Posts Tagged“mccall wines”

McCall Wines 2014 “Cuvee Nicola” Sauvignon Blanc”

Earlier this week, I read two articles (you can read them yourself here and here) lamenting the rise and dominance of dry rose in America — not because the authors don’t like rose, but because other summer-ready wines have been been marginalized. There is a lot of rose being made in New York right now — more than ever. Much of it is delicious and I drink a lot of it (all year long), so it’s probably not unusual that so many end up being reviewed on this site. That said, rose isn’t something I consider my “summer wine.” Finger Lakes riesling…

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McCall Wines 2014 “Marjorie’s” Rose

For several vintages now, McCall Wines’ rose has been a favorite in the Thompson household. It was also made with pinot noir. With the 2013 vintage, McCall added a second rose, adding a merlot-based wine to the lineup. In 2014, the winery’s entire rose production was merlot (I with a small addition of sauvignon blanc). “The pinot noir was a saignee. We wanted greater concentration in our red pinot noir without over-handling the wine. 2014 was such a stellar vintage that we didn’t need to do saignee. We would rather make the full amount of good-vintage pinot noir,” said Brewster McCall.…

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McCall Wines 2010 “Ben’s Blend”

McCall Wines has earned a reputation as the producer of Long Island’s finest pinot noir, but its merlot and merlot-based blend McCall Wines 2010 “Ben’s Blend” ($48) are just as deserving of attention. This blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdo tintially stands out for its restrained ripeness, with aromas of blackberry and blueberry staying just this side of jammy and mingling with notes of light toast and black pepper. Framed by grippy tannins that are approachable but also portend good cellaring potential, the mouth-filling palate is concentrated with ripe black and blue fruit, an earthy edge, subtle spice and…

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2014 Growing Season Check-In: McCall Wines

As we head into September and then the grape harvest season across New York, the NYCR team will be checking in with some of the state’s top wineries and vineyards to see how the growing season has been and where things stand today. I caught up with Brewster McCall of McCall Wines, who recently walked his family’s vineyard,  Corchaug Estate, in Cutchogue and spoke with his father, Russ McCall, about the season. Like much of New York, the spring at  McCall’s Corchaug Estate was cool, rainy and started late — a couple weeks later than average. Spring rain isn’t a problem, according to Brewster…

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5 Questions with… Brewster McCall, McCall Wines

One could say Brewster McCall, of McCall Wines in Cutchhogue, was born into the food and wine industry. His father, Russell McCall founded a small cheese shop in Atlanta in the 1960’s that he grew into a successful gourmet food distribution and importation business as well as a sister import and distribution company for wine. Growing up in Atlanta, Brewster would often go to work with his father to help out, establishing a work ethic that quickly evolved into a number of summer jobs in restaurants and catering. Always encouraged to follow his heart, McCall attended Skidmore college in upstate New…

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HARVEST EAST END 10-Mile Dinner: Cutchogue Edition

While out East, I like to do my drinking at home to keep my evenings automobile free. But when Harvest East End announced their line up of exclusive 10-Mile Dinners and it just so happened they included an event pairing McCall Wines with a personalized menu by Chef Noah Schwartz (of Noah’s in Greenport)? I made an exception, splurged on a ticket and secured one of the 14 seats available at the beachside Cutchogue locale. Organized by the Long Island Wine Council, these salons are spread out between the two forks and Shelter Island to showcase the magic that happens…

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McCall Wines Named “Winery of the Year” at 2013 New York Wine & Food Classic

Yesterday, McCall Wines was named “Winery of the Year” following the 2013 New York Wine & Food Classic, which included included 842 New York wines, 11 Hard Ciders and 22 Spirits from several regions across New York State including Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie. On its way to being named “Winery of the Year” McCall won double-gold for its 2010 Pinot Noir Reserve and 2007 Ben’s Blend. In addition, McCall was awarded medals for its 2011 Cabernet Franc (Gold), 2008 Merlot Reserve (Gold), 2010 Chardonnay Reserve (Silver), 2012 Marjorie’s Rose (Silver) and 2008 Merlot (Silver).…

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Fork Finds: McCall Ranch Beef, Cutchogue, NY

It’s not quite as adventurous as offal, but there’s something kind of wrong and taboo about eating your juicy burger in front of other cows. It seems rude. After all, the sandwich you’re enjoying used to be their friend. But in a world where *not* eating local is virtually a felony, it was only a matter of time until the North Fork would have access to neighborhood red meat. A region with an abundance of produce, seafood, and wine grown in our backyards would eventually need more protein to balance out the food pyramid or food plate or whatever they call it these days. Beef could join…

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