Author Archives: upstatedowntown

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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At 2018 NY Wine Classic, Cider Makes Strong Showing

Posted on August 16, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews At last week’s 2018 New York Wine Classic, the 33rd annual “Oscars” of the NY wine industry, some 853 NY wines competed for medals (Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze), the coveted “Governor’s Cup” (Best in Show), … Continue reading →

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Hudson Valley Cab Franc Takes Flight

Posted on June 21, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews For well over a decade, there has been a growing consensus among winemakers in the Hudson Valley (HV) that Cabernet Franc is the best red vinifera grape variety for the region. As an observer of the local wine scene, … Continue reading →

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Inspiring Bordeaux “Quartet” at the Wine Media Guild

Posted on May 16, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Normally, the Wine Media Guild of New York’s annual Bordeaux lunch takes place in January, when the Union de Grand Crus de Bordeaux’s (UGCB) show comes through town as part of a national tour. But January’s unpredictable weather … Continue reading →

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Bordeaux 2015: A Très Bon Vintage

Posted on January 28, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews That was indeed my impression from the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting recently held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, where the newly released 2015 vintage was on full display. Touted as great … Continue reading →

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