Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...Oregon Pinot Noir...Long Island Merlot... Finger Lakes Riesling--just a few of the regions that have become famous by adopting a "signature wine" that they can do consistently well across vintages and wineries.

                 And now a group of Hudson Valley wineries has decided to hitch their wagon to Cabernet Franc, a medium-bodied red wine that grows well in the cool-climate region and is rapidly increasing in popularity.

                 Spearheading the effort, Doug and Mary Ellen Glorie of Glorie Farm Winery, along with the publishers of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, spread the idea and received an eager audience of industry colleagues.  As a result, the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition was formed to encourage more vineyard plantings of the grape and boost recognition of the region's distinctive Cabernet Franc wines.  (In other parts of the State, there are the Long Island Merlot Alliance, and the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance focused on Riesling.)

                 Used primarily in a cameo role as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc has become increasingly popular among New York producers due to its cold-hardy nature, medium body, food friendliness, and other characteristcs.  Coincidentally, it is one of the "parents" of both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

                 Some people fear that choosing a "signature wine" will type-cast a region as a one-trick pony, but long experience has proven otherwise.  What it does ideally is draw attention to the region for consistent quality of that wine as an enticement to try others.  Works like a charm.

                Best wishes for success to our Hudson Valley colleagues.

                   Last weekend's Wine Press started with the same headline, which is why I added "Continued" above.

                   The business climate boost last weekend was the sales tax exemption on samples of wine, cider, and spirits (beer already has it).  This week brought several other positive changes, thanks to a special ABC Working Group convened by Governor Andrew Cuomo and orchestrated by the State Liquor Authority and its Chairman Vincent Bradley.  Representing the wine industry very ably was Steve Bate of the Long Island Wine Council.

                   The resulting legislative initiative, passed this week by the legislature, contained four provisions directly benefiting New York wineries: (1) allowing the sale of wine in reusable "growlers" to be refilled at the winey; (2) letting tasting room customers take home partially finished bottles of wine, similar to doing the same from restaurants;  (3) the elimination of fees for a solicitor's permit for craft manufacturers, and of a bond requirement for all manufacturers; and (4) the creation of a new application form combining craft manufacturing licenses (e.g., for wine, beer, cider, and spirits production) rather than requiring separate applications for each one.

                    In addition, one of the infamous "Blue Laws" left over from Prohibition was amended: Until now, restaurants couldn't serve alcohol before noon on Sunday--which will be changed to 10 am, making it much easier to have a civilized brunch (like Eggs Benedict and Bubbly).

                    These are just the latest examples of "entrepreneurial government" which has steadily improved New York State's business climate for wine.  The legislature has passed these bills, but they become law only when the Governor signs them.

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                   Last week I also mentioned that our neighbor to the south--Pennsylvania--had finally passed a law allowing direct-to-consumer shipment, which is great news for New York wineries who get tons of PA visitors in ther tasting rooms.

                    Well, it turns out that the PA legislature and Governor didn't stop there: The also will allow the sale of wine in grocery stores.  Now THAT is truly revolutionary.

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                     Finally, again, about the Society of Wine Educators returning to the Finger Lakes region in 2018.  I mentioned the important role that Lorraine Hems played in that, and she asked that I also credit her colleagues involved in the effort: Bob Madill of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, and the New York Wine & Culinary Center.  So... thanks to all!

                       While we wait for the results of the San Francisco competition last weekend, there some others to report.

                        At the Monterey Wine Competition, 21 Brix Winery Thirsty Elephant received 98 points and "Best Domestic Red", and its Apple Wine got 93 and "Best Fruit Wine".

                         In the American Fine Wine Competition, Gold medals went to Glenora 2014 Gewurztraminer; and Mattebella 2014 Dry Rose, 2012 Reserve Chardonnay, and 2010 Old World Blend Bordeaux.

                         In the Ultimate Wine Challenge, Black Willow received a rating of 93 and "Highly Recommended".

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                         Casa Larga Fiori Vidal Ice Wine will get some great exposure this weekend at the 2016 Aspen Food & Wine Festival, one of the premier events in the country.

                         Nationally acclaimed cheese expert Laura Werlin will be conducting a seminar, "American Cheese: East vs. West", and she specifically selected the Casa Larga ice wine for the tasting.  No surprise: Casa Larga has long been a leader in ice wine production, with scores of Gold medals and even our Governor's Cup several years ago.  They also sponsor a major ice wine festival every February to celebrate the magic of wines made from grapes frozen on the vine.

                         It's truly a labor of love, but totally worth it.

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                          Bob Kalik, a well-known attorney specializing in beverage alcohol, particularly on an international level, passed away this week at the very young age of 62.

                          I had the pleasure of knowing Bob through WineAmerica (previously the American Vintners Association when he headed it) and FIVS, the association involved with international issues.  Besides actively serving those associations, Bob was also instrumental in forming others like the Wine Market Council and the World Wine Trade Group.  We send our condolences to his family.

                           It's been a tough year: Jim Finkle...Rich Smith...Bob Kalik.  When will it end?