There are certain wines that go great with food and also as summer sippers. Benmarl’s Seyval Blanc is one of them
I pulled Benmarl Winery’s 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc to go with my Santa Fe Day Boat Scallops (yes, I got them from Scallop Shack Farms right off the boat), and the pairing was nothing short of fantastic. I even splashed a little into the pan while cooking (the recipe called for white wine). That’s when you know you’ve got a good bottle.
What’s in the Glass
Benmarl’s Seyval Blanc opens with lovely floral aromas, think chamomile and lemon blossom, layered with hints of citrus and stone fruit. The kind of nose that draws you in before you’ve even taken a sip and makes you smile
On the palate, the wine shows a beautiful slate minerality, the signature of Benmarl’s estate terroir, with bright notes of red grapefruit, lime, and lemon blossom. Crisp, refreshing acidity keeps everything lively and beautifully food-friendly. The finish is clean and mineral-driven, with a lingering citrus note that makes you reach for another glass.
At $20 a bottle, this is a remarkable value and a genuine expression of what the Hudson Valley can produce. This is the kind of wine that reminds me why Hudson Valley wines deserve more attention than they get. Although I might be biased.
A Little History
Benmarl Winery isn’t just one of the Hudson Valley’s finest. They are America’s oldest continuously operating vineyard. The 37-acre estate in Marlboro, New York has had vines on it since the early 1800s, when Andrew Jackson Caywood cultivated the land and became the leading authority on viticulture in the Hudson Valley region.
In 1957, artist and wine lover Mark Miller purchased the property and named it Benmarl — combining the Gaelic word ben (hill) with marl, which describes the estate’s distinctive soil composition. Miller devoted years to studying European viticulture in Burgundy and England before returning to the steep terraced hillsides of upstate New York with a mission: prove that world-class wine could be made here.
In 2006, the Spaccarelli family purchased the estate with a clear mission: honor the history while building toward the future. Today, proprietor Victor Spaccarelli Jr. and his son and winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli have nearly tripled estate production, replanted abandoned vineyard blocks, and invested in modern cellaring technology — all while keeping a handcrafted, small-batch philosophy at the heart of everything they do.
The Pairing
I pulled this bottle specifically for my Santa Fe Day Boat Scallops, and it was a match made in heaven. The wine’s acidity and citrus-driven palate cut beautifully through the richness of the scallops, while that minerality complemented the seafood in the most satisfying way.
Wine Details
- Wine: Benmarl Winery 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc
- Region: Hudson Valley, New York
- Grape: Seyval Blanc
- Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, citrus, stone fruit, slate minerality, red grapefruit, lime, lemon blossom
- Pair With: Scallops, oysters, grilled shrimp, summer salads, goat cheese, light chicken dishes, relaxing on the porch
DM me if you want the Santa Fe Day Boat Scallop recipe — I’ll send it right over!
Find It
Benmarl Winery 156 Highland Avenue · Marlboro, NY 12542 Open Daily | (845) 236-4265 benmarl.com
The 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc is available at the winery and online for $20.
Until next week — cheers, and drink something worth talking about. 🥂
