Champagne Wishes: 2011 Peconic Bay Winery Steel-Fermented Chardonnay Highly Recommended by Whom You Know!!! We are Absolutely Thrilled to Kick Off Coverage of the Peconic Bay Winery!!! Not only are they Keeping America on Top, But Also New York!!!

From the beautiful North Fork of Long Island, Peconic Bay Winery 2011 Steel Fermented Chardonnay will blow you away. The beautiful winery was founded 1979 by Ray Blum and managed by winemaker Charles Flatt. They had intended the farm to sell its grapes, but soon they were using all the grapes to produce their own wine. We are glad they made that choice because their wines are divine. They have a wine for every taste from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc to Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, the varieties go on. The variety does not compromise taste or quality at Peconic Bay Winery. Their thoughtful and unquie labor of love is seen in every product they produce. We truthfully have never tasted a bottle that we thought subpar and that is not something one can say often. The 2011 Steel Fermented Chardonnay is different from your typical Chardonnay as you can see by the name, it is fermented in Steel. This lends to a slightly different winemaking proceeds and a unique flavor. Peconic Bay's 2011 Steel Fermented Chardonnay is crisp with a lemongrass hint, refreshing and crisp. It still embodies a wide bouquet of a classic oak Chardonnay but is the softer sweeter sister. This Chardonnay is a match made in heaven when paired with fish, shellfish oysters. It's crisp and a bit lighter than one might think but very aromatic. Peconic Bay 2011 Steel Fermented Chardonnay is the wine of our summer, we know you will agree.

Having spent quite a bit of time in Long Island and the Hamptons, I love trying products from local vendors. The North Fork does not get enough attention from its Wines. The Peconic Bay Winery is a great choice for some wines these days. Since its purchase in 1999, it has remained a strong vineyard producing delicious wines. Traditionally created, Peconic has a wonderful Steel Fermented Chardonnay that goes down so smoothly. 

At first we commented that it had a grassy taste which we attributed to Lemongrass. It was so smooth and flavorful. Finished with a light aftertaste that was refreshing. We loved it with our grilled sole and mixed vegetables. Also, good on its own and enjoyed it on a hot day sipping by the pool. Also love that you can buy it directly from the vineyard guaranteeing you will get the best bottles that have been carefully handled. So head to the North Fork or online to get a wonderful Chardonnay that is Steel-Fermented.

If you are looking for the perfect summer wine, look no further than the 2011 Peconic Bay Winery Steel-Fermented Chardonnay. It was so light and crisp, it was the perfect way to finish off a long day. The first thing I do when I open a bottle of wine is to take in the aroma. I noticed strong notes of lemongrass, which always triggers summer memories for me. As soon as I tried it, I was in love. This is one of the best Chardonnays I've ever tasted. It wasn't as dry, and had more of a sweet flavor. Since summer is my favorite season, I periodically buy fruit filled tarts. As I enjoyed my tart, I thought I might enjoy a glass of this chardonnay with it. It paired quite well together. For dinner beforehand, I enjoyed this Steel-Fermented Chardonnay with some grilled chicken and vegetables. Since I already know I'll be attending many different summer cookouts, I know I'll have to find more of this wine to bring with me. I highly recommend it! 

I love summer! It is my favorite season. One of the million reasons why I love summer is that summer is the season of white wine. A glass of cold, crisp white wine is the perfect way to end a summer day! The 2011 Peconic Bay Steel-Fermented Chardonnay is exactly the chardonnay I like. It is not sweet and there are fruity undertones that really gives it a fresh taste. I tried it with a seafood dish and the pairing was a perfect match. The wine was really smooth and very easy to drink. I have spent time on Long Island doing wine tastings and this is definitely a great bottle of Long Island wine. It also is a bottle that you are able to drink on any occasion. I recommend this wine to anyone who is looking for a drinkable chardonnay to accompany a summer meal. 

***

PECONIC BAY WINERY “STEEL-FERMENTED” CHARDONNAY 2011 (NORTH FORK OF LONG ISLAND) 

The old vines that produce Peconic Bay Winery’s “Steel-Fermented” Chardonnay were planted in 1979, and now issue one of the region’s most complex and compelling arguments for unoaked Chardonnay. It isn’t known what clone of Chardonnay was planted here back then, but we believe it to be a “Musque” type which delivers bright green apple, lemon grass and mineral aromas and focused quince, citrus zest and grapefruit flavors. The acidity is very fine and leaves a long and lingering finish. This elegant and stylish wine is a regional classic, having been produced without oak for the first time in 1999. Pairs well with shellfish, white fish, and as an excellent aperitif. 

Harvest date:9/27/11 

Brix:19.6 

pH:3.50 

Total acidity: 8g/l 

Bottling date: 4/5/12 

pH:3.50 

Total acidity:6.77 g/l 

Alcohol: 11.6% 

Cases: 1376 

Pricing: $24 at the winery; can easily be found for under $18 in NYC.

Peconic Bay Winery is one of the oldest wineries on Long Island, founded in 1979 it has been owned by the Lowerre family since 1999. Greg Gove has been winemaker since 1999, and is one of the most respected in the industry for his non-interventionist style and devotion to terroir. His wines are among the longest lived on the island. Charlie Hargrave is the vineyard manager and notable as the first vineyard manager ever on Long Island having planted the Hargrave Vineyard in 1973. He is respected universally for meticulously clean vines, as well as for his sustainable practices. Jim Silver is the General Manager of Peconic Bay Winery since early 2009 and has overseen spectacular growth in visitors, the launch of new labels, the planting of additional vineyards, construction of a massive solar array that powers the winery, and the opening of the state’s most incredible New York (only) tasting and retail room at Tanger Mall in Riverhead: Empire State Cellars, which features 500 of the state’s wines, spirits, beers and cheeses. Contact Jim Silver 917-657-1833, jim@peconicbaywinery.com

www.peconicbaywinery.com www.empirestatecellars.com www.esc-x.com

Other notable wines from Peconic Bay Winery: 

2010 Riesling (called “unrivaled on Long Island” by the Wall St. Journal) 

2009 Merlot 

2007 Lowerre Family Estate Red Table Wine (“Wine of the Year” NewYorkCorkReport.com) 

Notable wines coming soon from Peconic Bay Winery: 

2011 Gewürztraminer 

2010 Malbec 

2010 Cabernet Franc 

2011 Red Label Lot #4 (Malbec blend) 

Other brands from Peconic Bay Winery: 

Nautique Esprit de Blanc (great value table wines for everyday) 

Nautique Esprit de Rosé 

Nautique Esprit de Rouge 

TRUE BELIEVER Sparkling Hard Apple Cider (lighter crisp and refreshing) 

TRUE COMPANION Sparkling Hard Apple Cider (sweeter, darker, spiced)