My timing is terrible these days. Almost a month has passed since I had the opportunity to participate in the TasteNY event with Hudson-Chatham Winery. I’ll blame it on the abundance of great local wine I’ve had of late that has managed to divert my attention from writing this recap. In one sentence, TasteNY is a virtual wine tasting hosted by the New York Cork Report, with the primary goal of highlighting a New York winery, wine or region. This happened to be my fourth TasteNY event (be sure to check out the Finger Lakes Pinot Noir and Riesling events) and first to highlight a hybrid, Baco Noir.
Established in 2007 and located in Ghent, NY, Hudson-Chatham Winery is the dream of Carlo and Dominque DeVito (Carlo authors the excellent East Coast Wineries blog). Specializing in small hand-made batches of wine, the Hudson River Valley winery produces an assortment of wines from Cabernet Franc to their award-winning Baco Noirs, a variety that grows surprisingly well in the region.
The tasting kicked off with the Hudson-Chatham 2009 Baco Noir Reserve. The fruit comes from Casscles Vineyard in Athens, NY and retails for a reasonable $19. Ruby color in glass, an initial nose of red plum, cherry and cranberry with a hint of spice at the end. Plummy, jammy finish. Great acidity with just enough tannin for balance. Overall, an approachable, fruity wine that surprises. 70 cases produced.
The second wine featured the Hudson-Chatham 2009 Baco Noir Old Vines. Also available for $19 in the tasting room, 150 cases were produced. The Baco Noir Old Vine comes from 60 year old vines from the Masson Place Vineyard. Layers of dark fruit and spice on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry and a touch of earth. A food-friendly wine that drank well over several days.
The tasting and especially Hudson-Chatham Winery opened several eyes to Baco Noir and the Hudson River Valley region. I’ll raise a glass to that. Cheers!
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