Sparkling Pointe, Long Island’s only fully dedicated sparkling wine producer, produces wines exclusively in the traditional Méthode Champenoise.
In 2004 husband and wife duo, Cynthia and Tom Rosicki founded the property on the North Folk, and began producing sparkling wines ranging in taste, aroma and style, in 2009 they officially opened their first tasting room. Sparkling Pointe sustainably farms 40 acres of vineyards with classic Champagne grape varieties- Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Each style is an expression of the land and shows the teams dedication to the craft of good wine throughout the 20 years.
The Long Island natives pulled inspiration for Sparkling Pointe from Brazil, a place they often visit, and their love of the Brazilian culture is spread throughout the winery.
Although Long Island’s ever-changing climate isn’t the hub for wine making, Sparkling Pointe relies on the sustainable viticulture to produce quality grapes. Though California is the prime area for wine making, each vintage is a story on its own and brings different challenges year after year. The climate Long Island has for growing grapes is similar to the tasks and challenges European wine regions face.
Sparkling Pointe Winemaker, Gilles Martin says although the climate is difficult it’s quite interesting. “Making great wine relies on the quality of the fruits we can produce and what mother nature is willing to give us.” Martin recognizes the difficulty in winemaking but still feels rewarded with each bottle.
“The most technical wine to produce and certainly the one that requires the most artistic vision,” Martin said. “With the method champenoise, we are creating a cocoon which will become few years later a beautiful butterfly.” In preaching for his parish, Martin’s favorite wine to produce is Sparkling Wine.
Walking into a tasting room, guests are expecting to be given just wine but it’s quite common to have bites alongside that pair well with each taste and aroma. Long Island is well known for their fantastic seafood, shellfish and fresh produce, a perfect addition to Sparkling Pointe’s Brut Seduction. “My favorite certainly is oysters with a nice, chilled bottle of Blanc de Blancs,” Martin added.
The process of wine making is an art and each wine from each tank, or bigger barrel, is tested and evaluated to ensure it meets their quality standards to enter a specific blend. Testing panels are set up to taste and regroup to make the choice of the proper liquor de dosage which polishes the style of a specific blend and gaurauntee the wine consistency.
While Martin doesn’t have Sparkling Pointe in his glass, Sauvignon Blanc is a choice he gravitates towards for seafood. Another great option is a Bordeaux Blend, something you could find through Long Island’s local vineyards paired with a local beef from the grass-fed cattle.
To enjoy the estate-grown sparkling wines Sparkline Pointe is known for, gather your friends and family to create memories. Make a reservation in their tasting house or book a tour of their facilities at sparklingpointe.com.
