The Texas wine country, spanning various American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), boasts a diverse array of grape varieties that contribute to the state’s burgeoning wine industry. By understanding the prevalent wine grapes grown in Texas and comparing them to similar varieties globally, wine enthusiasts can appreciate the Lone Star State’s unique contribution to viticulture. Let’s delve into the exciting world of Texas grape varieties and explore their global counterparts.
Texas Reds: A World of Flavor
Tempranillo
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Notes of cherry, plum, tomato, and often a distinct spicy or earthy flavor.
Popular Texas Wineries: Pedernales Cellars, Bending Branch Winery
Global Counterpart: Spain
Similar Varieties: Grenache (Spain)
Tasting Notes: In Spain, Tempranillo may exhibit flavors of tobacco and leather, coupled with berry flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Rich and robust, with flavors of black currant, tobacco, and blackberry.
Popular Texas Wineries: Becker Vineyards, Spicewood Vineyards
Global Counterpart: France, California
Tasting Notes: French or Californian Cabernet Sauvignon may have layered flavors of black cherry, bell pepper, and vanilla.
Mourvèdre
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Dark fruit flavors, black pepper, and meaty notes.
Popular Texas Wineries: Perissos Vineyard and Winery
Global Counterpart: France, Spain
Similar Varieties: Syrah (France), Grenache (Spain)
Tasting Notes: European Mourvèdre might display more herbaceous or gamey notes.
Other Notes: Mourvèdre is a prominent component in the very popular “GSM” blend (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre).
Syrah/Shiraz
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Blackberry, plum, and peppery spice.
Popular Texas Wineries: McPherson Cellars
Global Counterpart: Australia
Tasting Notes: Australian Shiraz often has jammy, ripe fruit flavors, with chocolate and spice notes.
Texas Whites: An Array of Elegance
Viognier
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Floral aromas with peach, tangerine, and honeysuckle flavors.
Popular Texas Wineries: Brennan Vineyards
Global Counterpart: France
Tasting Notes: French Viognier may offer minerality alongside apricot and peach flavors.
Blanc du Bois
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Citrus and tropical fruit notes, crisp acidity.
Popular Texas Wineries: Haak Vineyards & Winery
Global Counterpart: None
Notes: As a hybrid grape, Blanc du Bois doesn’t have direct global counterparts but resembles wines made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Chenin Blanc
Texas Tasting Notes:
Profile: Apple, pear, and melon with bright acidity.
Popular Texas Wineries: Duchman Family Winery
Global Counterpart: South Africa
Tasting Notes: South African Chenin Blanc may exhibit honey and floral notes, with a fuller body.
Conclusion
By exploring the rich and diverse world of Texas wine grapes and their global counterparts, wine lovers can embark on a flavorful journey that transcends borders. Each grape, though similar in profile, reveals distinct nuances influenced by the terroir of its growing region, offering a unique wine-tasting adventure. Whether indulging in a robust Texan Cabernet Sauvignon or a lively Blanc du Bois, the Texas vineyards extend an open invitation to explore the world through wine.
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with over 15 years of experience in the Texas wine, whiskey, and beer industry. With a vast number of alcohol production resources right in his back yard in the Texas Hill Country, Ken has made it his mission to promote and advance the Texas winemaking, distilling, and brewing industry across the country. His uncanny ability to identify tasting notes and pairings makes him a respected authority within alcohol enthusiast circles. When he’s not reviewing the latest craft spirits, you can find Ken playing his guitar, trying to sing, and sipping on a Texas libation.