I'm excited to publish this review, not because the wine is going to knock your socks off or something I'd rush out to buy again and again, but because it represents a new category of adult beverages being covered here on the NYCR -- fruit wines.
Many people scoff at the category without even exploring the wines within it, but I'm enthusiastic to try and learn about anything, including fruit wines in the Hudson Valley -- and there are a lot being made there.
And you know what, I think this Brookview Station Winery Whistle Stop White ($13) has its place, even if it's not something I'd want to drink every day.
The nose is simple, showing fresh-cut apple and something lightly floral. It brings more of the same to a medium-bodied palate that shows a bit of sugary sweetness at first, but finished almost dry, with a little rustic apple skin bitterness that actually worked quite well.
Some of the other apple/pear wines I tasted next to this one showed a disappointing bit of alcoholic heat on the finish, but this one didn't, making it one of my favorites from the lineup.
On it's own, you can do much better for $13, but with a hunk of crusty bread and some bold cheese, I think it'd be pretty satisfying.
Producer: Brookview Station Winery
ABV:
13%
Price: $13*
Rating: 
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Yea for fruit wine!
Posted by: Rowland | April 19, 2010 at 10:50 PM
We have some property in Chenango County northeast of Binghamton near the Black Bear Winery (http://www.blackbearwinery.com) in Greene; they make all sorts of fruit wines (the Johannisbeere is particularly good).
Hmm, that reminds me that I need to get my growler of Cracklin' Maple Cider filled...
Posted by: Paul Z | April 20, 2010 at 08:53 AM
Rowland: I know you're an enthusiast. Who are some of your favorite producers and what are some of your favorites?
Paul: I've never had anything from Black Bear...will have to try to track some down. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | April 20, 2010 at 08:58 AM