North Fork Terroir
North Fork of Long Island AVA
The North Fork of Long Island AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a recognized wine region on the North Fork of Long Island in the U.S. state of New York.
The area was designated an American Viticultural Area in 1986. The region covers 83,000 acres (34,000 hectares) along Long Island's North Fork from the eastern edge of Long Island Sound to just west of Great Peconic Bay. It is east of and adjacent to the Hamptons AVA.
The region benefits from a maritime climate with a long, frost-free season and moderate precipitation, ideal for growing grapes. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides a moderated climate, with winters that are not as cold and summers not as hot as regions farther inland.
The North Fork AVA is known for its production of high-quality wines, particularly from the Merlot and Chardonnay grape varieties. However, it also produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, among others. The area is characterized by sandy soils that drain well and are perfect for viticulture.
The AVA is home to more than 35 wineries, each offering a unique take on the region's grapes. The North Fork has become a popular destination for wine tourism and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Soil Types of the North Fork
Geologically, the soils of the East End of Long Island are relatively young. The last glacier of the Wisconsin Age receded from the region about 11,000 years ago. As the glacier moved over the area it carried large quantities of rock, much of which was ground into gravel, sand and silt-sized soil particles. When the advancing ice stopped, the material ahead of the glacier was left in place as a ridge called a terminal moraine. Two moraines make up the East End – the Ronkonkoma Moraine to the south and the Roanoke Point Moraine to the north. As the glacial ice melted, enormous quantities of water ran from the glacier, carrying and sorting the soil materials. Most of the material was sand and gravel which was deposited on a broad plain in front of the moraine. This area is known as the glacial outwash plain and makes up the majority of the farmland on Long Island. As the ice kept melting, most of this plain was covered by water or wind-deposited silt, clay and fine sand to varying depths, making the topsoil of the region.
The grape growing region of the North Fork is encompassed within the area of the towns of Riverhead, Southold, and Shelter Island. This area, when compared to the South Fork, has distinctly different soil types. The difference in soil types begins north of the Peconic River and continues eastward toward Orient Point. The major soil types which exit on the North Fork, according to the United States Soil Conservation Service, are as follows:
Carver-Plymouth-Riverhead Association: These soils are excessively well-drained and are very sandy, which may limit its farmability. They are located primarily on the perimeter of the North Fork and are usually rolling or sloping. The natural fertility of these soils is low and the rapid permeability of water through these soils make irrigation a desirable option for vineyards -in these areas. They are found mainly along the North Shore adjoining the Long Island Sound.
Haven-Riverhead Association: These soils are characteristically deep and somewhat level and are located further inland on the North Fork. They are well-drained and have a medium texture. Most of these soils have a moderate to high water holding capacity and crops respond well to lime and fertilizer when grown on these soils. Due to these factors, this soil association (which is the predominant one of the North Fork) is considered one of the best farming areas in Suffolk County. Westward from here and into New York City, the soil associations become even more foreign to those found on the Eastern End. It must also be pointed out that while various soil types found in western Long Island may be similar to those found on the North Fork, the encroachment of suburban development and industry on Long Island has made commercial agriculture and land available for it, almost nonexistent in the townships west of Brookhaven.
Maritime Climate
Long Island has a maritime climate. It's surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the south and the Long Island Sound to its north. Also known as an oceanic climate, a maritime climate is typically characterized by mild summers, mild winters, and relatively high humidity and precipitation. This climate type is influenced heavily by the proximity to large bodies of water, such as oceans or seas, which help moderate temperature fluctuations.
1. Temperature moderation: The nearby water bodies have a moderating effect on the climate. The temperatures on Long Island are generally cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter compared to locations further inland. This is because water heats up and cools down slower than land, providing a buffering effect.
2. Precipitation: The maritime influence also contributes to the island's relatively high humidity and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year.
3. Growing season: This climate leads to a long growing season with a late, often mild fall. It's especially advantageous for the viticulture (grape-growing) industry, such as those in the North Fork and South Fork (Hamptons) AVAs, as it provides a long, frost-free period ideal for grapes to ripen.
4. Wind: Being an island, wind can also play a significant role, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. It can help to deter pests and fungal diseases in vineyards, but in excess, it can also pose challenges.
Our moderate climate with plenty of sun allows the East End of Long Island to grow and ripen an array of grape varieties from the most dependable and widely planted duo-Chardonnay and Merlot- to the whites Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Pinet Grigio, Gruner Veltliner, Albarino, Chenin Blanc, Semillion,Tocai Friulano, Pinot Blanc, and the reds, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenere, Blaufrankisch, Dornfelder, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.
