Tag: wine region

A Great Lakes Wine Destination

October
21
2026
by Michael Nagy

Have you heard of the Lake Erie AVA in the northeast part of the United States? Did you know that it is a historic wine-producing region that nobody really knows or talks about?

In fact, it is the largest AVA east of the Rocky Mountains. Its boundaries extend to parts of New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, with over 40,000 acres planted to vineyards (see wine map).

Established in 1983, it is the only American AVA that spans multiple states. The total size is 3,495 square miles and over 40,000 acres of vineyards across three states. Growers here cultivate a diverse range of grape varieties, including native, hybrid and vinifera resulting in wines produced in a variety of styles.

As expected, the area features a cool continental climate with four seasons. Most of the Lake Erie AVA follows the Lake Erie shoreline of the Great Lake and also includes islands off the shore.

There are two sub-AVAs contained within it – Grand River Valley AVA and Isle St. George AVA. Lake Erie moderates the temperature by retaining heat into the fall season and extends the growing season allowing grapes to reach peak ripeness.

The ancient glacial soils of limestone and loam greatly help with water drainage. The winds coming off of Lake Erie is also a key to success here by circulating cool air in the vineyards and keeping them dry. This significantly reduces disease pressure limiting the need for spraying and vineyard management.

The climate moderation from the lake along with recent increasingly warm temperatures due to climate change means that growers are having success planting different varieties previously difficult to work with. Historically, native and hybrid grapes were mostly planted in the AVA, but more vinifera plantings have found to be thriving, such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

Concord makes up about 40% of the wine production and for jams and jellies (Welch’s is a major producer in this region). Other varieties that are being produced include Lemberger aka Blaufrankisch, Teroldego (Italian vinifera), Seyval Blanc, Chambourcin and Baco Noir both (French American red hybrids).

Because of the range of grapes grown throughout this very large AVA, there is no one signature style. This allows producers to get creative and experiment. One of the lesser-known grape varieties being utilized in the region is Noiret, a black hybrid grape variety. Noiret (nwahr-AY) is often described as having a Syrah-like character with its inky-dark pigment, peppery notes, medium body and ability to age well.

Lake Erie has been planting grapes and producing wine since the early 1800s. Like all wine-producing regions in the United States, Prohibition had a devastating impact and like many regions, this region had a long uphill climb. The climate and conditions can be unpredictable. There are currently a little more than 20 wineries within the AVA.

(Image courtesy of Mazza Vineyards)

Mazza Family of Wine

One of the wine destinations I am spotlighting here is Mazza Vineyards, which includes South Shore Wine Company and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, all within the Lake Erie AVA.

Robert Mazza, co-founder of Mazza Vineyards, for over fifty years has been growing the Mazza business originating in NW PA and the PA Wine industry as an ambassador since 1972. Mazza Vineyards, nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, is the Mazza family’s flagship location. The winery was founded and built in a rustic, Mediterranean style serving as tribute to the family’s Italian roots.

Drawing inspiration, experience, and technique from a lineage of international winemakers hailing from Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and beyond, their clean, experimental New World approach to winemaking has resulted in a fascinating wine list that ranges from crisp and pristine to robust and fruit-forward.

Here is a brief history lesson from Robert. He notes a few things helped put Pennsylvania on the map. The first was a change in regulations. Then came the awards.

“In 2024, the Decanter World Wine Awards, there were eighteen thousand wines submitted from fifty-seven countries. Only twenty gold medals were handed out. And we won for our Rosé. We produced it from a French American grape hybrid. It’s not purely European or American variety, which is unusual for a Rosé. This was the first time a Pennsylvania winery has ever won gold at the Decanter awards. It has put Pennsylvania back on the map.”

Today, Pennsylvania, is known primarily for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. A Mazza Vineyards, fresh juice from Pennsylvania grapes is in demand from winemakers across the country and the world. This brings joy to me because I was born and raised in PA. I’m proud of how far the PA wine industry has come even since I left to join the NY wine ranks in 2019. If you decide to visit the region, you have access to many awesome wineries in NYS as well.

