Best Long Island Reds and Whites

The number of Long Island wineries have steadily increased in the past few years, which has led to a fantastic selection of delectable wines to be enjoyed. While touring vineyards in Long Island is the way to go, that’s not the only way you get to enjoy some of the best vintages in Long Island. The following is going to be your guide to some of the best wines to come out of Long Island.

Reds

Gabby’s Cabernet Franc by Roanoke Vineyard

While you could still get a taste of this excellent wine if you are a member of the Wine Club, this has got to be the wine you’d either drink or shelf for a special occasion. This Cabernet Franc is a full bodied red, with flavors of cherry fruit and some soft tannins. While picking for Gabby’s Cabernet Franc, the winemakers are extremely thorough, which is why this Cabernet Franc is easily the best varietal in Long Island. The retail value for Gabby’s Cabernet Franc is around $45 and the next arrival isn’t due till 2016, so if you’re lucky in finding a bottle of this vintage, do yourself a favor and sit on it.

Sannino Bella Vita’s 2010 Spotlight Petit Verdot

Okay, so this might be sold out by now, but the petit Verdot with a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon was a major hit for the winery. This full-bodied jammy flavored vintage tastes like dried fruit, blackberries and beach plums along with Bleu cheese. The wine is great for pairing with a steak dinner, and would go well with venison as well. While not many vineyards at Long Island are growing Petit Verdot, it is possible to find a Petit Verdot, although don’t expect to get the same taste as Sannino Bella Vita.

Whites

2013 Chenin Blanc by Paumanok Vineyards

Since Long Island has the perfect climate for growing Chenin Blanc, there are quite a few wineries that produce it, but none come even close to the quality and taste of Paumanok Vineyards. The vintage offers a crisp green apple taste along with other fruits, such as, grapefruit, mango and pineapples. At $28 a bottle, the 2013 Chenin Blanc by Paumanok Vineyards is worth every cent. Trust us!

2011 Tete-a-Tete by Lenz Winery

When it comes to whites at Long Island, this delicious blend of Pinot Gris and Gewurtztraminer offers a wonderful taste of tropical and citrus peel tones along with a buttery and smooth texture. Although at $25 a bottle, this vintage is rare in Long Island, making it a must-have for a wine collection.

So, there you have it, the best Long Island reds and whites you can enjoy with a meal or solo by the pool. Stay classy!