Grape Creek Vineyards Releases Euphoria: Texas Sparkling Wine
A long time ago, I mused in the blog about Texans and their love for sparkling wines (click here). However, there have been darn few sparklers actually made right here in the Lone Star state. That’s why I was so excited when to herd about Grape Creek Vineyards release of their new sparkling wine, “Euphoria”.
In celebration of this event, Owners Brian & Jennifer Heath and Winemaker Jason Englert held a premier release and tasting of Grape Creek Vineyard’s FIRST sparkling wine. They billed it as Experience Euphoria!
I came early to get a sip with Brian Heath. Before I knew it, Brian grabbed a bottle of Euphoria and a couple of glasses and asked me to follow him out on the winery’s well wooded grounds. There, he unfastened the wire closure on the bottle and launched a cork. Brian said, “You know, I really love doing this! It’s the fun part of owning a winery.” While the power of the carbonation only powered the cork about 15 feet, the wine that flowed forth was worthy of attention.
The joyful sparkling wine featured Grape Creek’s estate Chenin Blanc, blended with Andy Timmons Lost Draw Vineyard’s Pinot Grigio and just a hint of Muscat Canelli for its floral aromatic. While not fully dry, the Wines only have a light perception of sweetness on the palate that when combined with the effervescence, the fruit and aroma, makes for a wonderful sparkling wine experience.
The lack of carbonated power of the wine, while first unexpected, showed that it was made in the style of sparkling wines called “Frizzante”. This style includes many pleasing wines of Europe made with lower carbonation than found in customary Champagnes such as German Sekt, Spanish Espumoso, Italian Spumante and French Cremant or Mousseux wines. My impression after tasting Grape Creek Euphoria was its similarity to Italian Prosecco with a crisp fresh taste and aroma with friendly mouthfeel, as well.
Right now Euphoria is limited to Wine Club Members (another good reason to join – click here for more information). But, if there is any left after the release, maybe there will be some available for the rest of us.
Brian Heath made certain that he gave a special thanks to the people that Texas Custom Wine Works in Brownfield. Making sparkling wine takes special equipment and expertise not found at many Texas Wineries. Most sparkling wines sold from Texas wineries thus far has been made out of state. This is only one of many important services at Texas Custom Wine Works that supports the readily growing Texas wine industry. Together Grape Creek Vineyards and Texas Custom Wine Works are making a difference…bringing a bit of the native sparkle to Texas!
