Top 100 wines of Texas
Discover the top 100 best wines of Texas as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the wines that are popular of Texas and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Discovering the wine region of Texas
Texas is the largest state in the United States of America and one of the most productive viticultural states. Covering 696,000 km² (268,000 square miles) between latitudes 25-36°N, this hot, Dry state is home to a range of mesoclimates suitable for viticulture in the deserts, mountains, lakes and plains of Texas. The main Grape varieties grown in Texas are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and (despite the hot conditions) Sauvignon Blanc. Generally speaking, Texas viticulture is divided into three main regions: NorthCentral, Southeast and Trans-Pecos.
The latter refers to everything west of the Pecos River, which originates in southern New Mexico and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. The southern regions of Texas are too hot - and the eastern corner too humid - for quality viticulture, although wine production continues there despite these climatic drawbacks. The state's oldest winery, Val Verde, founded in 1883, is located in southwestern Texas near the border with Mexico and produces wines from classic grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and especially Muscat Canelli. The best vineyards in Texas are generally found in the north-central region, more precisely within the limits of the AVA (American Viticultural Area) of the Texas High Plains.
Discover the grape variety: Tannat
Tannat is a red grape variety from Béarn which belongs to the cotoïdes family. Present in several vineyards of France, it occupies nearly 3,000 ha. Its leaves are reddish with tan patches. Its bunches are either of normal size or larger. Its berries have a thin skin and are rounded. Its foliage has a swarthy appearance. This variety must be pruned long because it is vigorous. It likes sandy and gravelly soils. Tannat is often exposed to leafhoppers and mites. It is also somewhat susceptible to grey rot. It has 11 approved clones, including 474, 717 and 794. Once mature, this variety produces acidic, fruity, tannic, acidic and full-bodied wines. Various aromas emerge, notably tobacco, cinnamon and exotic wood. Tannat is rarely used alone. It is combined with iron-servadou to obtain a fruitier taste or with cabernet sauvignon to be more rounded.
Food and wine pairing with a wine of Texas
wines from the region of Texas go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, game (deer, venison) or spicy food such as recipes of fillet of beef in a foie gras and truffle crust, rabbit with green olives or chicken massala.
Organoleptic analysis of wine of Texas
On the nose in the region of Texas often reveals types of flavors of non oak, earth or oak and sometimes also flavors of red fruit, black fruit or spices. In the mouth in the region of Texas is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
