Think summer is too warm for a bold glass of merlot or pinot noir? Think again.
We asked six local wine pros to select a Long Island wine to drink this summer. The catch? Winemakers could not select their own.
And their answers might surprise you.
So what are they drinking this season? Read on to find out.
McCall 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir ($75)
“Delicious pinot noir from the North Fork of Long Island is hard to find due to the finicky nature of this thin-skinned variety. 2010 was an outstanding vintage and yielded one of the finest expressions of pinot noir I have encountered on the North Fork in McCall’s Reserve bottling from that vintage.”
— Kareem Massoud, winemaker, Paumanok Vineyards
Roanoke Vineyards 2012 Marco Tulio red blend ($24)
“I think it’s a terrific summer red wine because it’s a super match for outdoor grilling, as well as for cooler summer evenings. It has plenty of body and bold fruit, but it isn’t too tannic for warm-weather drinking. A wonderfully balanced blend of merlot, cabernet franc and a hint of petit verdot.”
— Alie Shaper, president and winemaker, Brooklyn Oenology
Palmer Vineyards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99)
“Sauvignon blanc is one of the most exciting varieties grown on the North Fork and this version is full of minerals, bright acidity and the savory, saline elements that are so prevalent in our region. It’s also a great choice with our local cuisine, like oysters, striped bass and vegetarian dishes.”
— Richard Olsen-Harbich, winemaker, Bedell Cellars
Jamesport Vineyards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($30)
“It’s longstanding been of my favorite Long Island sauvignon blancs. It has beautiful classic citrus notes with good acidity. Pair with our local shellfish.”
— Frank Purita, chef and owner, Bière
Macari Vineyards 2014 Rosé ($17)
“We carried it last summer on tap and it ended up being the No. 1 retail account for rosé. It has been received so well. Kelly [Urbanik Koch, winemaker,] has really changed the style. It used to be more of a bistro style, but now it’s a little more pretty, more feminine. It has a bone-dry finish, which is super-inviting for the next sip.”
— Sarah Phillips, co-owner, First and South restaurant