Pugliese Vineyards - 20 years and growing!

By Steve Inglima, Associate Publisher & Chris Davies, Publisher

Our featured winery for this issue is the family-owned and operated Pugliese Winery on Rt. 25 in Cutchogue, on the north fork of Long Island. This is a real family business, with virtually all staff being closely related. Pat, Ralph's wife, is the tasting room manager, but her most impressive contribution is the finely detailed paintings on the champagne bottles, as well as the art for the labels of all the wines. These are each individually hand-painted bottles (with nail polish, no less . . . and you girls out there think your nails require patience!), yet remarkably consistent - a requirement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as each label type must be registered.

Ralph and his family have a way of making you feel at home in their world, whether it's conversation about wine, the art of growing grapes, or the business of being in the wine business. And it's refreshing to listen to someone who learned the art by doing, and is willing to shatter myths and icons in the process.

Our interview was enhanced by our host's gracious nature. He brought to the tasting counter a delicious loaf of bread and a giant wheel of Asiago cheese, as well as other deli delights (salami and prosciutto) to enhance our tasting experience. And taste we did! Nothing is more mutually enhancing than a glass of wine, a loaf of bread and good company. (Click here to view the interview)

The Pugliese family will celebrate their 20th anniversary of grape growing on Long Island this year. Their business is growing steadily with the blossoming LI wine industry. A second generation of Pugliese family members is now actively involved in the business. Sons, Peter and Larry, are now overseeing the winemaking.

Although they may not be as famous or as commercially well-known as some other Long Island wineries or their owners (they are not movie studio owners, construction magnates or investment gurus), the Pugliese family has joined together to devote all of their efforts to making great wine. By eliminating middlemen and using whatever talents they have acquired, they have managed to make their business succeed in everything from growing the grapes, to constructing new buildings, to overseeing the fermentation and aging, to selling their finished product. They do it all!

    

The Pugliese's have quietly carved their niche by planting grape varietals that are unique to the region and have successfully produced specialty wines NOT offered by other producers on Long Island!

During our recent visit, we discovered several exclusive Pugliese wine releases, not found anywhere else on Long Island. Pugliese Vineyards has become a pioneer in producing red Merlot champagne, light-bodied Sangiovese red (Italian grape), Zinfandel (red) and white port dessert wine.

This family has mastered the art of producing fine varietal wines at reasonable prices.

We strongly suggest that you make Pugliese Vineyards a stop on your next visit to the Long Island wine country.

Champagnes

1997 Blanc De Noir - 100% Pinot Noir ($17.99)
1997 Blanc De Blanc Brut - 100% Chardonnay ($17.99)
1997 Sparkling Merlot - red champagne ($17.99)

White Wines

1997 Chardonnay Reserve - barrel-fermented ($12.99)
1998 Chardonnay Gold - stainless steel fermentation ($9.99)
1998 Riesling - crisp acidity ($9.99)
White table wine - all-purpose white wine ($7.99)
Blush table wine - light and sweet ($7.99)

Red Wines

Red table wine - light, red wine ($7.99)
1996 Merlot - hint of plum and cheery with long finish ($13.99)
1996 Cabernet Sauvignon - rich and hearty ($13.99)
1998 Cabernet Franc - softer than Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99)
1998 Sangiovese - light-bodied, Italian red wine ($14.99)
1998 Zinfandel - a light-bodied "Zin" ($14.99)

Dessert Wines

1999 Late Harvest Gewrztraminer - soft, sweet and balanced (375ml - $9.99)
1999 Late Harvest Riesling - dessert wine with delicate peach flavors (375ml - $9.99)
1999 Late Harvest Niagara - rich fruit flavors (375ml - $9.99; 750ml - $17.99)
1998 Raffaello White Port - a Pugliese exclusive, ideal with cheese or fruit! (375ml - $14.99)
1997 Port Bello - fortified dessert wine made from from Cabernet & Merlot (375ml - $14.99; 750ml - $26.99)
Hand painted bottle - 375ml ($21.99)

Pugliese Vineyards is open year round, 7 days per week for tastings. Wines are available at select retail locations on Long Island or directly from the vineyard. They also offer direct shipments within New York. All major credit cards are accepted.