Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery (39750 County Road 48, Southold, 631-765-0200) has been awarded Best New York State Sparkling Wine at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, an international sparkling wine competition.
Tom and Cynthia Rosicki, Sparkling Pointe’s founders and owners, accepted the award in London this past October for their 2021 Topaz Impèrial Rosé.
“We are incredibly honored that the 2021 Topaz Imperial Rosé has been recognized by the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships,” said the Rosickis in an email. “This award celebrates the hard work of our entire Sparkling Pointe team and our dedication to producing exceptional sparkling wines that showcase the unique beauty and terroir of the North Fork.”
Judged through blind tastings, the striking peach-colored Topaz Impèrial — named for the gemstone — imparts aromas of strawberry and watermelon and flavors of cherry, guava and rose water. The wine is composed of 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier grapes and was released in December 2023.
Sparkling Pointe is Long Island’s only winery dedicated to producing sparkling wines. The 40-acre vineyard is planted only with classic Champagne grape varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The award emphasizes the region’s growing reputation in the global sparkling wine industry.
The Rosickis purchased the property for their vineyard in 2004. The winemaking facility, cellar and tasting house opened in 2009. They worked with Long Island viticulture expert Steve Mudd to establish their plantings, and with winemaker Gilles Martin, whose scientific background and international experience enable Sparkling Point to produce quality wines produced exclusively in the traditional Méthode Champenoise.
This is not the only award this particular wine has won: The 2021 Topaz Impèrial was also named one of VinePair’s 25 Best Sparkling Rosés for 2024.
“What began as a dream for the two of us has grown into a winery filled with love, celebrations, and award-winning wines—a legacy we are so proud of,” noted the Rosickis. “This recognition inspires us to continue innovating and shaping the future of sparkling winemaking at Sparkling Pointe.”
The 2021 Topaz Impèrial Rosé is available by the glass ($16) or bottle ($44) at Sparkling Pointe’s elegant tasting room, as well as on their website. Reservations are required and groups are limited to 6 guests (larger groups may inquire about group tasting packages).
