Due to the fact that Texas has a wide range of topography and climate, Texas
grapegrowers are finding that some grapes do well in in certain parts of Texas
while others do better in other regions. In the Panhandle plains where the
temperatures are cooler, of course grapes that grow best in cooler regions
are better suited for planting here. And grapes that fair better in warmer
climates are planted in such areas. About 80% of the grape varieties in the
United States grow in Texas. Since the vast majority of the land mass was
covered by ocean waters millions of years ago, today we have prime soil for
planting grapes. It is no wonder that Texas vineyards have become so successful.
Below are a few of the different varieties of grapes grown in Texas.
Barbera
(Bar-BEHR-uh) ~ Red: full bodied, berry flavors, low tannins. |
Brunello
(Brew-NEHL-oh) ~ Red: black and red fruits, heavy tannins. |
Cabernet Franc
(Kab-er-NAY FRANHK) ~ Red: blending grape, usually with Cabernet Sauvignon, & Merlot. On its own it is a lighter fruitier style wine with cherry blackberry, and vanilla essence. |
Cabernet Sauvignon
(Kab-er-NAY SO-vin-yon) ~ Red: the most popular red grape. Rich with black cherry, plum, and currant flavors. |
Chardonnay
(Shar-dun-NAY) ~ White: the most popular white grape. Very flavorful, fruity, dry, sometimes oaky, buttery finish. |
Chenin Blanc
(SHEN'N-blahnk)~ White: delicate melon, pear, and citrus flavors. Usually a semi-sweet wine, can also be dry. |
Dolcetto
(Dole-CHET-toe) ~ Red: smooth, fruity,and nutty with hints of licorice. |
Gamay
(Ga-MAY) ~ Red: a lighter fruity wine. |
Gewurztraminer
(Geh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner) ~ White: floral and crisp, with spicy undertones. |
Grencache
(Greh-NASH) ~ Red: medium body with fruit and spices. |
Merlot
(MARE-low) ~ Red: a lighter style silky smooth wine. Sometimes blended with Cabernet. |
Muscat
(MUSS-cat) ~ White: sweet to semi-sweet, effervescenty. |
Nebbiolo
(NEH-bee-oh-low) ~ Red: this wine can take on different characteristics depending on the age. When consumed young, a light and fruity wine with strong cherry, chocolate, and raisin essences. When aged for two to three years the characteristics change significantly and an earthy, licorice flavor results. |
Petite Sirah
(Peh-TEET Sih-RAH) ~ Red: intesnse peppery flavors with mouth gripping tannins. |
Pinot Blanc
(PEA-no BLAHNK) ~ White: spicy pear flavors with hints of citrus and honey. |
Pinot Gris/Grigio
(PEA-no GREE/GREE-jzhee-o) ~ White: a soft fruity style, dry with mineral flavors. |
Pinot Noir
(PEA-no nwahr) ~ Red: a lighter style red wine with earth and leather flavors along with some hints of vanilla. |
Riesling
(REES-ling) ~ White: this wine can range from very sweet to dry. The sweeter wines will have citrus and honey flavors while the dryer styles will be more tart with grapefruit flavors. |
Sangiovese
(San-geeo-VEHS-eh) ~ Red: medium to full-bodied with rasberry, cherry and anise flavors. |
Sauvignon Blanc
(SO-vin-yon Blahnk) ~ White: this herby wine is crisp and fruity with very strong herbal grassy flavors. |
Semillon
(SEM-ih-yon) ~ White: a grassy fig flavored wine, it is no wonder it is often used for blending with Sauvignon Blanc. |
Shiraz/Sirah
(SHEER-oz/Sih-RAH) ~ Red: a heavier style wine with blackbery, peppery, nutty flavors. |
Viognier
(Vee-oh-NYAY) ~ White: a medium-bodied wine with citrus, peach, apple and apricot flavors. |
Zinfandel
(Zin-fan-DELL) ~ Red: a spicy peppery wine with hints of berries, and dark cherries. White Zinfandel's are usually made from this grape and fermented with out the skins, which results in the pink or blush color. Blush or Rose wines are usally a blend with the skinned grape. |
