Top 100 wines of Texas - Page 5

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.