You won’t find a lot of pinot blanc here on Long Island but the best-known producer is Lieb Cellars where, legend has it, it was once thought to be chardonnay. Thankfully it’s not treated like most chardonnay in the cellar.

It doesn’t see a splinter of oak during or after fermentation and the result is bright and citrusy with aromas of lemon zest and pulp, red grapefruit, lemon verbena and sea breeze.

Juicy and even more saline and minerally on the palate, it’s crisp, dry and needs food to sing. Focused citrus flavors turn a bit more floral as the wine warms – so make sure you don’t drink it too cold. I actually like it best closer to red wine-drinking temperature.

Producer: Lieb Cellars
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 11.9%
Blend: 100% pinot blanc
Price: $35 (sample)

(3.5 out of 5 | Very Good, Recommended to Outstanding and Delicious, Highly Recommended)

Note: This wine was my northforker “Wine of the Week” for the week of December 6 as well