The next time you hear somebody complain that Long Island wine is too expensive, please do point them toward Bridge Lane Wine. Not only are they an easy grab-and-go bottle, but this screw cap-charmer also happens to be stand-up juice, whatever is on the agenda for your evening. Pizza night (hey, it’s almost National Pizza Day!); quickie cassoulet night (for real—we’ve got a recipe); cheese, chips, cured meats and Netflix on the couch night; impromptu share a glass or two with a friend who needs to talk night.
What’s it smell like? Think of every summer berry you love—raspberry, blackberry, bing cherry, strawberry–mash ’em up good and, oh, what a nice aroma that is! Plus a little bit of cedar and allspice, from a quick six-month stint in used Hungarian oak. For a wine clocking in at less than 13% alcohol, you’d expect it to be a lighter touch in your mouth, but instead comes across much weightier and sturdier. Like it could handle any food-pairing you want to throw in the mix.
If grape varieties are of intrigue to you, this vintage is a blend of 54% merlot, 23% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot, 8% malbec and 6% syrah, each vinified on its own and then blended together as Russell Hearn, the winemaker, sees fit.
The other cool thing about Bridge Lane is the wines come in several formats: bottle, box, can, keg, suited to wherever it is you’d like a decent glass of wine, be it for a blow-out party or in a BarcaLounger or on a boat. Getcha some at East Hampton Wines & Liquors or by the glass at Local Burger in Southampton.
