Sparkling Pointe Winery in North Fork marks 20 years of success

Sparkling Pointe Winery Celebrates 20 Years of Bubbly Success on Long Island

French winemaker Gilles Martin never imagined that his move to New York in 1997 would lead to a thriving career in the world of sparkling wines. With a background in prestigious vineyards like the Roederer Estate in California and Delas Frères in France, Martin found himself in a region where fizzy brews were not the focus. However, fast forward to today, and Martin is the founding and head winemaker of Sparkling Pointe, a winery in Southold on the North Fork of Long Island, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Unlike other wineries that offer a variety of wines, Sparkling Pointe exclusively focuses on sparkling wines. Their tagline, “If it’s not Sparkling, what’s the Pointe?” reflects their dedication to bubbly creations. The winery has gained recognition for its bubbly wine varietals, with wines like the Topaz Impérial rosé and Reserve blanc de blancs winning prestigious awards at international competitions.

In addition to producing their own wines, Sparkling Pointe also assists other wineries in the region in making their own sparkling wines. Acting as a custom crush facility, the winery provides specialized equipment and expertise to help other wineries create high-quality sparkling wines. Martin insists on using the méthode Champenoise, a traditional method that involves a second fermentation inside the bottle, resulting in wines with complex flavors and aromas.

The process of making sparkling wine is intricate and requires specialized equipment. From adding yeast and sugar to the wine to increase pressure and produce carbon dioxide to disgorgement and dosage, every step is crucial in creating the perfect bubbly. Martin notes that the flexibility in grape varieties allowed in the US gives him the freedom to experiment with different grapes, including making a sparkling red wine, a rarity in Champagne.

One advantage of producing sparkling wines on Long Island is the ability to harvest grapes earlier, avoiding the unpredictable weather in the fall. The demand for sparkling wine has been on the rise, especially in the Hamptons, where Sparkling Pointe’s tasting room offers a unique experience of pairing wines with local delicacies like caviar, cheese, and even potato chips.

Looking ahead, the winery plans to host oyster tasting events, lobster roll pairings, and salon series with themed dinners in the city and the Hamptons. The goal is to show people that sparkling wine is not just for special occasions but can be enjoyed anytime. As Michael Falcetta, the winery’s general manager, puts it, “I think we are helping to break the notion that it is only for celebration.”

As Sparkling Pointe marks its 20th anniversary, it continues to be a beacon of success in the world of sparkling wines on Long Island. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and a passion for bubbly creations, the winery is set to delight wine enthusiasts for years to come. Cheers to 20 years of sparkling success!