Love stories like this – the random grapes, the entrepreneurship via social media, the awesome attitude in video slate cards.
This winemaker Regan Medor is a dude who likes weird grapes. I have literally never even heard of Teroldego, but it’s a red grape from Alto Adige (which I’m mildly obsessed with) and that’s what he thinks will thrive on Long Island. Regan says Teroldego is like Pinot Noir and Syrah which can be pretty different, but you can find similar expressions of them from certain regions. And apparently Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat (love their Pinot) thinks Teroldego should’ve been planted in California instead of Merlot.
They wanted $15,000 to plant one acre, but have already racked up $23,000 from almost 150 people. If they get more money they might be able to plant the other grapes they think will do well on the North Fork: Syrah, Lagrein, Goldmuskateller (really refreshing in summer, or at by the glass at Casellula which is always hot), Albariño and Marsanne. I know Merlot has traditionally been Long Island’s deal, but I actually dig the Cab Francs there.
You can find their Kickstarter campaign “Bring Weird Grapes to the North Fork” and see the funny video here. Only thing I’m not clear on is why he corrects himself saying “movies” and then says “films.” Anyway, they’re planning to plant this spring and release the first vintage of Southold Farm Cellar wine in 2015. I just wanna know what the heck Teroldego tastes like, and if I can drink it while watching Twister.
grapefriend 
Marsanne is actually planted in the Carmel/Monterey region and I have had bottles of the wine that were pure Marsanne, and they are quite refreshing on a summer’s eve.
Yep, also some planted in Paso Robles (big on Rhone varietals there).
Reblogged this on iTASTE SPAIN.
Reblogged this on Salento all Seasons and commented:
Why on earth am I reblogging this post on an American guy wanting to plant a weird grape in New York? Isn’t this (my) blog supposed to talk about the best in Lecce and surroundings?
Well, let me explain:
First, Teroldego is not such a weirdo. It is a red grape from Trentino Alto-Agide, an autonomous region in Northern Italy. It is genetically identical to the French Dureza, which is one of the parents of Syrah.
Second because I love wine and above all I love difference. And I hate what is happening in the wine world: a few dictate what we should aim to drink, and we close ourselves in the safe world of Merlot and Chardonnay. No, I want to be surprised, even threatened by weird grapes and the wine that comes out of them. Only in Italy there are at least 600 types of grape! So how can we all aim to drink the same thing??
Third because this American guy wanting to plant one acre of Teroldego in North Fork of Long Island has convinced me. I’m just sorry I couldn’t contribute enough to deserve membership in their Planters’ Club. Instead I got a great big hug, and another hug, and maybe even a cuddle with Jake their cat…
Wrapping it up: I’m reblogging this because this was one of the best news I received here in Salento today, even if it came from across the Atlantic like myself.
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