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increased specificity of the site. The Sauvignon Blanc holds a certain “minerality” while the Cabernet Franc showcases a little blueberry with a spicy element, paired well with gamey meats. As a byproduct, they’ve evolved into more tropical flavors that are “contenders for what makes Long Island great.” Another great thing is the doors to the tasting room at RGNY are open to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the ever- changing world of wine. However, they do suggest making reservations for parties of 6 or more. RGNY is a founding member of Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW), the East Coast’s first certified sustainable viticulture program providing education and certification for Long Island vineyards. Green in their respect for the land, the Gonzalez family is as ripe in their wine-making experience as they are devoted to maintaining the agricultural heritage of the North Fork of Long Island. We’ll drink to that. RGNY is located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Look for their upcoming programs and events at rgnywine.com.
hey are the Rivero Gonzalez family, with “strong roots and fundamental brand values”, and owners of the Rivero Gonzalez New York (RGNY) vineyard that boasts a combination of
Jonathan has over 10 years of experience in the wine industry. He trained in California where he began to work in the central valley and made a trajectory towards the coastline before he eventually “ran out of land.” That’s when he flew across the country to attend school at Columbia University in New York, where he met Maria Rivero Gonzalez. He joined the RGNY team at the conclusion of harvest last year, with his first vintage coming out this upcoming season, and has developed a deep appreciation for the distinctive notes that only Long Island wines can produce. “Long Island in general seems to be on the cusp of looking for an identity. Early on in the wine history of Long Island there was Rosé for local consumption. Now it’s definitely grown past that. There’s a quest for an increase in quality.” RGNY is on the northern side of the North Fork, less than a mile away from the Long Island Sound and only four miles from the Peconic Bay, with an eastern influence from the Atlantic Ocean breeze. “Having the three bodies of water does play with microclimates
quite a bit,” Jonathan explains as he points out the impact that the aquatic landscape has on RGNY’s specific terroir—the natural environment in which the wine is produced, including features such as soil, topography, and climate. Being on flatter soil, the coastal influence changes the microclimate of the area as well as the flavor profile. Hence, the grapes possess a rougher skin due to the windswept, salty air from the north. As a result, a waxy, hardened layer develops with a thicker characteristic that absorbs the salt. The thicker characteristic of the skin results in a wine that’s structured. It resolves in a brininess that pairs well with charcuterie and a Mediterranean palette of olives “that already exists in wine but kind of represents the terroir.” North Fork wines are blanketed by cooler temperatures by day and warmer climates at night. Each wine is identifiable by the impact of the seaside, although certain varietals stand out above the rest. Celebrated for their distinguished taste are the Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, which retain an
“old world quality” with “new world innovation”. Located on the grounds of the former Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead, RGNY was established in 2019 as a second location for the brand that has its roots thousands of miles away in Mexico. The dual locations are a dichotomy of the extreme dry heat in Mexico, home of RGMX Vineyard, and the cool humid wetness of Long Island where RGNY is located. A parallel in diversity without overlapping styles, RGNY’s winemaker, Jonathan Bomberg explains it best. “It represents undervalued regions and shows the entire spectrum of what wine can be under the Rivero Gonzalez name.”
“Each wine is identifiable by the impact of the seaside.”
82 • AFLOAT USA Hamptons September 2022
AFLOAT USA Hamptons September 2022 • 83
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