By Blake Jackson
Rose Hill Vineyards on Long Island’s North Fork has earned top honors at the 2025 New York Wine Classic, taking home both the Governor’s Cup and Best Red Wine for its 2019 Clarity Cabernet Sauvignon.
“From the point of harvest and through fermentation, aging, blending and bottling, we knew this was a special wine and a standout for the vintage,” said Patrick Caserta, winemaker at Rose Hill. “To win the Governor’s Cup and to be recognized in this special way is a tremendous honor for us. This represents the ultimate achievement in viticulture and winemaking in New York.”
Though Cabernet Sauvignon is typically linked to California, Rose Hill’s strategic location, sustainable farming, and traditional winemaking have set it apart. The 2019 growing season was especially favorable, Caserta noted.
The winery manages 28 acres of vines and produces about 72,000 bottles annually using alternative energy. Of these, 20 acres are planted with vinifera varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Pinot Blanc.
Rose Hill also oversees an adjacent vineyard planted in 1982 with Chardonnay and Riesling. In 2020, they added Albarino, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir.
The soil at Rose Hill, known as the Haven series, consists of loam, sand, and gravel with glacial sediments, providing ideal growing conditions. The vineyard is a founding member of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program.
Caserta explained that their Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are hand-harvested late in the season and fermented with native yeasts. “Our Cabernet Sauvignon is typically the second-to-last varietal that we harvest, just prior to Petit Verdot during the last week of October, through the first week of November,” he said. The 2019 Clarity had a Brix of 24.6 and a pH of 3.5.
The wine was aged 20 months in new French oak and consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot.
“This was our first time submitting wine, and I’m thrilled that our team received this recognition,” said General Manager Chelsea Frankel. “It’s a testament to Patrick and our vineyard crew.”
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: New York, Business