Looking for the best Hudson Valley red? Today, we are listing the top 5 best grapes for making red wine in the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley, with its cool climate and diverse terroir, offers a unique environment for viticulture, particularly for red wine production. While the region is still developing as a wine-growing area, certain grape varieties have proven to thrive in the local conditions. Below are five of the best red wine grape varietals for the Hudson Valley. But, of course, the clear winner is Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc
Arguably the most successful and widely planted red varietal in the Hudson Valley, Cabernet Franc is well-suited to the region’s cooler climate. The grape ripens later in the season, which allows it to develop deep, complex flavors while retaining vibrant acidity. Cabernet Franc wines from the Hudson Valley are typically aromatic, with characteristic notes of red fruit (such as raspberry and cherry), green bell pepper, and earthy undertones. The cooler climate enhances its natural herbaceousness, producing wines with bright acidity, moderate tannins, and a good balance of fruit and spice. Cabernet Franc is also a popular blending grape in the region, often used with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to create Bordeaux-style blends.
Noteworthy Hudson Valley Winery: Whitecliff Vineyards
Merlot
While Merlot is often associated with warmer climates, it thrives in the Hudson Valley, where its softer, fruit-forward character is complemented by the cooler growing conditions. The region’s longer growing season allows Merlot to ripen slowly, developing flavors of ripe plum, cherry, and blackberry, along with subtle herbal and earthy nuances. The wines typically feature a smooth, round mouthfeel, with balanced tannins and fresh acidity that give them a pleasing structure. Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon in the Hudson Valley, but it can also be made as a single-varietal wine, offering approachable, easy-drinking reds that pair well with a variety of foods.
Noteworthy Hudson Valley Winery: Benmarl Vineyards
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the most challenging and rewarding grape varieties to grow, and it has shown great promise in the Hudson Valley. The cooler climate is ideal for Pinot Noir, allowing for longer ripening periods and the development of complex flavors. Hudson Valley Pinot Noir wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with earthy and floral notes. The region’s terroir lends itself to a more restrained, elegant style of Pinot Noir, with some wines showing subtle hints of smoke or spice. The ability of this grape to reflect its environment makes it a unique and exciting option for producers in the region.
Noteworthy Hudson Valley Winery: Nostrano Vineyards
Syrah
While Syrah is traditionally associated with warmer wine regions, it has found a niche in the Hudson Valley, particularly in vineyards that benefit from optimal sun exposure. Syrah from the region often shows a balance of dark fruit flavors—such as blackberry and plum—along with characteristic spicy and peppery notes. The cooler climate of the Hudson Valley helps to preserve the grape’s acidity, contributing to a more balanced, structured wine compared to the typically bold, full-bodied Syrah from hotter climates. The wines often exhibit medium to full body, with firm tannins and good aging potential, making Hudson Valley Syrah a distinctive and appealing option for red wine enthusiasts.
Noteworthy Hudson Valley Winery: Whitecliff Vineyards
Baco Noir
Baco Noir is a hybrid grape variety that has become a standout in the Hudson Valley, known for its ability to thrive in cooler climates and produce bold, fruit-forward wines. Baco Noir is a cross between the French varietal Folle Blanche and Vitis riparia, a native North American grape. The resulting wines are typically dark in color, with rich flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, often accompanied by smoky, earthy, or spicy notes. Baco Noir’s natural acidity and moderate tannins make it a versatile wine, capable of both early drinking and aging. It has gained popularity among local winemakers for its ability to produce wines with distinctive character, and its resilience to the region’s variable climate makes it a reliable choice for Hudson Valley vineyards.
Noteworthy Hudson Valley Winery: Warwick Valley Winery
