Merlot is the most planted red varietal on the North Fork of Long Island, and Bedell is renowned for crafting this versatile grape in a way that defines the region.  One of Bedell's many claims to fame is that their 2009 Merlot was selected from an array of New York wines to be served at President Obama's second inauguration lunch in 2013.  Bedell Merlot remains the only New York red ever to grace the table at this event.  This merit helped solidify them as a leader in Long Island Merlot, and they have upheld that reputation to this day. 

Merlot is well-suited to Long Island, which features sandy clay soils not unlike the varietal's spiritual home of Bordeaux's right bank.  2020 was an excellent year for reds on the North Fork, with a long and dry summer bringing full ripeness levels, and the generally cool maritime climate preserving acidity to make a far more balanced Merlot than you would find anywhere else in the US.  This is a lighter and drier style of Merlot, and we hope it will change the minds of those who may misunderstand this world-class grape. 

Pairings: Local beef burgers on the grill, Long Island duck confit appetizers

Grape: Merlot

Viticulture: Certified Sustainable 

Soils: Sandy clay and loam