Cutchogue -The Long Island Merlot Alliance has welcomed Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery as the newest member of the Alliance.

Planted in 1973, Castello di Borghese is the site of the oldest Merlot and other vinifera plantings on Long Island. Marco and Ann Marie Borghese purchased the property in 1999 and have continued producing high-quality wines, earning numerous awards, including a Double Gold "Best of Appellation" award from Appellation America for its 2003 Merlot. "In addition to making great wine, we have always believed in the importance of working together with other producers to improve the quality and stature of the Long Island wine region," Borghese, who has served as president (2005-2007) and vice president (2002-2005) of the Long Island Wine Council, commented. "Because it's so well-suited to our terroir, Merlot is the common denominator for the vineyards of Long Island. Joining the Merlot Alliance is a good way to continue to advance the vineyard and winery practices for merlot and the red wines it enriches."

"Merlot is known globally, and Merlot and Merlot-based blends have come to represent some of the world's most prestigious wine-making regions - not only because of their quality but by virtue of those regions' focus on doing one thing well," Mrs. Borghese explained. "Long Island is a bonafide wine region and our nuanced, well-made merlots merit that kind of attention. A chosen few have experienced our wines—and their wow factor. By bringing focus to our merlot, we're confident we can give the world a reason to take another look at all Long Island wines."

Castello di Borghese contributed two barrels of 2007 vintage merlot to the production of 2007 Merliance, the Long Island Merlot Alliance's cooperative blend of member-wineries' Merlot. Now with Castello di Borghese on board, the Long Island Merlot Alliance includes seven quality wine producers: Clovis Point, McCall Vineyard, Pellegrini, Raphael, Sherwood House and Wölffer Estate. Merliance can be purchased through the tasting rooms, wine clubs and websites of each member winery; proceeds support the research, promotion and quality initiatives of the Alliance.

Founded in 2005, the Long Island Merlot Alliance (LIMA) joins premium wine estates committed to developing quality standards in the production of classically styled merlot. The Alliance seeks recognition for merlot as the premier grape of Long Island, whether as a single varietal or in blends. Its members believe that, in the tradition of other great wine regions, "emphasizing our excellence in one varietal does not diminish other wines from Long Island, but will help to gain attention for all varietals grown here."