D’Amato & Szabo: Wine Thieves – Episode 27: Farming in the Forks: Long Island's Maritime Vines

The Wine Thieves find themselves in a New York state of wine as they begin a new series investigating the disparate terroirs and wealth of wine styles in the only US state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. Long Island is their first destination, a stone’s throw from New York City. This maritime-influenced region was first planted with grapes in the 1600s, and has been producing wine commercially for almost 50 years. Its sandy-gravelly soils and moderate climate make it a natural for Bordeaux varieties. But John and Sara find out that there are more than bold reds on offer in Long Island, such lush chardonnays, rosés, sparkling wines and a host of other styles. The trend towards less oak  and more limited intervention seems to resonate well with their biggest market that radiates from Manhattan.

 

John and Sara speak with Gabriella Macari of Macari Vineyards and Kareem Massoud of Paumanok Vineyards at their wineries in the North Fork of Long Island. Together, they explore the three AVAs of Long Island, discuss the differences between the North and South Forks, the threat of hurricanes as well as the soaring price of real estate in The Hamptons. Despite all of these challenges, you’ll find out why these growers persevere. We’ll uncover the latest trends, delve into a little history and finish off with a lobster roll and sparkling wine, and Long Island duck with cabernet franc.