Martha Clara 2010 Merlot Voted Best in New York

Martha Clara Vineyards’s 2010 Merlot was voted best merlot in New York State at the 2013 New York Wine and Food Classic late this summer.

“The wine has a medium body,” Martha Clara winemaker Juan Micieli-Martinez said. “It’s a soft, easy to drink merlot that is super food friendly.” The 2010 vintage is reflective of Micieli-Martinez’s style, which is to try to make wine more approachable at a younger age. According to the serving suggestions on marthaclaravineyards.com, “This easy drinking merlot will pair well with an assortment of pasta dishes, grilled beer of bison, and soft or hard cheeses.”

The Food and Wine Classic was held in Watkins Glen in New York’s Finger Lake region in August. “[Winning the award] is almost like winning best bagel shop on Long Island,” Micieli-Martinez said, referring to the number of vineyards on the island that produce merlot. Equally exciting news for the Long Island wine connoisseur, the wine was submitted to the competition before it was released to the public, so bottles are still available.

“2010 was a very dry, warm year that benefitted from a lot of sun,” he continued. “We harvested at optimal ripeness.”

Martha Clara Vineyards is located at 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead.