Champagne and sparklers at North Fork grand tasting

Some New York State wineries include sparkling wines in their portfolios. But, it is rare to find an establishment that set out from Day 1 to be primarily that sort of winery.

That is what makes the Long Island operation Sparkling Pointe Winery so unusual. From the time Cynthia and Tom Rosicki set out to join the wineries on the crowded North Fork more than a dozen years ago,  they wanted to produce their version of Champagne -- methode champenoise, as the non-French version of the bubbly is called. So, they hired international winemaker Gilles Martin, who had worked with a major French Champagne house, and away they went.

For those unfamiliar with Sparkling Pointe's products or how they compare to more internationally known labels, the 6th annual Tête Du Cuvée Grand Tasting could be an excellent introduction. The event, set for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 21, will offer visitors Champagnes from the French houses Roederer, Tattinger, Dom Ruinart and Henri Billiott, and sparkling wines from the California wineries Domaine Carneros and Brewer Clifton, from Italy's Ca' Del Bosco and, of course, Sparkling Pointe.

Tickets, priced at $125, are available online. Sparkling Pointe is located at 39750 County Road 48 in Southold. Phone: (631) 765-0200.

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