Harvest time on the North Fork is replete with a selection of produce from the farm stands and wine from the vineyards. While driving along routes 25 or 48, from Aquebogue to Greenport, you see the fruits of the harvest with the rows of pumpkins and mums adorning farm stands, signaling the beginning of Autumn.
Another sign of Fall is the demand for red wine at Cuvee at The Greenporter Hotel to accompany warm dishes on chilly nights so I ventured out last week to find a few new ones for our wine list. I had the pleasure of meeting with Paumanok’s winemaker, Kareem Massoud, last week during a rare spare harvest moment while he was waiting for a load of grapes to come in from the fields. Kareem tasted us through several of his robust reds and even a hearty semi-sweet Rose which should be noted at a definite “buy” this year for Thanksgiving dinner. I also settled on the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon which is light-bodied with a wonderful balance of fruit and tannins making it a perfect accompaniment for poultry.
Make sure a stop at Paumanok Vineyards is on your list this Fall as you shop for the holidays and congratulate them as they celebrate their 30th anniversary as a North Fork Vineyard.
Recipe recommendations for Paumanok Cabernet Sauvignon: Chestnut bisque, sage-roasted root vegetables, zucchini tart, roasted turkey, chicken or duck
Recipe recommendations for Paumanok Semi Sweet Rose: Oyster stuffing with roasted turkey, turkey-stuffed cabbage rolls, pumpkin pie