Other locations within the Mazza family –

South Shore Wine Company is locally known for its historic stone cavern tasting room. Built in the 1860s in the style of traditional French wine caverns, the stone cellar is a unique (and Instagrammable!) setting for sipping some of our region’s most toast-worthy wines.

A robust selection of bubbly, made in traditional, contemporary, and experimental methods, pays homage to the region’s storied history of sparkling wines. Equally festive are a trio of delicately sweet bottles as well as a collection of lesser known, but entirely impressive emerging varietals.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars might be their family’s third location in the Lake Erie AVA, but it’s the first of its kind in New York State. Sharing a home with our sister distillery and brewery, Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, its signature patio space is an appropriately laid-back setting to enjoy the beverage of your choice.

The wine list here is an intentional curation of bottles that pay homage to the agricultural bounty that surrounds us, including refined European varietals and easy-sipping native varietals.

Lake Erie Wine Country is located about two hours north of Pittsburgh, and there are a dozen wineries around the city of North East, PA (often confusing because Erie is in the NW corner of the state).

Check out the wineries in the Lake Erie AVA and travel across 3 states. Many of them are open all-year round and have accommodations during the winter season. Just a little over 3 hours from Central NY.

To learn more about them, their wine portfolio, events, hours, and other exceptional wines, visit them at enjoymazza.com and Instagram @mazzawines. Below is info about their award-winning international rosé.

Do you like to learn about unique and unexplored wine regions and winery destinations? Keep following for more….

South Shore Wine Company “The Perfect Rosé”
Enchantingly dry, crisp, and refreshing, enjoy the award-winning The Perfect Rosé for a happily ever after(noon). Gently pressed Chambourcin grapes give this wine a hint of color, delicate berry flavors, and crisp acidity. which make for a refreshing rosé wine.

92 points / “Best Buy” – Wine Enthusiast

Featured in “The Best American Wines to Enjoy This Labor Day and Beyond” by Wine Enthusiast

93 points/Gold – BTI / NY Wine Classic

95 points/Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

90 points/Silver – Decanter World Wine Awards 2025

Featured in “US rosé to beat the summer heat” by Decanter

Best Rosé – 2023 PA Sommelier Judgment

Cheers,

Michael Nagy

michael.troy.nagy@gmail.com

717.877.2729

Wine of the Week: A Rare Red from Veneto

September
30
2026
by Michael Nagy

For this week’s edition of my ‘Wine of the Week’, I present to you a 100% Cabernet Franc from northeastern Italy in Veneto, Tenuta Mosole Cabernet Franc DOC Venezia 2024, which I recently stumbled upon on a recent visit to a new wine shop.

Are you a Cabernet Franc fan? Have you ever tasted one from Italy? Do you like Italian reds, medium-bodied reds, or under-the-radar reds? Follow along if you would like to explore different Cab Francs

Because you don’t typically hear about the cool-climate Cab Franc grape from Italia, I was immediately intrigued. It is not too uncommon in the Veneto region as it is in other wine regions of Italy because of the cooler weather, climate conditions, topography, and unique microclimate.

As I mentioned in previous posts, I am always on the hunt for great value wines and hidden gems from across the globe and this fits the bill. This Cab Franc retails at just under $20 USD in Central NY and available online (it is a little over $20 on some sites). An excellent price for an Italian red with a DOC classification and from a reputable producer. Give it a search!

Veneto’s diverse landscapes, rich vinicultural heritage, and proximity to Venice and Adriatic Sea make it a remarkable wine destination. The region is often celebrated for its exceptional wines, including the elegant Soave, the full-bodied Amarone, and the refreshing Prosecco.

You can visit the iconic vineyards of Valpolicella, the serene hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, and the charming countryside of Colli Euganei, where local wineries invite you to indulge in unforgettable tastings. In addition, you can experience the unique blend of culture, history, and gastronomy that Veneto has to offer.

