Spring officially arrives at Atwater when we release the new vintage of our Vidal Blanc.  Vidal Blanc or simply, Vidal, is a white French hybrid grape that has been grown in the Finger Lakes for years, but until recently  the variety has not received appreciation in the wine world. Producing full-bodied wines that are rich in ripe fruit characteristics,  Vidal Blanc is a hybrid of Ugni Blanc and one of the Seibel parents of Seyval Blanc, developed by nurseryman J.L. Villard.  The grapes, golden and very long in length, are cluster-pressed, to preserve the unique fruity qualities of the variety. Culturally, the grape is ideally suited to the cooler climates of New York State and is particularly valued for its winter hardiness. Typially used as one of the premier grape choices for ice wines, Vidal also makes beautiful and interesting semi-dry and semi-sweet wines.