Grapes native to Long Island

[AgentNine]

I'm currently reading a great book "From Vines to Wines" by Jeff Cox, and he lists off certain wine grapes that are indiginous to New Jersey/Long Island area, such as Pinot Noir, Chancellor, Sauvignon Blanc, and so on, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which wines have worked best for them in the area. I am slowly starting to cultivate my little vinyard, and would appreciate some input.

Excelsior!!

[wondersofwine]

Foodie has experience with vineyards in New York--Finger Lakes area I think. He may respond to your query. Meantime, I have to question the use of "indigenous." I thought that meant native to the area and Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes may be grown in New York but they aren't "native" American varieties. Clones used in America probably came from Europe.

[Thomas]

wondersofwine is correct--those grapes are not indigenous to the area at all. Chancellor is a French-American hybrid and of course Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are European varieties.

As which are best for the area, do you mean to grow? If so, get to Lenz Winery in Cutchogue and talk with winemaker Eric Fry. He can point you to help with site selection. Every area or region has a multitude of micro-climates, and only a real site specific discussion allows for which varieties are best to grow in a particular location. I can tell you this, however, great strides have been made in NY with the European varieties, and almost anything goes these days.



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 12-19-2002).]

[AgentNine]

Sorry, wrong word usage there....heh heh. I meant to say that those particular grapes thrive in this area. Thanks folks.