Discover the wine of Long Island

November 9, 4:25 PMEast Brunswick Budget Wine ExaminerAdrienne Turner

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  Barrels used to ferment wine from Long Island Vineyards

Now's the time to re-discover Long Island wines. Long Island, located along the East Coast of the United States is the now the 3rd largest wine growing region in America and the fastest growing. Long Island vineyards are perfectly situated boasting the same microclimate as Bordeaux and as a result produce award winning wines. The first winery was established in 1973 and there are now three AVAs on Long Island: The Hamptons, The North Fork and Long Island with well over 50 wine producers. Wine making on Long Island has a short history but many use sustainable practices with an eye toward environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic quality.

The most popular red varietals include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which are often blended together. The most popular white varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Tasting and vineyard tours are a must-see.

The good news for the wineries is that even during a time when many industries have seen a downturn in sales some of Long Island’s vineyards have seen retail sales up as much as 15%. In fact many LI wineries did much better this past summer, especially on the retail side. Several factors play a part in the increase interest in LI wines. Much has to do with aggressive marketing and the improvement of the wine. People are also finding good value in Long Island wines, especially in NYC restaurants where people are drinking less expensive wines. Spend a day touring the wineries, sample the wine and enjoy local produce.
Eat, drink and be merry on Long Island

Highlights of some Long Island Vineyards and Wineries

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard

Merlot. Aged in small French oak barrels. BHFV signature Merlot exhibits aromas of black cherry, smoke and vanilla with a rich palette. Smooth with mild tannins. Best drank 3-7 years from now.

Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in small American oak barrels. Dark fruit aromas with flavors of black cherry, black currant and dark chocolate. The tannins are subtle yet firm giving this wine great aging potential.

Cabernet Franc. Softer and fruiter than Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of cherry, black berry and vanilla.  An herbal essence with white pepper and bramble fruit aroma.

Chardonnay Fermented in stainless steel. Offers flavors and aromas of pear, lemon, lime and apple. A beautiful balance of crisp acidity.

Macari Vineyards
Dos Aquas 2007 A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. Aromas of tobacco, spice with a hint of mint and a touch of black cherry. Soft tannins with vanilla notes and a long finish.

Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007 Pale yellow in color with aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla and toast. Aged in French oak for 12 months. Lush with a smoky quality and a velvety finish.

Roanoke Vineyards Produces artesian wines in limited production.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. A principal focus at Roanoke Vineyards. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 3 % Merlot. Soft tannins with a deep concentration of blackberry and currant flavors.  Drink now or hold.

Marco Tulio 2007. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot. Great structure, rich berries and sophistication

Roanoke Vineyards Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay. Blended fermentation: 82% stainless steel tanks, 18% barrel-fermented. The result is an elegant finish of soft citrus flavors with a slight vanilla essence.

Martha Clara Vineyards
2007 Pinot Noir. Notes of cherries, almond on the nose with hints of cocoa. The palate offers delicate flavors of berry fruits framed by a soft elegant tannin structure. Drink optimally in 7-10 years.

2007 Merlot. The nose offers notes of cocoa, briery fruit with a mouthful of tannins. Can be cellared for 10-15 years for optimal drinking pleasure.

2005 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of currants and black raspberry with cedar and eucalyptus notes. Serve now or hold for 7-10 years.

Castello di Borghese-Chosen as the Best Winery on Long Island by Long Island Press. Signature wines of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. An excellent Meritage as well.

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