It is amazing to reflect on how the wines of Long
Island have continued to accumulate awards and accolades throughout the
industry, since they only sprang into existence around thirty years ago. In
particular the Martha Clara Vineyards has been making waves for the past eleven
years since proprietor Robert Entenmann of 'crumb-cake' fame caught the wine
bug and planted his first 100+ acres to cast his lot with the rest of his
fellow enologists. What was he thinking! He sold the family jewel of a business
that his father started in 1898 that was made famous by the simple innovation
of a clear plastic window allowing purchasers to see those incredible 'crumbs'
on the top of the cake. I remember salivating as we passed the bakery isle on
the many trips to the grocery store with my mother.
Currently, property owner
Entenmann is guiding his company's 250 acres on the North Fork in the
production of a myriad of wine styles and products. He started paying loving
tribute to his mother by naming the vineyards after her and placing her picture
on many of the labels. In particular I had the opportunity to taste some of his
new releases in the tasting room at the vineyard and was impressed with the
2004 Riesling. You wouldn't expect a decent Riesling that could be produced
outside the bounds of the Rhine - Moselle - Alsace regions of Europe. The fact
of the matter is that Martha Clara's Riesling has been recognized with many
awards in various tastings and competitions. For example:
Bronze medal - 2006
Tasters Guild 19th Annual International Wine Competition
Bronze medal - 2005 NY
State Wine & Food Classic
Silver medal - 2003 East
End Food & Wine Awards Long Island Wine Gazette
Bronze medal - 2001
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Competition
Silver medal - 2000 New
York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Silver medal - 1999 NY
State Fair
It is safe to say that this
is a Riesling to be reckoned with, and exemplifies the typical scents and notes
of a dry Alsatian style wine. I would say that it has a feathery light-bodied
feel in the mouth with flavors reminding one of piquant peaches and apricots.
Its pale yellow color belies its superb aromas of rose petals while the finish
is long and crisp. Lobster and broiled fish come to mind as a perfect food
paring for this excellent wine as well as light Asian cuisine.
The next time you're at the grocery store, see if you
can pass the bakery isle without trying to dig into and devour the 'crumbs' off
the top of one of those addictive Entenmann cakes. Or better yet, save all
those unwanted calories and indulge in some of the healthy benefits of wine
drinking with a good bottle of 2004 Martha Clara Riesling, for medicinal
purposes only!
