@maiden_liberty
Maiden + Liberty kicked off the summer by introducing their one of a kind French-American blends.
Last week we got the chance to learn a little more about Maiden + Liberty, a family-run winery on the North Shore of Long Island, at a wine tasting for their Blends, in addition to their Rosé and Chardonnay.
My favorites were the French-American White Blend and Rosé, and even though I am not a lover of red wines, I found myself enjoying the French-American Red Blend. All were very refreshing, not too dry or bitter and perfect for the summer.
Maiden + Liberty is run by husband and wife duo (James and Alexandra Medwick), who established the brand in March 2015. Alexandra who was raised in Pezenas, France near the Languedoc region, comes from a family versed in the world of wine.
James’ family hails from Manhasset, Long Island and learned the art of winemaking from Alexandra and her family. After marrying, the two began experimenting to see if the wines from each of their homelands could complement each other, and it obviously worked, because that’s how their unique French-American blends were born.
In addition to their current blends, James and Alexandra have released an unoaked Long Island Chardonnay, a Languedoc Rosé, and a Languedoc Cabernet Sauvignon.
“The goal is to source grapes from the place best suited to them,” says, James. “Some varietals thrive in the cooler maritime climate of the North Shore of Long Island while others are more at home in the hotter, drier Mediterranean climate of the South of France. We want grapes that show a sense of place, what the French call ‘terroir,’ and we do everything to respect that sense of place when blending. Each grape adds something unique to the overall blend, and the goal is always to combine in a way that preserves the character of the individual parts. They must complement, not mask, each other.”
Maiden + Liberty’s Wines are currently sold in ten different retail locations throughout the Tri-State area, along with six different restaurant wine lists from White Plains, NY to Manhasset, NY. Be sure to keep an eye out for Maiden + Liberty as they expand distribution in 2017. Want to try a glass for yourself at home? Their wines can be purchased here!
Details of the Wines:
M+L 2014 Chardonnay
VINTAGE: 2014
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
PH: 3.24
ACIDITY (TA): 6.68 g/L
ABV: 13.2%
AGING: Stainless Steel
TASTING NOTES: Fruit forward and crisp. Aromas primarily of citrus and apple. Vibrant acidity balanced by a touch of sweetness. Unoaked with no hints of cream or butter.
M+L French-American Red Blend
GRAPES:
From the North Fork: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (66 2/3% of total blend)
From the Languedoc: Syrah, Grenache (33 1/3% of total blend)
ABV: 13.9%
AGING: 100% in oak, ~ 10% new oak
TASTING NOTES: Full bodied with soft tannins. Aromas of black cherry, cassis (black current) and plum. Smooth, pleasant texture.
M+L French-American White Blend
GRAPES:
From the North Fork: Chardonnay, Viognier(75% of total blend)
From the Languedoc: Macabeu, Vermentino (25% of total blend)
ABV: 12.8%
AGING: 75 % in stainless steel, 25 % in old oak
TASTING NOTES: Full bodied and full of complexity. Aromas of honeyed peach and apricot are layered with floral notes. Incredibly long finish.
2016 French Rosé
VINTAGE: 2016
GRAPES:
30% Grenache
30% Cinsault
30% Syrah
10% Mourvedre
ACIDITY (TA): 3.19 g/L
ABV: 13.4%
TASTING NOTES: A full bodied and complex rosé that maintains a healthy freshness. Aromas of red cherry and raspberry. Watch for the long finish.
