In January 2017 Texas appellation wines were awarded 158 medals at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. These medals included an unprecedented seven “Best in Class” awards as well as dozens of double-golds, golds, silvers and bronzes. And it was just five years ago that Texas earned its very first double-gold! The impressive showing last month did not surprise me – over the past few years I have written a few blog posts on Texas wines, and it seems that every time I return they get better.
This year, with 6 weeks to spend visiting wineries (and barbecue joints!) I am taking my time and delving deep into Texas-style food and wine. Last week I found two off-the-beaten-track family owned estate wineries. In both cases the owners are knowledgeable of wine and viticulture and have planted varietals that thrive in the hot, dry terroir of the Hill Country.
Hill Country Cellars Winery, owned by a former Navy aviation tech and his customer-service pro wife, offered a deep plum colored Malbec with layers of red fruit, plum and vanilla oak on a foundation of soft tannins. Rich and smooth, I would have guessed this was produced in Mendoza. And the price, less than $20/bottle, was very attractive. Their Rosé of Shiraz was fruity and silky, but lacked the acidity of a refreshing French rosé. The Chardonnay was surprisingly good given the warm climate. Very pale gold in color and made in the Burgundian style, fermented in stainless steel tanks with zero malolactic fermentation, the tropical fruit flavors of a warm-climate Chardonnay are allowed to shine through. A clean fruit finish. Again, the price point is surprisingly low, at under $20.
Almost hidden on the scenic Highway 90 just east of Hondo, Vines on the Rocks is a boutique vineyard specializing in Tempranillo and Black Spanish (Lenoir) grapes (perfect fits for the local hot climate and rocky terroir). Owner Mike Brawley skillfully manages his vineyards which surround the winery, and makes Tempranillo in the style of Rioja, with lush dark fruit and a hint of cigar box. This year’s vintage (2015) is called Toreador’s Temptress, with beautiful dark plum up-front and hints of chocolate and cedar. Snacks are offered in the tasting room and selected offerings from other Texas wineries are available as well. Mike had deep knowledge of the local terroir and vineyard management, and it was a pleasure learning from him while sipping the delicious Toreador’s Temptress.
Over the next couple of weeks I will be visiting many more Texas wineries and am sure to find more delicious bargains!
fumblingviniferist 
Yeehaw!! Texas is the best!