A reader just recently composed to me describing that she was thinking about a transfer 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 white wines aren’t constantly on par with the very best California cabernets or Oregon pinot noirs. Texas, in my viewpoint, is among the most fascinating and interesting “brand-new” red wine areas in America, and Hill Country simply west of Austin is its wine making center. I’m constantly satisfied with the quality of the white wines I’m able to attempt. Though I have not had the ability to go to Texas red wine nation given that prior to the pandemic, the hospitality of the area’s tasting spaces is a fond memory.
Interested in tasting the white wines on your own? Here are a few of the Texas wineries I’d advise going to:
Duchman Family Winery (Driftwood, Texas)
Located reasonably near to Austin (and extremely near to barbecue location The Salt Lick), Duchman acts as an excellent intro to Texas red wine, and I typically 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 the house in the hands of wine maker Dave Reilly.
Kuhlman Cellars (Stonewall, Texas)
Basic red wine guidelines inform us that warm environments in Texas typically battle with white grapes, however recalling, the gewurztraminers of Kuhlman Cellars stick out to me one of the most. Made primarily from roussanne, marsanne, and viognier– grapes belonging to France’s Rhone River Valley– these white wines had plenty 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 white wines that have actually gotten worldwide honor. 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 popular Hill Country wineries beyond Texas, and luckily, their white wines aren’t too uncommon in Arkansas shops. They produce wonderful bottlings of mourvedre, sangiovese, and a charming gleaming rosé. The winery likewise includes noteworthy food. I advise selecting 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 sethebarlowwine@gmail.com
