New North Fork Winery: Medolla Vineyards
I got an email this morning from John Medolla, who along with his wife Denise, just released their first merlot under the new Medolla Vineyards label-adding yet another producer to the North Fork wine scene.
I hope Lisa Granik is paying attention.
Medolla’s first release, a 2002 Merlot ($23) was produced at the Lenz Winery with Eric Fry (of Lenz) serving as consulting winemaker.
Medolla Vineyards is one of the smallest in the region with an initial annual production of 500 cases. They hand harvest grapes from local vineyards.
Both John and Denise work in the aviation industry, but their family has winemaking roots that can be traced to the base of Italy’s Mount Vesuvious. John’s grandparents were wine makers from the
nearby town of Torre Del Greco.
I have yet to taste this first merlot release, but I’m hoping to get my hand on a bottle this week.
Lenn,
Seems a few new wineries have popped up lately (Clovis Point, Medolla), but have you heard any updates about the established vineyards that are for sale (Borghese or Galluccio)? Also, have you heard anything more about the former Broadfields vineyards?
I heard that the former Broadfields (and Charles John) vineyard property where the vines were pulled will be leased to a pumpkin farmer this year.
Most of the original Gristina vineyard portion of Gallucio is now owned by the Peconic Land Trust and will be maintained by a local vineyard management company this year. Both parcels (Gristina and Gallucio’s vineyards on Alvah’s Lane, along with the winery) are still for sale with a combined price of $4.2 million.
I have no knowledge of Borghese other than it is still on the market.