Many wine "experts" turn there nose up at any wine made with hybrid grapes, deeming them "simplistic" or "without character."

Wine geeks like myself, however, can recognize that such wines have their place. I’ve had several wines made from seyval blanc that have been clean, refreshing and delicious on a hot summer day.

Vidal blanc is another hybrid that leads to some excellent ice wines in Canada and the Finger Lakes Region of New York.

Well, this non-vintage white blend from Cascade Mountain Winery, located in Amenia, New York (Hudson Valley), is made using both seyval blanc and vindal blanc.

Cascade Mountain Winery was founded in 1972 by the Bill and Margaret Wetmore, making them some of the first to pioneer the production of premium table wines on the eastern side of the Hudson River. Bill and Margaret, along with their three children Charles, Michael and Joan, planted the vineyard in 1972, built the winery in 1977 and opened the restaurant in 1985.

Eyes: Pale straw yellow

Nose: Light, somewhat fruity nose of citrus and white peach. Subtle hints of nutmeg spice.

Tongue: Light-to-medium body, but the residual sugar gives it a round mouthfeel. Simple. Fruity with short, slightly sour finish. Could use more acidity to balance the sweetness.

Price: $10

Grade: C+