Cabernet Franc

Cyclopedia of Wine: What’s in a Name – Claret, Clairet, Clairette – Pronounced Very Similar, But in Texas Wine Mostly Different

If you’ve been anywhere around Texas wines for the past 15 years or so, either at the winery or in just about any major supermarket you’ve seen Becker Vineyards “Claret – Le Trois Dames”. For many years, this was my “gateway” Texas wine for people that ask me for a suggestion and wanted something they could easily find locally. […]

Brunello

Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards Celebrates Saint Tryphon, Patron of Grapegrowers with Sangiovese from His Namesake Texas Hill Country Winery.

Out of the bottle and in the glass, this Sangiovese quickly shows its color and medium-plus density, and then releases its red cherry, dusty earth, green herbs and toasted oak aromas. It’s complex and I have even tasted it yet. On the palate it is crisp and lively, with clean acidity and flavors of dried red cherry, cola and a sauté of wild mushrooms. […]

Black Spanish

Texas Native Grapes: Know Them, Grow Them… Cherish Their Worldwide Legacy – Part 1

In the wild, grapes can hang on the vine between June and October, and in some cases, can remain on the vine into winter.  They are moisture and sugar laden and an energy-rich food. Native grapes like European varieties can be consumed by wildlife & humans. Their juice provides a refreshing drink, pleasing jellies and jams, and can also be fermented to make wine. The taste of native grapes varies from what you might expect from European wine grapes, but their role in viticulture is important especially today in Texas. […]