Whitecliff Vineyards
331 McKinstry Road, Gardiner N.Y12525
Tel. 845 255-4613
Splendid Wine From Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner
Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner New York is a beautiful 25 Acre wine estate overlooking the Shawangunk Mountains. The vineyard on the skirts of the Whitecliff ridge offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Here you can sit on a handsome deck off the wine tasting room while you take in the splendid panoramic view and slowly sip an enjoyable fine wine from the estate. The Vineyard was started in 1979 by proprietors Michael and Yancey Migliore, who are passionate about their wine business. According to Mr. Migliore there was a real challenge to producing fine quality wines in the Hudson Valley with real oenological merit-- 
the renowned vines, the viticulture, the tools and machinery, and the high standards, didn't exist to a great extent in the area, so he started planting 30 years ago a few varietals. He says that both his grandfathers were inspirational in his venture when he started on one acre way back. And he also adds: "I just wanted to make wonderful wine in the European traditional standard with unique characteristics." Up to the moment he has succeeded with an impressive selection of wines that have garnered gold and silver medals at National and State competitions. Nothing at all like picnic wines that can be so sweet, and are so prevalent around the Valley. A wine connoisseur will tell you that Whitecliff is the real thing in wine---producing complex and noteworthy wines in the European tradition with real passion and emotion.
Rare is the vineyard producing top quality wines, and rare are the wines produced in the Hudson Valley with the richness, majestic fruit, bouquet,ripeness, balance, finesse of finish, and passion and emotion that I enjoyed at Whitecliff Vineyards. This hidden, out of the way treasured vineyard enjoyed by wine connoisseurs and wine lovers on the wine trail is a viticultural gem producing splendid wines.
Rare is the vineyard producing top quality wines, and rare are the wines produced in the Hudson Valley with the richness, majestic fruit, bouquet,ripeness, balance, finesse of finish, and passion and emotion that I enjoyed at Whitecliff Vineyards. This hidden, out of the way treasured vineyard enjoyed by wine connoisseurs and wine lovers on the wine trail is a viticultural gem producing splendid wines.
Whitecliff Vineyards has a smart diversity of excellent wines. There are about twenty grape varietals used on the estate. Some like Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Seyval blanc, Chardonnay, Traminette, and the Frontenac and the Vignole that are hearty types able to withstand below freezing
temperature drops in very severe winter. Blending of the grape wine is a well honed in craft of Michael Migliore and Yancey. The wines produced at the vineyard range from delicate and refreshing-light bodied wines like the Awosting White, to the more profoundly earthy, and luscious bodied and well rounded exceptional wines like the Sky Island Red 2007. There are many wines the estate produces with extraordinary aromas of honey nut, citrus, lychee nut, berries and earthy oak, lime, apple, and mushroom notes.
On two recent occasions, in an afternoon, and in an evening, I partook in a wine tasting at the Whitecliff Vineyards. I selected the following wines
as the very best selection. The whites are very focus. At the top they are opulent and fleshy, packed with exotic fruit such as : Traminette 2008: This bright sunny wine is light with strong citrus infused notes. It has strong aroma of floral and lychee nut. Dry with a bit of residual sugar. Highly recommended to be consumed young. A 2009 Silver Medal White winner. A superb white recommended to have with Seafood dishes as well as Thai and Chinese cuisine.
temperature drops in very severe winter. Blending of the grape wine is a well honed in craft of Michael Migliore and Yancey. The wines produced at the vineyard range from delicate and refreshing-light bodied wines like the Awosting White, to the more profoundly earthy, and luscious bodied and well rounded exceptional wines like the Sky Island Red 2007. There are many wines the estate produces with extraordinary aromas of honey nut, citrus, lychee nut, berries and earthy oak, lime, apple, and mushroom notes.
On two recent occasions, in an afternoon, and in an evening, I partook in a wine tasting at the Whitecliff Vineyards. I selected the following wines
as the very best selection. The whites are very focus. At the top they are opulent and fleshy, packed with exotic fruit such as : Traminette 2008: This bright sunny wine is light with strong citrus infused notes. It has strong aroma of floral and lychee nut. Dry with a bit of residual sugar. Highly recommended to be consumed young. A 2009 Silver Medal White winner. A superb white recommended to have with Seafood dishes as well as Thai and Chinese cuisine.
The Awosting White: A truly exceptional multifaceted wine made from Seyval/Vignole blend. Light and satiny, this wine expertly integrates mixed citrus flavors with a spicy kiss of oak. A 2009 gold Medal Winner. Hybrid Class. Great with spicy summer Hors d'oeuvre, and fillet of sole, or flounder.
And the Mountain Laurel White. A light bodied Vidal Blanc blend with wonderful notes of lime, herbs, and honeydew and also aromas of green apples, all lasting impressively on the polished finish. Drink now; Recommended with Chinese cuisine and Indian Vegetarian food.
The reds show more black fruit flavors--blackberry, black cherries, and cassis. In the more complex red wine like the Sky Island Red 2006, is superbly crafted. the fruit character is more dense and massive, making the wine a real prize. This superlative blend of five varietals is a rich medium bodied wine. It offers notes of plum, dark cherry, and pepper bolstered by smooth and balanced tanins. And a velvety finish. Enjoyable with Pork, Lamb, and Pasta Bolognese.
Gamay Noir 2008. Again, beautifully crafted by Mr. Migliore at the estate from signature Beaujolais grape. It offers us a big surprise with a delivery on the palate of smooth red strawberries, raspberries and fragrant violet notes. With a nice long finish. A wonderful red it will marry well with Chicken and Summer Salads.
Pinot Noir 2007: Just one sip of this light bodied enticing and graceful wine brings on a barrage of blackberries, cloves, and currants with layered mineral and herbs. A very versatile wine that goes well with mushrooms, beef, fish or a Spicy vegetable salad.
Owners Michael and Yancey Migliore are ever so deservingly proud of their outstanding wines produced at Whitecliff Vineyards and sold at top restaurants throughout the Valley. Their love, and passion for producing very reputable wine, is evident here. Up to the moment the Migliore family have crafted a formidable lineup of excellent wines and wine pairings with culinary events that have been very well received. And the professional staff at Whitecliff Vineyards' tasting room and cellar tours are a dedicated and knowledgeable crew. In the wine tasting room Maury Moskowitz, and other members of the vineyard will assist you with pleasure, and a high degree of professional instruction on understanding the varietal and characteristic essence of each wine selection the vineyard offers.
Experience Hudson Valley agriculture at one of the areas top awarded Vineyards. Picnics are welcomed and wine tasting and tours available.
Days and Hours Open: April through October, Thursday through Monday 11:30--5:30
Open November through March: Weekends Only
Baron Corso de Palenzuela is an international food, wine, beer, and chocolate critic, a Chef and connoisseur who has written extensively on international wine and cuisine. He resides in Virginia, New York, and Spain and can be reached at 845 706-1244
No comments:
Post a Comment