Back in 2015, I did a survey of favorite Texas white and red wines. I recently found the images that showed the results from that survey. So, I decided to do it again. But, I frankly do not remember the details on how I got the information for the last survey other than it was through my social media contacts at the time: Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Instagram. In the current 2024 survey, I decided to solicit Facebook group members from Texas Wine Drinkers, The Original Texas Wine Friendly, and Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association members.
The 2024 Survey Results for Texas White and Red Wines
For the Texas white wines, the survey participants identified Picpoul Blanc, Viognier, Albariño, Roussanne and Blanc Du Bois as their top five favorite white wines well above scores for any other white grape varieties. I believe the most interesting part of the results is that Picpoul Blanc (a grape name hardly known here in 2015) came in at the top spot out scoring Viognier. Also, third placed Albariño out scored Roussanne and Blanc Du Bois, but these three varieties outscored other white grapes by a substantial margin.
For the red wines, the survey participants named Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Tannat as their top five favorite red wines. I believe the most interesting part of the red wine results is that Tempranillo is still the most popular Texas red wine. The other four top scoring red wines (Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Tannat from Texas were bunched together with respectable results below Tempranillo, but well above all other red grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon is nowhere to be found in the high ranking finishers with only two votes. I, for one, am glad to see that more Texas wine drinkers are appreciating Texas-grown Petite Sirah now. I will admit, back then I made claims to now likely Petite Sirah wines largely based on my California wine drinking experience, finding them over extracted, low in acid, and generally quite flabby. However, I’ve come around to Texas Petite Sirah as it offers deep color, aroma and big flavor with a bit more finesse than generally experienced from its California brethren.
The 2015 Survey Results for Texas White and Red Wines
For comparison, the results from the 2015 survey are shown below. One observation is that we certainly have many more grapes in play (both white and red) than we did back in 2015. This tended to spread out the votes among many more grapes than in the 2015 survey. It is pretty obvious that back in 2015, Texas wine drinkers had two primary grape varieties in play in their favorite Texas wines. They were Tempranillo and Viognier that outscored all others by a sizable margin. It
Well, “nuff” said. Let’s get back to the wine drinking. After all, right now it’s the 4th of July holiday that we need to toast and celebrate. Enjoy!
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