2022 Benmarl Winery, Cabernet Franc from the Oldest Vineyard in America!
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Benmarl Winery won the People’s Choice Best of Show at the 5th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition in the “Eastern Division” for their 2022 estate vintage. They were up against a strong field of contenders. Additionally their Cabernet Franc in the Eastern Division received a Double Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges.
The Winery
Photo from Benmarl Winery Facebook page
Wine has been made from the grapes of Hudson Valley since the 17th century. The history runs deep with Benmarl Winery since purchasing the winery in 2006. Not content to sit on their historical laurels, Victor Spaccarelli, Jr, the proprietor, is constantly producing small batch wines coming from their 37 acre estate overlooking the Hudson River Valley. They are located in Marlboro only 70 miles from New York City.
Picture from Hudson Valley Wine Magazine https://hvwinemag.com/
Winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli is experimenting with new varietals and hybrids as he believes “global warming is creating new challenges as well as opening doors to opportunities that were never seen before” in the Hudson Valley Region. Additionally they are addressing issues of sustainability with a commitment to responsibility to the property.
Today they are producing besides their Cabernet Franc, red wines of Malbec, Merlot and various blends. For white wines they are producing Chardonnay (both stainless steel and oak processes), Riesling and Seyval Blanc. They also have couple of Rosés and even an effervescent called Pétillant.
Hudson Valley Region is claiming their rightful heritage in the world of fine wines. Benmarl and their “sister winery” Fjord Vineyards are living up to and exceeding the challenge. For more on Fjord Vineyards who won Best of Show from the Professional Judges click:
2022 Fjord Vineyards Cabernet Franc – Eastern Division Best of Show at International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine on the eyes was surprisingly darker than anticipated for a NY Cabernet Franc which was exciting to see as most are lighter coloring like a Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Still a medium viscosity in the glass. On the nose fragrant violets and cherry arose to the olfactory senses. On the palate, red cherries and blackberries burst forth as dominant flavors. Secondary flavors of eucalyptus, soft winter pipe tobacco and black pepper calmed down some of the fruit. A solid counterbalance. On the finish soft and silky tannins with herbaceous notes provided an enduring crescendo to the sipping of this award winning wine.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It was fitting to have the oldest winery in America over the 4th of July weekend! With warm temperatures in California (7 days over 100 degrees and 6 forecasted to come), wanted a simple Americano meal to enjoy with this wine. A BBQ burger with condiments and a few French fries rounded out the dinner in the heat of the day and evening. A very good food and wine combination, but now I know this wine could hold up to a nice ribeye or filet steak!
Sláinte,
Michael