Views from the Ravines Keuka Lake tasting room. Photo: @Ravineswine on Instagram. — **Views from the Ravines Keuka Lake tasting room.** *Photo: @Ravineswine on Instagram*.

Thinking about what will be on your plate for dinner tonight? Whatever you have a hankering for — pizza, sushi, roast chicken — will taste even better with one of the lively wines from Ravines Wine Cellars in your glass. The winery, a pioneer of the Finger Lakes region of New York State, was founded 20 years ago by Morten and Lisa Hallgren and is dedicated to making wines that express the unique qualities of its lakeside vineyards.

Right from the beginning, the Hallgrens were on a mission to create bone dry Rieslings. And they’ve had great success: their selection of four unique dry Rieslings fly the flag for the winery. But, with eight other grape varieties planted (whites: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Valvin Muscat; reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Blaufrankisch), there’s a lot more to the story, and Ravine’s wide range of mineral-driven wines goes well beyond its famous Rieslings.

These elegant wines give consumers a true taste of what the best Finger Lakes wines can bring to the table: vibrant acidity, low alcohol, and complex yet nuanced flavors.

Ravines 2017 Dry Riesling. 12.5% abv. $18. Subtle hints of green apple, pear, citrus, and white flowers, the slightly creamy texture is a great canvas for its racy acidity and notes of lemon-curd, lime, and honey. Pair with seafood or creamy chicken dishes.

Ravines 2019 Pinot Rosé. 12.5% abv. $15. A light orangey pink color, this is a dry rosé with delicate aromas of red fruits, mostly raspberry, but also citrusy notes like lime zest and orange peel. The first sip of this wine is like diving into a cold lake: a shock to they system — all zingy, mouthwatering acidity — that slowly reveals an undercurrent of minerality, hints of fruitiness, and palate-cleansing deliciousness. A delicately flavored rosé to pair with lighter foods, like salads, mild cheeses, and grilled fish.

Ravines 2017 Maximilien Red Blend. 13% abv. $24. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is not what you would expect of a Bordeaux blend, starting with its color: a gorgeous translucent ruby red. The wine’s fragrance is subtle: gentle wafts of red cherry, along with hints of earthy notes like leather, smoke and tar. Light bodied, with medium-plus tannins, and a tangy, almost tart note, it tastes of dark cherries and plums, savory herbs, and a hint of pepper. Look elsewhere if you’re looking for a big, ripe, rich and oaky wine; this beauty is all about brightness and minerality. Enjoy with chili-rubbed barbecued chicken or roasted duck with a bing cherry sauce.

Ravines tasting room in Geneva is open by appointment Thursdays through Mondays for seated wine tastings. Or check out these fun virtual tasting experiences led by co-owners Mort and Lisa Hallgren: Sunday, January 24th at 3pm ET or Thursday, January 28th at 7:30pm ET. that include three 750ml bottles and three 50ml sample bottles of Ravines wines, as well as a recipe booklet and tasting sheets ($72.95).

Disclaimer: The wines were provided as samples by the winery; all opinions are my own.