Veneto is nestled in northeast Italy and famed for its iconic Prosecco alongside a diverse array of indigenous grape varietals such as Garganega (Soave) and Corvina (Valpolicella and Amarone). It is home to historic winemaking traditions, picturesque vineyards, and ancient villages.

The Veneto wine region accounts for approximately 18% of all the DOC wine in Italy, which ranks in the top three of all regions in Italy.

The Mosole Cabernet Franc is produced in the Lison-Pramaggiore DOC, a unique region of the Venetian plain that overlaps eastern Veneto and western Friuli whose wine production predates Roman times. The Cab Franc vines arrived there at the beginning of the 19th century, immediately becoming a fine wine in the territory.

The characteristic note of hay and black pepper together with the soft tannins on the palate make it an unmistakable wine. The vineyards contribute aromatic compounds and minerality to the wines produced here.

The smokey character of this Veneto Cab Franc can be referred to as ‘Chinon Italiano’, because it tastes like it was produced from Chinon in the Loire Valley of France, a classic CF wine region and home to some of the best CF in the world. Who would have guessed that they would share similar traits?

Its appearance is ruby red with violet hues. The aromas are pleasant with diverse spices and sweet smoke, a basket of red berries, and that typical vegetal nuance, like green pepper.

The palate is driven by more red berry fruit, red currant and dark cherry, with hints of that infamous bell pepper. Crispy black fruit punctuated by fresh herbs and minerality. A full and fruit-forward flavor, medium acidity, soft, medium tannins, well balanced, and a lingering finish.

A stellar pairing for roasted vegetables, roasted meats, like lamb and wild game, barbeque dishes, vegetarian pizza, and charcuterie.

The maceration on the skins is for an average of 8 to 10 days. Fermented in temperature-controlled cement tanks between 24 to 26°C (74 to 76°F) followed by maturation for nine months in cement tanks. The aging potential is 5-7 years till 2029-2031. Serve the wine slightly below room temp at 60-65°F (not too warm).

Tenuta Mosole also produces other reds, like worldly Merlot, Cab Franc/Carmenere blend, Rosso, and traditional whites of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, local whites, Roses, Prosecco, and Brut. Find them online at Winery: IGT and Lison DOC wines in Venice Mosole estate | Mosole and Instagram @tenutamosole. Keep in mind that those sites are in Italian so you will need to translate.

Cheers & Saluti,

Michael Nagy

For questions, feedback, submit a topic, or inquiries, use new email – michael.troy.nagy@gmail.com or DM on Instagram.

Wine Spotlight – Uncorking the Magic of the Universe

August
5
2026
by Michael Nagy

During my short time away from social media (may not return) and blogging, I decided to enroll in an astrology and astro-psychology certification program from a renowned astrology school in Washington State called Kepler College. I’ve always had interest in the cosmos and in finding the meaning behind ourselves and our life. In combination with my studies and work in counseling psychology and the desire to better understanding relationships at every level, I finally came to this point in my life where I want to dive deeper.

On a side note – I will continue this blog because I enjoy writing about things that interest me and educating consumers about all things beverages, but unsure about the future of the business side. The lack of business and engagement has been extremely frustrating and has affected my mental health. Hence, I’ve removed myself from instagram.

I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do this wine, mocktails, cocktails, and beverages, in general? I realize you didn’t sign up for a blog about the metaphysical, but this sets the stage for the discussion below. Plus, if you’re like me, you like to learn more about the author and their life perspective. Bear with me for a bit!

Hopefully some of this content interests you and maybe will lead to you exploring the topic further. I think it is fascinating stuff! Don’t worry – for the purpose of this blog, I will not go into great detail about the signs but will demonstrate their relationship to wine and why we choose a certain grape/bottle over another during specific life events.

What can astrology say to us?

Sometimes people confuse astrology with astronomy. Astrology deals with ‘meaning’ whereas astronomy deals with measurement. Traditional astrology focuses more on planets than signs. It is much more than just reading your daily horoscope.

What periods of time may be more stressful than others and when you need to be more careful? It can even give you the idea of the areas of life that will be most affected.

