Texas Wines - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted May 4th 2010 @ 4:00PM

For a change of pace, turn to one of the U.S.'s up-and-coming wine regions: Texas, which is, surprisingly, the fifth-largest wine-producing state. With 181 wineries as of 2009, Texan wines are receiving national acclaim and grabbing print space in Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

In a recent tour of Texas vino the nine wines after the jump spiked to the top and quickly became our favorites.

2004 Alamosa Wine Cellars El Grupo Tempranillo ($18)
There's a very aromatic nose on this sultry and voluptuous wine that is a complex-style Tempranillo – great for fans of that grape but also a nice introduction to this wine. Notes of blueberries, juniper and dark chocolate mingle for a fantastic wine that's good with grilled meats or desserts.

2007 Inwood Estates Vineyards "Cornelious" Tempranillo ($40)
Inky and with notes of dark fruit (cherries), this wine also has a tannic finish and is a drier Tempranillo style.

2005 Llano Estacado "Viviano" ($35)
A Sangiovese blend, the "Viviano" has oak on the nose, and its complex palate contains notes of dark fruit. Pair this wine with rich pasta sauces and the wine's nuances will become even more prominent.

2008 Becker Vineyards Viognier ($15)
A touch of smoke on the nose is followed by nice effervescence and a soft, nectarine-flavored finish that lingers. This is a Viognier that is heavier in body.

2008 Becker Vineyards Reserve Merlot ($18)
Sweet, dried-cherry notes power this wine into a complex, interesting Merlot that also has a smoky nose and undercurrent, as well as a fantastic finish.

2009 Becker Vineyards Riesling ($10)
This drier-style Riesling might suit wine drinkers who claim they don't enjoy Riesling for its honeyed, sweet flavors. A refreshing and clean palate makes this wine very versatile when pairing with foods.

2008 Torre di Pietra "Dirty Girl" ($15)
Produced from Chardonnay grapes, this wine has white-peach notes, honey and pineapples on the nose and a nice effervescence accented by green apples.

2008 Torre di Pietra Blanc du Bois ($13)
A nose of perfume, almost like ocean air, leads into baked-apple notes, some mineralities and a honeyed finish. Ideally, you should pour this wine at room temperature.

2006 Torre di Pietra Primitivo ($25)
A bouquet of cinnamon and cloves serves as an elegant introduction to a palate packed with milk chocolate, currants, smoke and cherry notes, before leading into a creamy finish.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: becker vineyards, texas wine, TexasWine, torre di pietra, wine

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-04-2010 @4:26PM Danner said... Good to see an article on Texas Wine.. several good ones in the hill country around Austin... one of my favorites is about an hour outside of houston called Messina Hof.
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5-12-2010 @12:40PM melissa said... Next time you're out in the Fredericksburg/Stonewall area, give Woodrose a try. It's not far from Torre di Pietra and a few others in Stonewall. Some truly gorgeous wines (including a very special white port-style wine), and a beautiful view on their multi-level wood deck surrounded by enormous trees.
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