By Christopher Matthews

At last month’s New York Wine Classic 2023, New York State’s annual wine “Oscars” competition, there was both good — and less good — news for the Hudson Valley (HV).

On the slightly disappointing side (based on my own analysis), among the 10 Hudson Valley (HV) wineries that medaled at this year’s Classic, no HV winery took home a top award, or a “Best of Class” category accolade. In addition, participants (and entries) in the Classic were overwhelmingly skewed to the Finger Lakes and Long Island. This is, of course, a function of those regions having many more wineries (and more moderate climates!) than the HV, but a little more representation from the HV would have been welcome.

Nevertheless, those participating HV wineries showed quite well, punching above their weight, including earning multiple medals for wines specifically made with grapes/fruit from the Hudson River Region (HRR). And among those HRR medal winners, Cabernet Franc, the HV’s signature red vinifera grape, once again figured prominently, with four local wineries taking home Gold Medals, and giving the Best Cab Franc winner — Anyela’s Vineyards (Finger Lakes) 2015 Estate Cabernet Franc, New York State (96 points on a 100 point scale) – a run for its money:

• Rosina’s Winery, 2020 Estate Cabernet Franc, Hudson River Region (94 points) – $32  

• Quartz Rock Vineyard (formerly Glorie Farm Winery) 2020 Estate Cabernet Franc, Hudson River Region (93 points) – $57

• Milea Estate Vineyard, 2021 Sang’s Estate Cabernet Franc, Hudson River Region (93 points) – $38

• Fjord Vineyards, 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc, Hudson River Region (92 points) – $22

This excellent Cab Franc performance from the HV at the Classic has me excited for the upcoming 2023 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition, where I will once again be judging – and where I hope these wines will also be entered. In any case, it will present a more complete snapshot of the HV wine scene.

Sante’!