TEXAS WINE

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

People think of Texas when it comes to oil, cowboys and yellow roses, but wine! Most wine lovers are surprised to find out that the Texas wine industry is the fifth largest in the U.S.

In fact, many vineyards in the lone star state are producing a quite presentable array of Cabernets, Merlots, Chardonnays, Chenin Blancs, and more.

Texans hold the fruitiness of Californians and the sharp structure of the French — their wines, that is.

THE REGION

The Texas wine regions are dabbled throughout the state, which covers a large portion of southern United States. The major regions are Bell Mountain, Escondido Valley, Fredricksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Texas High Plains, and Texas Hill Country.

THE GRAPES

TEXAS REDS:

Cabernet Sauvignon

This world famous red wine grape does very well in the milder climates south of Lubbock. Its wines are big and rich with black cherry flavors.

Merlot

This grape makes a smooth operator of a wine. Well-balanced, beautifully red in color, yet gentle on its way down the hatch. It’s bottling much popularity, as the red wine of choice for many Texans.

TEXAS WHITES:

Chardonnay

This golden girl makes do in North Texas, but struggles a bit against cold spring freezes. If oak aged, this grape’s wines offer tropical fruit flavors and smells while those that are unoaked will be buttery and toasty.

Sauvignon Blanc

Oooh, it’s getting hot in here, and the Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t mind a bit. Its wines are usually crisp and fruity and quite affordable.

Chenin Blanc

This grape loads down its vines, bringing down the price of its wine. Best in West Texas, these grapes produce semi-sweet to semi-dry wines delicately sputtering with pear and citrus flavors.

CHOOSING A TEXAN

Various Texan Producers

References

www.agr.state.tx.us
www.cellarnotes.net
www.winegrapes.tamu.edu
www.wine-searcher.com
www.winespectator.com