Where may you and another person have difficulties getting along? When is it a good time to marry, start a business, or sell your home? When you or someone you love encounters health issues?

Astrology CANNOT –

Tell you the winning lottery numbers. Tell you whether or not you will land that promotion. Predict when your rich uncle will pass away and leave you his inheritance. Tell you whether or not someone is trustworthy. Let you know if you will catch a cold before your next vacation or something unexpected will happen.

BEST OF ALL –

Astrology can help you better understand yourself and how you interact in the world. It can help you navigate the ups and downs as you fulfill your potential. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it is called self-actualization. Wouldn’t we all like to achieve that goal?

Now that we have explored the basic tenets of astrology, we can move on to its application in the world of wine. I recently became familiar with a cool wine company out of New York City who is doing some very unique things with wine based on astrological principles. Some of the players involved in its mission are certified astrologers.

Have you heard about “Sun Moon Rising Wine”?

Sun Moon Rising, the world’s first astrology-inspired wine brand, launched in 2024 unveiling its founding collection online. Created by certified sommelier and New Yorker, Kate Webb, the brand offers 12 distinct wines sustainably sourced, handcrafted, and purposefully curated to embody the unique characteristics of its corresponding Zodiac sign. Sun Moon Rising aims to reimagine the way consumers experience wine, expertly fusing the arts of astrology and winemaking to elevate every occasion.

What’s awesome is that Sun Moon Rising sources its wines from award-winning, sustainable vineyards across New York State and emerging wine regions is deeply committed to promoting the region’s emergence as a premier destination for wine lovers. Proudly female-owned, low-intervention, and certified sustainable, Sun Moon Rising is on a mission to redefine the way consumers engage with wine, delivering a cosmic connection in every glass. The wine is available at Sun Moon Rising Wine and select shops in NYC.

Webb’s passion for creating unique wine experiences began in New York City’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, where she honed her craft as a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified Sommelier. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. “This led me to the surprising realization that no wine brand catered specifically to the 12 Zodiac signs,” stated Webb. “We created Sun Moon Rising to offer people a new way to personally connect with wine, intentionally pairing astrology and winemaking to foster community, curate connections, and elevate celebrations.”

Sun Moon Rising upholds organic practices, labor ethics, and small-batch production. In collaboration with New York’s Heron Hill Winery, the brand ensures these values are integral to its winemaking process. This dedication not only elevates the wines but also champions New York State as a premier destination for discerning wine enthusiasts, where every sip reflects our planet-friendly approach and the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

The company’s certified stargazers are expert astrologers dedicated to authentically represent the astrological community. Their insightful expertise guides us on our mission to provide accurate and meaningful astrology insights in all that we do.

They and I like to say “A Wine for Every Sign”. The meaning behind the company name – Sun – Your Core Self, Moon – Your Emotional Self, Rising – Your Outward Self, taken directly from astrology.

I will not discuss their entire portfolio and all the astrological signs but will highlight the astrological season we are currently in Leo, which runs till August 22 and is my mother’s sign and my sign, Gemini, which is from May 21-June 20. A little more about Leo and Gemini below. Are any of you a Leo ♌️ or Gemini ♊️

Gemini is the sign associated with communication, logical thought processes (based on duality) and the conscious mind. Gemini people tend to be airy and intellectual, glib of tongue and curious about life and other people. They can experience two sides of things at the same time, and may tend to be flighty. Gemini’s element is Air and ruled by the planet Mercury.

Geminis move through life like butterflies, engaging in many varied experiences to gain knowledge. They are witty and have a good sense of humor, and are likely to be excellent conversationalists. Geminis make good teachers. They can be nervous and high-strung, and may be mischievous. Unlike possessive Taurus, they tend toward liberty in relationship. And although Geminis can be easily bored, under the control of self-discipline they have tremendous intellectual and artistic possibilities.

