Since opening in 2014, Vintage Mattituck has become a go-to spot for not only wine and spirits, but knowledge about what’s behind each bottle.
A visit to a liquor store can be simple as 1, 2, 3: you may know exactly what you want and have your favorites already in mind. But sometimes scanning the shelves can be a whirlwind of prices, regions and labels that can read like a foreign language to decipher.
General manager Brian Dickson has worked at the shop, located in the Mattituck Plaza, for eight years and recently helped curate a selection of the top sellers at the moment.
“There’s nothing better than being part of this local community and wine region,” he said. Locally produced wine and spirits are prominently displayed at the front of the store, which also carries an extensive selection from around the world.
“A lot of what we do here is driving that wine passion and the best part is that it’s ever evolving,” Dickson said. “It’s fun to work somewhere I can always gain more knowledge,” he said, adding that it’s “empowering” to be in a job where he can continue learning — and passing that on to customers.
Château Pigoudet Première Rosé 2020
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
This dry French rosé is crisp, floral and fruity with notes of white peach and lychee. “[Provence rosés] are the number one thing asked for from March until at least the end of September,” Dickson said. “It’s the perfect summertime wine.”
This specific bottle has been the top selling rosé for months and they’ll carry it all summer long.
$19/$14.99 for club members
Lieb Cellars Pinot Blanc 2020
North Fork of Long Island
Vibrant and crisp with notes of lemongrass and green apple, this vintage received a 90 point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. A great pairing with local seafood, Dickson often recommends this bottle to people looking for pinot grigio, which isn’t widely available on the North Fork.
$22/$18.99 for club members
Domaine Mardon Quincy Cuvée Très Vieilles Vignes 2020
Quincy, France
Sancerre is the benchmark for sauvignon blanc, but this bright, citrusy wine from Quincy, a village just east of the famed region, is similar in style and lower in price. “We’ve found a few products that come from the same valley or close to it,” Dickson said. “They’re made with sauvignon blanc, so you’re getting that quality without getting hit with the price point.”
$22/$18.99 for club members
Macari Pinot Noir 2020
North Fork of Long Island
Despite being one of the first types of grapes planted on the North Fork, pinot noir is a challenge to grow in the region. “To see more local producers making it is exciting,” Dickson said.
Macari’s pinot noir is made from a selection of eight French Oak barrels and is light and fruit-forward with cherry and vanilla on the nose. “It has a lot of notes that will remind you of a California pinot, which is kind of atypical for out here,” Dickson said.
$32/$18.99 for club members
Castelgreve Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Chianti, Italy
“Italian reds are our best selling type of red wine,” Dickson said, noting that the shop carries a lot of them. This silky riserva chianti has aromas of red cherries and plum with notes of wood and spice, making it a frequent pick for dinnertime pairings. It also received a 92 point score from the International Wine Report. “Between the score and the price point, it’s a no brainer,” Dickson said.
$24/$19.99 for club members
Field & Sound Straight Bourbon
Long Island Vodka Distillery, Baiting Hollow
Most people associate bourbon with Kentucky, but that isn’t the case with this whiskey made from locally grown corn, winter rye and malted barley.
“It’s a labor of love. It really is something that’s showing the terroir of where we’re coming from, that it’s not just grapes,” Dickson said.
$46.99
123 Organic Tequila Blanco Uno
Mexico
A 100% blue agave tequila, 123 (uno, dos, tres) is light and delicate, with aromas of illy and honeysuckle and earth notes of wet clay and volcanic soil. It’s a small-batch, certified organic tequila that Dickson said is a personal favorite. “I would put this blanco tequila against any of the big brand names,” he said. Both he and co-manager Chris Hayes keep bottles at their homes. “This is our go-to tequila,” he said.
$46/$39.99 for club members
Vintage Mattituck is located at 10095 Main Road Suite #13 in Mattituck. Visit their website to shop online for store pickup or local delivery.
