I don’t get to visit Beneduce Vineyards as often as I would like, as it is about an hour and 45 minute drive each way. But they make some of the best wines in the state. In fact, 11 of their 12 estate grown wines were recently awarded 90 points or higher by noted wine critics (the 12th, Chardonnay received a very respectable 89 points-underrated, in my humble opinion). My other reasons for a revisit:
- The last time I visited they were out of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (two of my faves).
- They are running low on their last bottles of Mangione (see description below).
- The grounds and facilities are gorgeous. My photos don’t begin to do justice to the beauty here.
- A year is too long to wait.
Beneduce Vineyards
Beneduce Vineyards is located in Pittstown. They planted their first vines in 2009 and they opened their doors for their winery in 2012. Despite its short history, Beneduce was recently chosen as among the best 25 vineyards in America by Travel/Leisure Magazine. When my wife and I arrived we were a bit hungry and did not want to drink wine on an empty stomach so we ordered one of their charcuterie boards (see photo below). It was perfect, with several kinds of cheese, crackers, meats, and a dipping sauce of olive oil and herbs.
Our Tasting
Whites
- 2021 Dry Riesling-An awesome bone dry version that rivals some of the best Finger Lake Rieslings (world renown for their Rieslings).
- 2021 Chardonnay-Their first 100% Estate Grown, with gentle French oaking and without the use of Sur lie (which adds a somewhat buttery quality when used).
- 2022 Riesling-An off-dry version similar to their former Riesling named after their beautiful windows-“Three Windows.” Note: The windows were recently replaced and look remarkably like the originals.
- 2021 Tuxedo-White Pinot Noir made from their Estate Pinot Noir, but without skin contact during fermentation or aging. To me it seemed to be even smoother, with more body than the red from which it is made. Luscious and delicious.
Reds
- 2020 Pinot Noir-Definitely one of the best Pinot Noirs in the state.
- 2019 Blaufrankisch-Their signature red wine. My favorite Blaufrankisch in the state. It is a delicious, medium-bodied wine with blackberry and cherry notes on the palate, and a very smooth finish.
- Mangione-Wonderful red blend modeled after a “Super Tuscan.” Once gone, there will be no more. We grabbed two bottles.
- 2021 Shotgun Red-An off-dry field blend. It was aged in stainless steel and is more fruit forward than their other red wines.
Miscellaneous
- Aqua Pazza-“Crazy water” in Italian, it is a low alcohol piquette (a sparkling wine refermented in the bottle). It is sweetened with a little local honey.
- Dry Rose-A very good Rose, bone-dry, made with their Blaufrankisch. Refreshing subtle hints of strawberry, with lively acidity.
- 2021 Intermezzo-An Orange wine made with Gewurtztraminer grapes; skin contact was limited to 10 days.
- Chambrusco-A dry, frizzante style red that was fermented with native yeast and is unfiltered.
What a great visit! We had to take some with us. Pictured on their bar and our home below. Our home is not as pretty, but they look mighty nice in our cellar and I’m eager to get reacquainted with each of these beauties. They include Tuxedo, Mangione, Pinot Noir, Blaufrankisch, Chardonnay, Dry Rose, and Dry Riesling.
If you have never visited this wonderful vineyard or tried their wines, I urge you to do so. You will be glad you did! If you want to read more about Beneduce Vineyards, check out their website here: beneducevineyards.com
Coming Attractions
- Va La Vineyards
- Vino & Vibes 2023
- Natalie Vineyards
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