Most Compatible – Libra, Aquarius, Aries, Leo

Least Compatible – Pisces, Virgo, Capricorn, Scorpio

Gemini Bubbly Rosé

Bubbly, dynamic and quick-witted, Geminis are voracious learners and experts on a wide variety of subjects. Linguistically gifted, they are natural leaders and storytellers. As a mutable sign that thrives in social settings, they find ways to relate to everyone they meet with their easygoing and humorous nature.

This summer sign is matched by the Bubbly Rosé’s bright acidity and refreshing taste. With notes of strawberry and watermelon, the crisp bubbles complement this Air sign’s talkative and outgoing character. Astute, clever and curious, the depth of Gemini cannot be overstated. It is lively, smooth, crisp, playful, and refreshing with bright acidity and notes of strawberry and watermelon. Made from the Blaufränkisch aka Lemberger in the Finger Lakes, New York.

Leos are likely to express themselves in dramatic, creative and assertive ways. They are also likely to enjoy the warmth of the physical Sun. Leos have great energy, courage and honesty. They are likely to be self-confident and maybe even a bit self-indulgent as they expect to be the center of attention and often are. Leos can be quite determined and usually get their way when they really want to. They also possess great integrity and are a natural leader.

Leo people are very proud. Their challenge is to temper any tendency for arrogant or egotistical behavior and to instead develop humility and compassion; to learn detachment in the gift of their affections, so that they radiate their abundant energy freely and enhance the life experience of others around them. Leo’s element is Fire and ruled by the Sun (luminary planet).

Most Compatible – Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra

Least Compatible – Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces, Capricorn

Leo Bubbly Red

Social, passionate and restless, Leos are constantly on the move. Those born under this Fire sign are experts at bringing people together and discovering new interests. As a summer sign, they thrive in the warmth of the sun and have an imaginative flair that gives them an irresistible creative edge.

This Bubbly Red wine is vibrant, fruity, aromatic and slightly off dry with notes of pomegranate, red currant and raspberry. The unique blend of red wine and effervescence reflects Leo’s boldness and pride and complements their quirky and outgoing nature. Both this wine and this sign are eclectic in taste and bring a fresh perspective. This blend is made from 60% Marquette and 40% Marechal Foch in the Finger Lakes, New York.

I hope you enjoyed this content. See you back soon! Please share with your friends and colleagues and please let me know if this was of interest to you and if you have any comments or questions. What’s your sign? Ruling planet?

Cheers,

Michael Nagy

michael@michaelpour.com

Cantina di Rosina: A Majestic Slice of Abruzzo

Carunchio Abruzzo Cantina Rosina
May
20
2026
by Michael Nagy

For this week’s spotlight, The Michael Pour takes you on a journey to Southern Italy along the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Here you will find one of Italy’s best kept secrets and underrated wine regions, Abruzzo “uh-brut-sow”. Recently, I’ve learned about a new winery emerging in the region. The winery is called “Cantina di Rosina” and their wonderful story, and family history is depicted below.

“Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, our ancestors produced quality wine in the Southern Abruzzo region of Italy. After WWI, our grandparents emigrated from war-torn Italy to the US in search of a better life for their family. Now, 100 years later, they have returned to my beautiful ancestral village of Carunchio to carry on producing wines that are approachable, elegant, and capture the spirit of this stunning region. Carunchio is a commune and town in the province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy. 

They’ve assembled a world-class team of viticulturists, oenologists, and winemakers to pay tribute to this beautiful land and all it has to offer. Great wine begins with great respect for the land. Our ongoing mission to share the beauty of Abruzzo with the world…one glass at a time.” – John, my Friend & Proprietor

Cantina di Rosina’s first vintage was 2024. Their Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2024 is described as being sturdy with solid structure, yet soft tannins with a long finish. It spends some time in concrete creating complexity and texture before going into stainless steel (no oak).

Flavors of dark cherry, leather, and hibiscus are exhibited. It will pair well with any type of game, grilled red meats, cured meats, and ripe cheeses. Serve it at cellar temp or slightly below room temp at 60°- 65°F. Don’t hold onto for very long.

The Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a bold rosé with a cherry red color from a gentle kiss of skin contact. With a maceration of only 4 hours on the skins before fermentation, the color is deep and vibrant. It is made 100% from the Montepulciano grape and is essentially a rosé that drinks like a red offering a full spectrum of food pairings.

Not your normal “pink” wine or rosé for that matter. It projects an intense aroma of rose petals and flavors of wild berries and a savory herbaceous quality that lingers. Try it as an aperitif! Drink young.

Enjoy it chilled (50°- 54°F) all summer long by itself or with an array of food options, like seafood dishes, roasted white meats, pizza, cured meats, and semi-matured cheeses. I experienced this awesome wine with homemade bucatini pasta, blush sauce, andouille sausage, shrimp, and fresh herbs over the weekend, and it was a lovely pairing.

The Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2024 will be released in the next few weeks so you can enjoy all summer-long.

All the wines are 100% certified organic with sustainable farming practices. I have tried the wines, and they are very clean, bright, and complex.

A little bit about the Abruzzo region to better understand the land, microclimate, vineyards, and what goes into the wine that is produced here.

Abruzzo is an Italian region located about a two-hour drive east of Rome. Abruzzo extends from the snow-capped Apennine Mountains to the balmy Adriatic Sea. This magical scenic region offers summits and seacoast, medieval castles and clifftop villages.

It is a major wine region famous for robust Montepulciano d’Abruzzo red wines and crisp Trebbiano d’Abruzzo whites. The region is characterized by mountainous terrain, with most production in the coastal Chieti province, offering high-value, quality wines often with soft tannins and red fruit flavors.

National parks and nature reserves cover much of its rugged interior. It also encompasses hilltop towns, dating to the medieval and Renaissance periods. The regional capital of L’Aquila is a walled city, which was damaged in a 2009 earthquake.

Abruzzo is also known as “the greenest region in Europe” as half of the region’s territory is protected through national parks and nature reserves, more than any other region in Italy. Culturally, Abruzzo is considered a region of Southern Italy; however, geographically it is often considered part of Central Italy.

The focus in Abruzzo is on the Montepulciano grape referred to as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.  It’s a versatile grape, in the sense that it can satisfy many different palates. Montepulciano is a fruit-forward dry red with a medium to full body, medium to high smooth tannins, and medium to high acidity. Notes of red plum, blackberry, dried herbs and thyme, and baking spices.

It is not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is a wine made from the Sangiovese grape in the town of Montepulciano from the Tuscany region. 

It can be vinified and aged in stainless steel to give a simple, approachable wine and food-friendly with freshness and expression of the fruit. For low crops, it can be aged in casks or barriques, sometimes new barriques, to create wines that have greater depth, concentration and complexity.

The oaked Montepulcianos coming out of the region are not wines for everyday drinking because they can be very dense, inky, and powerful. These bottlings can be a great option for the winter months. Some can develop gamey aromas with age while others continue to display primary fruit flavors for years.

Montepulciano does typically age well, but it’s not a wine that requires you to age in order to enjoy now and show complexity.

Montepulciano is the most planted grape in the Abruzzo region. It represents 80% of the total DOC wine produced in Abruzzo. The Montepulciano grape has been in Abruzzo since the mid 17th Century. According to DOC rules, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines must contain at least 85% Montepulciano, with Sangiovese often used for the rest. Bottles labeled “Riserva” must be aged at least two years.  

Another reiteration of Montepulciano is Cerasuolo “chair-ah-swolo” which translates to “cherry red” and refers to an Italian wine style. It is Abruzzo’s best kept secret! Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a Rosé made from the Montepulciano grape. It is made from the free run juice and/or juice with very little skin contact and the color can vary from light pink to dark red. A rosé wine that is usually made by giving the juice a maceration of eight to 18 hours on the skins before fermentation. 

The result is almost like a light red rather than a rosé. A wine with body and succulence not typically rosés. It’s very popular in the region, but you will not see many exported. However, that is starting to change though in recent years.

