When the weather turns hot and humid, it’s hard to beat a crisp glass of white wine. That’s exactly what my wife and I were looking for this week as we reached back into our collection and opened a bottle from Benmarl Winery in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley.
Although we’ve had this bottle for a couple of years, it felt like the perfect time to revisit it. The first weekend of August brought exactly what you’d expect—high temperatures, plenty of humidity, and every reason to stay cool with a refreshing wine.
For this week’s Weekly Wine Review, we poured a glass of Benmarl Winery’s 2023 Seyval Blanc and took our time working through the tasting notes together. One of the things I enjoy most about tasting wine is comparing notes. Sometimes we agree on every aroma and flavor, and other times we experience the same wine completely differently. That’s part of what makes wine tasting so enjoyable.
Benmarl Winery in the Hudson Valley
Located in Marlboro, New York, Benmarl Winery sits just north of the New Jersey border in the scenic Hudson Valley. The winery has become well known for producing cool-climate wines that showcase the region’s growing conditions.
The Hudson Valley has a long winemaking history, and its climate allows growers to produce fresh, vibrant white wines with bright acidity. If you’re planning a weekend getaway from northern New Jersey, Benmarl makes for an enjoyable destination with beautiful vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere.
What Is Seyval Blanc?
Seyval Blanc is a hybrid grape developed in France that thrives in cooler growing regions like New York and parts of the Northeast. It typically produces light-bodied wines with bright acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes. Depending on where it’s grown and the winemaking style, Seyval Blanc can also show hints of peach, melon, or mineral characteristics, making it a refreshing choice for warm-weather sipping.
First Impressions of Benmarl Winery’s 2023 Seyval Blanc
Before even taking the first sip, the appearance gave us a few clues about what to expect.
The wine displayed a very pale straw color, almost crystal clear in the glass. Its light appearance immediately suggested that this would be a crisp, refreshing wine rather than something rich or full-bodied.
For a warm August afternoon, it certainly looked the part.
Weekly Wine Review: Aromas of Benmarl’s Seyval Blanc
The nose offered several pleasant aromas that continued to evolve as the wine warmed slightly in the glass.
The first scents we noticed were delicate floral notes mixed with fresh lemon and green apple. There was also a noticeable petroleum characteristic, something that can occasionally appear in cool-climate white wines and adds another layer of complexity.
As I continued tasting, I thought I picked up a touch of peach. My wife, however, didn’t notice that aroma at all.
That’s one of the reasons I enjoy tasting wine together. Everyone’s palate is a little different, and there isn’t always a right or wrong answer. Your own experiences and taste buds can influence what you discover in a glass.
How Does Benmarl Winery’s Seyval Blanc Taste?
On the palate, the wine stayed true to its appearance.
It was light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing from start to finish.
Bright lemon flavors took center stage, supported by a medium level of acidity that gave each sip a lively feel without becoming overwhelming. The wine finished dry with a pleasant tartness that lingered briefly before fading cleanly.
This isn’t a wine that tries to overpower you with bold fruit or heavy oak. Instead, it delivers exactly what many people look for in a summer white wine—a clean, refreshing sip that’s easy to enjoy.
Food Pairings for Benmarl Seyval Blanc
Because of its bright acidity and light body, this Seyval Blanc would pair well with a variety of lighter dishes.
Some excellent pairing options include:
- Sharp cheeses
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Light chicken dishes
- Fresh oysters
- Shrimp and shellfish
- Green salads
- Seafood appetizers
These foods complement the wine’s citrus character without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Wine Breakdown
- Producer: Benmarl Winery
- Wine: Seyval Blanc
- Vintage: 2023
- Varietal: Seyval Blanc
- Region: Hudson Valley, New York
- Alcohol: 11.7% ABV
- Body: Light
- Acidity: Medium
- Style: Dry
Final Thoughts on Benmarl Winery’s Seyval Blanc
Overall, this was an enjoyable bottle that reminded us why lighter white wines are so popular during the summer months.
Its crisp acidity, refreshing citrus flavors, and clean finish make it an easy wine to enjoy on a hot afternoon or alongside a simple meal. While we didn’t detect the same aromas, comparing tasting notes made the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking to explore wines from the Hudson Valley or simply want to try something different from the usual Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, Benmarl Winery’s Seyval Blanc is worth considering.
Whether you’re relaxing on the patio, hosting friends, or enjoying dinner outdoors, this wine fits comfortably into any summer occasion.
Visit Benmarl Winery
If you’d like to learn more or plan a visit, I would recommend stopping by Benmarl Winery in Marlboro, New York. It’s an easy trip for many people in northern New Jersey and offers a chance to visit one of the Hudson Valley’s well-known wineries and taste locally produced wines.
Continue Following My Weekly Wine Reviews
Have you tried Seyval Blanc before? I’d love to hear what flavors and aromas you found in your glass.
If you enjoy discovering wines from New Jersey, New York, and the surrounding region, be sure to explore the rest of my Weekly Wine Review series here on the blog. Don’t forget to subscribe to SteviesLocalSips.com so you never miss a new winery visit, tasting note, craft beverage review, or local wine adventure.
