French winemaker Gilles Martin moved to New York in 1997, unsure of what he would do, as making sparkling wines was his specialty and New York wineries weren’t focused on that. Fast forward to today, Martin is the founding and head winemaker of Sparkling Pointe, a winery in Southold, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Unlike other wineries, Sparkling Pointe exclusively focuses on bubbly wines, winning prestigious awards with its own varietals and also helping other wineries in New York make their own sparkling wines.
The winery acts as a custom crush facility for other wineries, utilizing specialized equipment for the méthode Champenoise process to create the bubbly wines. This process involves a second fermentation inside the bottle, allowing the wine to age and gain an aromatic profile like a brioche. The complex process also involves the addition of yeast and sugar to create pressure and produce carbon dioxide, forming the bubbles. Martin notes that the equipment required for this process is expensive and rare, making it difficult for neighboring wineries to replicate.
Creating sparkling wine in the United States has its advantages, such as fewer regulations compared to Europe. In Long Island, winemakers have the flexibility to use various grape varieties, allowing Martin to create unique wines like sparkling red, a rarity in Champagne. The region’s climate allows for an early harvest, avoiding the storm and hurricane season in the fall, enabling winemakers to pick and press grapes before challenging weather conditions arrive. Additionally, the demand for sparkling wine has increased in the US, particularly in the Hamptons.
Sparkling Pointe’s tasting room offers a unique experience where wines are paired with caviar, local cheeses, and snacks like potato chips. The winery plans to host oyster tastings, lobster roll pairings, and salon series with themed dinners in the city and the Hamptons. The goal is to educate people that sparkling wine is not just for celebrations but can be enjoyed at any time. The winery’s focus on sparkling wine has been well-received over the years, attracting both locals and tourists to experience Long Island’s bubbly offerings in a sophisticated setting.
Martin’s passion for sparkling wine shines through as he continues to innovate and create unique varietals at Sparkling Pointe. The winery’s commitment to quality and tradition in winemaking has earned them numerous accolades, including awards from prestigious competitions. As they mark their 20th anniversary, Sparkling Pointe remains dedicated to producing exceptional sparkling wines while also supporting and collaborating with other wineries in New York. The future looks bright for this Long Island winery as they continue to expand their offerings and elevate the local wine scene.
