Floral Terranes, Merlot Long Island 2022

100% Merlot. Floral Terranes’ 2022 Merlot comes from Long Island vineyards but is made in tiny quantities in a garage-style setup, with no sulfur, no fining or filtration, and spontaneous fermentation. Instead of trying to make it “big,” they lean into what Merlot can do when it’s picked early, fermented naturally, and left to speak for itself. The result is a bright, mid-weight red with aromas of brambly red fruit, dried leaves, and forest floor, with gentle tannins and refreshing acidity. It’s low-intervention but not funky, rustic but alive, and best enjoyed slightly chilled.