Winemaker Notes
The driving character for this popular white blend is rooted in fruity, delicate Pinot Blanc. The wine captures the stone-fruit essence of this variety beautifully and is given additional depth by the addition of Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon and Gewürztraminer. It’s a lip-smacking, food-friendly white, versatile enough to go from poolside to tabletop.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
A far-reaching peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean from the city of New York, the Long Island appellation includes The Hamptons and North Fork AVAs. With a maritime climate and conditions not unlike that in Bordeaux, the region excels in the production of Bordeaux varieties, namely Merlot and Cabernet Franc.