Sparkling & Chocolate on the North Fork

For a day-imbibing and chocolate-indulging kind of woman, what could be better than a sparkling wine and chocolate pairing on a warm fall day? Enjoying it with friends of course! My fellow restaurant lover and drinker, Katie, and I decided we would spend a day touring our home on the North Fork. We started with a delicious lunch at Blue Canoe in Greenport and then headed over to the newest (and very cool) winery, Kontokosta Winery, for some tasting and water views from the bluff. 

Feeling all warm and fuzzy, we set off to Sparkling Pointe Vineyard in Southold (with a designated driver of course), the island's only exclusive producer of sparkling wine. As it was a beautiful sunny day, my pal and I decided to sit outside at one of the high top tables on the back patio. 

Our knowledgeable and friendly pourer brought out menus for the wine and chocolate pairing, along with the first "course" for the tasting- Naga Exotic Bar paired with 2009 Brut. The chocolate bar of sweet Indian curry powder, coconut flakes and deep milk chocolate complemented the wine's crisp notes of brioche and citrus. The tiny bubbles tickled our tongues while we enjoyed our first round.

The star of the second tasting for me was the Milk Chocolate Bacon Bar. I cannot express how much I love bacon. Like, LOVE it. The chocolate bar was home to applewood bacon, alderwood smoked salt and deep milk chocolate. I am pretty sure I finished the chocolate before even tasting its partner, the 2008 Blanc de Blancs. Which by the way, is one of my favorite sparkling wines produced on Long Island. 

The 2003 Brut Seduction was served, giving off aromas of butterscotch, brioche and toasty almonds. Paired with Bapchi's Caramel Toffee Bar with walnuts and pecans, this pairing was another favorite. Finally, we finished with the Barcelona Exotic Chocolate Bar paired with the NV (non-vintage) Cuvee Carnaval. The wine was a tad sweet for my taste but with the chocolate it was enjoyable to sip on. 

After the tasting, we ordered a bottle with another friend who joined us later on and took a stroll to the through the vines. On a side note, the owners are huge fans of Brazilian culture and enjoy many of the celebrations with special events from time to time. They also have a statue of Christ the Redeemer, which can be seen from the road at night when lit up. I have been 

dying to see it up close! 

The sparkling wine and chocolate pairing is definitely recommended at Sparkling Pointe. From their world-class wines to professional staff, the vineyard is sure to be a hit for all who visit.