Author Archives: upstatedowntown

Whitecliff’s “Olana” Cab Franc Strikes Gold at NY Wine Classic

Posted on August 9, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews At a recent — and first-ever — group tasting of the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) wineries, one of my standout wines was Whitecliff Vineyards‘ 2017 Olana Vineyard Cabernet Franc. It seems that I am not alone in … Continue reading →

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A Big First: HV Cab Franc Coalition Showcases New Releases & Cellar Gems

Posted on June 6, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews In its first-ever group tasting, the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) kicked off  with an impressive bang on 30 May 2019, hosted by Nostrano Vineyards in its picturesque, wine-country setting. The eight legacy coalition members — … Continue reading →

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Va, Va Vaucluse! Le Pigeoulet Rouge

Posted on May 7, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews The Vaucluse, a French district (département) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, lies in the heart of southern Rhone Valley. And while the Vaucluse is not well-know here, neither geographically nor in terms of wine, it encompasses many of the most revered … Continue reading →

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Back in the Winners’ Circle: Matthews’ Homebrew Cider

Posted on March 26, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews I made quite a splash with my (hard) cider at the recent 2019 Hudson Valley Homebrew Competition (HVHC). Not only did I take First and Third Place in the “Standard Cider” category, respectively, but also Best in … Continue reading →

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A Cheverny for All Seasons: Domaine du Salvard

Posted on March 14, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews A lingering late-winter cold spell here in the northeast US probably has most folks still jonesing for substantial comfort food dishes, paired with big, hearty reds to wash them down. This is a natural — and laudable … Continue reading →

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Bordeaux 2016: A Winning Vintage of Elegant, Energetic Wines

Posted on January 25, 2019 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews The temperature outside the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan on 21 January was in single digits, but the reception by the industry throng inside the cavernous … Continue reading →

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Wine Media Guild Explores Portugal

Posted on November 28, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews During its long history, especially during the Age of Discovery, Portugal has been known as a nation of explorers, something that allowed the (then) small kingdom to punch far above its weight for centuries as a colonial … Continue reading →

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NY Craft Ciders Rock the Lower East Side

Posted on November 16, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews November 2-11, 2018, was Cider Week in New York City, a festival of multiple cider events and tastings in bars and venues across the Big Apple, organized by the New York Cider Association. The aim: “to cultivate appreciation of New … Continue reading →

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Seriously Delicious: Foggy Ridge’s “Serious Cider”

Posted on October 25, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews  It’s cider season in the Hudson Valley, and I have lately been gathering the materials – and fruit – to make my own (now) annual production. This process has taken me several times to Half Time Beverage in … Continue reading →

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2018 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition: Benmarl Sweeps Top Awards

Posted on September 11, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews One year ago, Benmarl Winery shared the coveted Winery of the Year award (with Tousey Winery) at the 2017 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition (HVWSC). At the 2018 HV competition, held this past Saturday in Rhinebeck, … Continue reading →

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