The search for Texan wines that pair to summer does not go on long. Throw a stone in the state and you’ll find a glass popping with opulent fruit, smoke and spice, and playful wisps of aromatic desert herbs that take a gentle hand to coax out. Warning: The following wines are for lovers of the locally-made, the adventurous, and those who are looking to taste something they have never deigned to before. These are just-released, one-of-a-kind wines made from heat-thriving, sun-basking, 100% Texas grapes.
Finally The Bride -
2020 Roussanne, William Chris Vineyards
The first stone we threw hit a 2020 Roussanne (a grape whose name is based on the word ‘rouge’) from William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas, which conveniently has just won a coveted Judge's Selection Medal at TEXSOM International Wine Competition this April! William Chris, like many other modern Texas labels, has devoted time to rescuing this garnet-colored white wine grape from its long stereotype as a ‘blending grape’. Sadly, creamy, earthy Roussanne is classically a bridesmaid, but never the bride. This 2020 medal-wearing Roussanne is the blushing beauty that stands subtly golden, brightly crisp, yet generous and warm with expertly woven oak spice. Uncork next to a beurre blanc and large-flake fish, the delicate umami of oyster mushrooms, or use as a refreshing cornerstone to an all-out lakeside barbecue. Serve cold, but not too cold.
Take It Down A Notch -
2020 Sway Rose, Yes We Can Wines
While dining in a fine restaurant is lovely, with the best crystal stemware and a sommelier saying fancy words in a worldy accent, sometimes what you really want is an honest, quality Texas wine that hits all the senses...in a can. Consider the scrumptious crack-and-hiss on opening. Yes. That initial spray of rose that tickles your cheek and smells so fruity. The feel of cold metal against your palm. You can rock away in your hammock or tube or boat with Sway rose - slummin’ it in a 375ml can - and let the winegrowers at Yes We Can Wine do what they do best. Have no fear, these are quality grapes, “field-blend style”, from the most productive quality grape-growing region in Texas - the Texas High Plains AVA (think panhandle). Pair to snack and don’t take this one too seriously people.
The Dark Side -
2020 Texas High Plains Rose, Lost Draw Cellars
The other side of the rose coin is savoriness, texture, rich spice, and daring flavor combinations from grapes that are not typically blended together. Lost Draw Cellars in Fredericksburg brings innovatively designed wines that push the envelope and express serious, raw flavor. Also featuring Texas High Plains grapes, their newly released 2020 Texas High Plains Rose features all red grapes. This means deeper, darker, structural, textural rose from an exotic mix of Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Cinsault, and Grenache. The flavor compounds teased out by the High Plains signature Amarillo sandy loam soil and the unapologetic Texas sun rays are all incomparable to any other region in the world. If dry, raw, rich, and exquisite is your style, we’ve got you.
Finally, Some Relief -
Wanderer Series Relief Project II, William Chris Vineyards
You may be relieved to hear that summer months are not just white and rose -- pick yourself a red that you can chill down. Red and rose wines may have more similarities than you’d think, starting with often using the same red-tinted wine grapes! Generally these chill-able reds are light in color, have bright acidity, and an explosive fruit character that can get a bit closer to bubblegum when served too warm. We recommend this Cinsault-based red blend with anything off the grill, or, a bag of potato chips if that’s more your speed — William Chris Vineyards Wanderer Series Relief Project, round two. Not only about wandering into new innovative wine territory (using classic grapes in new ways), this project is also about offering relief to Texas food banks through an organization called Feeding Texas. This may be the ultimate local wine, partially in thanks to Austin-born sommelier and collaborator, Ali Schmidt, of Emmer & Rye. Thanks for everything Ali, now let’s raise a glass to Texans helping Texans!