With the Belmont Stakes at the Saratoga Racetrack on Saturday, it seems fitting to celebrate with a New York wine. I had the opportunity to taste several wines from Whitecliff Vineyard recently. With tasting rooms – and vineyards – in both Gardiner (their home base) and Hudson (just off the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and down the hill from Olana), they’re easy to find. Combine the wonderful tasting experience with the enjoyment of hand-crafted wines made from estate-grown fruit, and you cross the finish line with a big win. Whitecliff has been in business since 1999, and owners Michael and Yancey Migliore have fine-tuned what grows best to make really great wines. I came away particularly enjoying their Gamay Noir and Vidal Blanc. Gamay is the grape used to make Beaujolais. It’s light-bodied but full-flavored, with notes of everything from cranberry to candied cherry. There’s bright acidity and balance. It’s so food-friendly, and it’s a red that can be served chilled on hot days, too. The Vidal Blanc is a delicious white wine that’s almost creamy on the palate but not flabby at all, with notes of stone fruit and lime. Another extremely versatile food wine, and also a wine for pure enjoyment. So whether you’re cheering on a favorite in the last of the Triple Crown races or simply making the most of the weekend, enjoy with a wine from Whitecliff Vineyard. (whitecliffwine.com)
