Sparkling Pointe winery is dedicated solely to sparkling wine. That's the first thing you need to know. I've read about them from afar, but have not had the opportunity to taste their wines....until now.
Friend and Editor-in-Chief of the New York Cork Report Lenn Thompson brought over a bottle for me to try recently, bringing along his lovely wife Nena. We sat down with Dominique and a plate of Hudson Valley cheeses...R&G Maple-Chipotle Goat Cheese, a wedge of Hudson Red from Twin Maple Farm, and a square of Old Chatham Sheepherding Camembert. Life just doesn't get any better.
But back to Sparkling Pointe. Owners Cynthia and Tom Rosicki have always been Champagne lovers. According to their website, "Tom recalls having found true love with Cynthia over a romantic dinner and a seductive bottle of Champagne. Fate brought Cynthia and Tom to meet Steve Mudd, a renowned and award winning viticulturist on the East End of Long Island, who immediately sparkled the bright idea of dedicating the first ever planting of a new vineyard to the sole production of sparkling wine. Having spotted the perfect site for their venture, Cynthia and Tom contacted the owner of the property and placed a down payment the same day on what would become the future vineyard site."
The couple joined forces with multi-talented winemaker Gilles Martin. Gilles is one of my favorite winemakers on the North Fork. He is quiet and understated, and he lets his wines do the talking for him. His stuff, no matter who he's working with, is always fantastic. Here, with Sparkling Pointe, he shows how absolutely comfortable he is with making sparkling wines. Gilles is always about quality. You know you're getting a good wine when Giles is making it. This 2007 Vintage of their Brut wine was an incredible shock.
Sparkling Pointe’s cuvées are made with the Champagne region's three classic grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Instead of France, they are rooted in the terroir of the North Fork of Long Island.
Lenn popped th cork and started pouring. We were immediately hit with the pleasant scent of fresh bread. And there was fruit on the nose as well, a little green apple, a touch of peach or mango. And then on the palate, the wine was terrific, with big green apple and lime dominating. A refreshing, delicious, exceptional and elegant sparkling wine!
Thanks Lenn! Thanks Gilles Martin! And congrats to the Rosicki's!
p.s. go to this video at New York Cork Report to see Gilles open a bottle of sparkling with a sabre!
http://www.newyorkcorkreport.com/2011/06/sparkling-pointe-winemaker-gilles-martin-demonstrates-sabrage.html