Even in a good pizzeria in the regional capital of Pescara, you don’t necessarily want to drink a rich red all the time. Cerasuolo, with its vinosity and weight, is actually best drunk lightly chilled. Most producers agree that you shouldn’t consider Cerasuolo a way to use up your least interesting grapes or put in a blend. It should be made from grapes of high quality and treated seriously even its rosé.

The signature white from Abruzzo is Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a light white Italian wine known for its dark gold or amber-colored berries, high acidity and neutral flavor profile that produces stone fruit and apple aromas with hits of lemon. Though production remains small when compared to Montepulciano, it is starting to make an appearance on the world stage.

Being a very large and dispersed region of vineyards, Abruzzo is divided into many sub-regions, and there are also DOCs that are permitted to use non-Italian varieties such as Chardonnay or Merlot. Only someone who is an expert of Abruzzo terroir would be able to identify the many sub-zones for Montepulciano in the glass. Look for different styes of Sangiovese coming out of the region. 

In many older regional vineyards, the vines are trained on tendone (pergolas) designed to shade the grape clusters and make harvest easier. Newer plantings are arranged in rows. 

Tons of sunshine and generous rainfall provide happy growing conditions for wine grapes in Abruzzo. The higher elevations and combination of mountain and maritime breezes bring down summer temperatures, setting up conditions for warm days and chillier nights. This is ideal for maintaining acid balance in the ripeness. Most vineyards flow along the warm and dry coast in the nearby hills. 

I am excited to be representing Cantina di Rosina winery as an ambassador in the Upstate and Central New York region so let me know if you want to schedule a tasting or place an order. Orders can be placed directly from their website or from my link in bio.

You can contact me, Michael Nagy, at 717.877.2729 or michael@cantinarosina.it The wines are truly remarkable by themselves but will also elevate your food experience and company.

If you have an Italian restaurant, steakhouse, pizzeria, or wine shop, these wines will be a perfect complement to your food menu and Italian wine section.

Allow me to share the beauty and story of Abruzzo and Cantina di Rosina (CdR) with you. Find the website at www.cantinarosina.it and on Instagram @cantinarosina. Follow them and me @themichaelpour 🙂

Cheers & Saluti,

Michael

Getting to Know the Long Island Wine Region of NY

Long Island Region of Ny AVA
February
4
2025
by Michael Nagy

On the largest island in the contiguous US, you will find diverse wine styles from well-structured red wines to refreshing white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The North Fork of Long Island, which is located 75 miles east of New York City, is known for its tranquil waterfront charm, pebble beaches, lush farmland and rich vegetation, and wealth of family-run and sustainable vineyards.

The Long Island American Viticultural Area (AVA) has a similar maritime climate to the classic Bordeaux Region of France due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. With being surrounded by water, the area is well protected from the cold and harsh winter seasons and the hottest summers, which is ideal for growing Bordeaux-type varieties.

Unlike other regions in New York, Long Island has always focused on Vitis vinifera grapes because it’s a warmer climate. It doesn’t have to focus just on cool climate and hybrid varieties. Even though it has a warmer climate, Long Island has the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean influence, which is why many vineyards are located in the North Fork sub-region of Long Island. The vineyards here are protected by the Peconic Bay around the island.

Terroir

Terroir is a French term literally meaning ‘sense of place’ describing the growing conditions for wine grapes. As mentioned earlier, Long Island has a very similar climate to Bordeaux but is a little warmer. With more growing days and hours of sunshine, you might expect riper styles of wine. In fact, Long Island has the same latitude as hot Barcelona, Spain. However, because of the cold Atlantic Ocean, Long Island wines tend to be ripe, but not over ripe or jammy compared to traditional warm climates, like California, Spain, and Australia.

One of the other factors affecting grape-growing in Long Island is the higher amount of precipitation, but the free draining, indigenous sandy soils and glacial moraines remaining from the last Ice Age drain away any excess water. This prevents the grapes from becoming bloated causing increased sugar levels, which can be catastrophic for dry wines.

