A reader just recently composed to me discussing that she was thinking about a relocate to Texas and asked my ideas on the state’s red wine scene. Wine is made in all 50 states– I’ve attempted to taste red wine from as much of them as possible– however the red wines aren’t constantly on par with the very best California cabernets or Oregon pinot noirs. Texas, in my viewpoint, is among the most intriguing and interesting “brand-new” red wine areas in America, and Hill Country simply west of Austin is its wine making center. I’m continuously amazed with the quality of the red wines I’m able to attempt. Though I have not had the ability to check out Texas red wine nation because prior to the pandemic, the hospitality of the area’s tasting spaces is a fond memory.
Interested in tasting the red wines on your own? Here are a few of the Texas wineries I’d advise checking out:
Duchman Family Winery (Driftwood, Texas)
Located reasonably near Austin (and extremely near barbecue location The Salt Lick), Duchman acts as a fantastic intro to Texas red wine, and I frequently advise visitors make it their very first stop. I’m particularly keen on their aglianico and vermentino, a set of Italian grapes (red and white, respectively) that appear right in your home in the hands of wine maker Dave Reilly.
Kuhlman Cellars (Stonewall, Texas)
Basic red wine general rules inform us that warm environments in Texas frequently battle with white grapes, however recalling, the gewurztraminers of Kuhlman Cellars stick out to me one of the most. Made mainly from roussanne, marsanne, and viognier– grapes belonging to France’s Rhone River Valley– these red wines had lots of taste and body. Exactly what you desire after a long day in the Texas sun.
Pedernales Cellars (Stonewall, Texas)
Pedernales Cellars traces its history back to the mid-90s when Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken initially started try out grapes. Now, the household’s winery is a Texas landmark, producing acclaimed red wines that have actually gotten worldwide recognition. Tempranillo is the grape that assisted put Pedernales on the map, producing signature reds that put a Texas spin on Spain’s most popular grape.
William Chris Vineyards (Hye, Texas)
I do not have the information to back this up, however I’d wager William Chris is among the most widely known Hill Country wineries beyond Texas, and fortunately, their red wines aren’t too unusual in Arkansas shops. They produce wonderful bottlings of mourvedre, sangiovese, and a charming gleaming rosé. The winery likewise includes noteworthy food. I advise choosing an outside picnic or food and red wine pairing.
As constantly, you can see what I’m drinking on Instagram at @sethebarlow and send your red wine concerns and quibbles to [email protected]
