Along with the assistance of the Oenology professor, Paul Brock- owner and winemaker of Silver Thread- the students create a range of different wines that release to the market. Labels, design and overall marketing is proposed by the students and then they pick the design encapsulating their project best.

The vineyard is located on the western side of Seneca Lake, adjacent to Anthony Road Winery, who also assists them with vineyard management. That part of the lake, is the widest on Seneca Lake, providing a warmer microclimate that moderates the temperature.

This Petillant Naturel was made in the Methode Ancestral, secondary fermentation in this very bottle, but without discorgement as they would do in Champagne or with the traditional method. By not discorging the wine, natural sediment has remained in the bottle, forming a rustic, old-school style of wine.

Grapes in this blend are Arandell, Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch, resulting in an expressive and fruity rose sparkling. Perfect for light appetizers, charcuterie or back patio enjoyment.