The combination of adequate sunshine, moderately warm weather, gravelly and sandy soils, and proximity to the ocean leads to juicy red wines that are not overly tannic, heavy, or high in alcohol. The resulting red wines have savory aromas and characteristics, and white wines are high in acid with a unique saline profile not found too often in other wine regions around the world.

Long Island AVA

Long Island Wines

There are Bordeaux varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also traditional-method Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, some edgy styles of Pet Nat, and orange wines. Many of the wines, thanks to the cooling influence of the Atlantic, are lower in alcohol, around 11-12.5%, with lighter styles from Bordeaux and fresh fruit flavors.

Sub-Regions of Long Island

The main AVA is Long Island but, in reality, the main spot where most vineyards are planted is in North Fork, thanks to the protection of Peconic Bay. However, people can source grapes from the entire Island where you will see Long Island AVA on the label.

North Fork of Long Island

The North Fork of Long Island is warmer than the rest of Long Island (including the Hamptons) and receives more sunshine leading to wines with riper fruit flavors and fuller bodies, and often higher alcohol compared to other NY regions in New York. The North Fork of Long Island AVA was established in 1986, sixteen years before Long Island AVA.

Over the last 10 years or so, the North Fork has enjoyed a major evolution with critical acclaim from wine experts and the international wine community. I have become fascinated with the quality and versatility of their wines that I started to use North Fork wines for my company events and wine tastings with clients as well as enjoying them myself and in my travels. Look for their wines to be featured and reviewed here and on social media.

Horses Pet Nat Macari Vineyards

One winery in particular whom I’ve recently become an unofficial brand ambassador for is Macari Vineyards. Macari Vineyards, whose 500 acres features a beautiful and spacious tasting room and covered deck where top-end red flights, a bottle of the cult-favorite ‘Horses’ Pet-Nat, and award-winning Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Bergen Road Red Blend are paired with charcuterie, cheese, and other delicacies.

Macari’s wine estate, which is biodynamic and sustainable, is located in Mattituck overlooking scenic Long Island Sound. The property has been in the family for over 40 years spanning three generations using traditional farming methods. The family themselves nurture the soil and vines. Nearby, Meadowlark, Macari’s sister property, pours small-batch wines and hosts events. Visit their site at the hyperlink above. I look forward to a visit there soon.

The Hamptons of Long Island

Established in 1985, this southern part of the island is better known for celebrity beach houses and where affluent New Yorkers go to get away from it all. However, it’s also a great place for refreshing wines from Long Island, particularly rosé and sparkling wines. Cooler than the North Fork due to massive exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect higher acid content in the wine along with lighter styles and zesty white wines.

Quick Facts:

  • There are 90 Wineries in Long Island as of 2022.
  • Largest island in the contiguous United States.
  • Established May 15, 2001.
  • New vineyards planted in 1973 in North Fork sub-region.
  • 1815 acres of vineyards planted.
  • First vineyards were planted in the 1820s, but all succumbed to disease pressure.
  • Over half the planted acres in Long Island are in the dedicated sustainability program (LISW).
  • Merlot is the most planted grape variety in Long Island.

As the parent of the super popular Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is often overshadowed by its own progeny. It also the parent of Merlot. However, this underrated grape produces some very good, complex, and food-friendly wines that are the best in the world mirroring those from Loire Valley and Bordeaux, France. Cab Franc is truly the signature red grape of Long Island and all of NY.

Wines made from Cab Franc range from light and quaffable to rich and tannic depending on both region and winemaking styles. Cool-climate examples from the Loire Valley, Finger Lakes, or Long Island can be lively and fresh with tart red fruit, green pepper notes, and better than average acidity.

They can be aged in stainless steel for a punchier red fruit expression and lighter style or in oak barrels to add hints of cedar, tobacco, and spice with fuller body. Cabernet Francs from warmer sites like Napa Valley and Paso Robles can result in bigger wines with juicy, ripe fruit, and typically a heavier oak influence with use of American or new oak barrels.

Cheers,

Michael Nagy, michael@michaelpour.com

Wine Glass

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