Texas is a haven for wine lovers. Over 100 wineries dot the Texas landscapes. There are 8 grape growing regions according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Eighty-five percent of wine from a Viticultural Area must be made from grapes grown within the area’s boundaries. If the wine is a varietal, 75 percent of that wine must be made from the designated grape variety.
Let’s simplify it by red and white Texas varietals:
Texas Wines Red Varietals:
Malbec
Complex, tannin-laden red with lush flavors of plums, berries and spice. Pair with beef dishes, turkey and hearty stews.
Tempranillo
Lush, smoky red with a hint of vanilla and rich, dark fruits. Pair with pizza, cabrito and tamales.
Syrah
Smokey red with soft tannins, toasted oak, berries and plums. Pair with beef stew, grilled meats, pizza and wild game.
Sangiovese
Smooth-textured red varietal spiced with wild raspberries and licorice. Pair with beef, pork, pasta dishes and cheese.
Zinfandel
Full-bodied, bold and fruity red bursting with berries and spice. Pair with BBQ, red pasta sauce and pizza.
Merlot
Medium-to-full bodied red with a subtle, herbaceous flavor and soft tannins. Pair with meatloaf, grilled tuna and eggplant parmesan.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Complex, hearty red with bold flavors of cherry, cedar and chocolate. Pair with rack of lamb, T-bone steak and wild game.
Pinot Noir
Rich, smooth red with delicate notes of black cherries and cloves. Pair with duck, salmon and turkey.
Lenoir
Deep, dark red with notes of raspberry, cinnamon, cherry-chocolate, clove and brown sugar. Pair with raspberries and chocolate, as well as duck, venison and brisket.
Texas Wines White Varietals:
Chardonnay
Clean, crisp, well-balanced white with big flavors of citrus and oak. Pair oak-aged with light beef with cream sauces or smoked chicken; unoaked with lobster and veal.
Blanc du Bois
Light, fresh-finished white with notes of grapefruit and apples. Pair with fish with lemon butter sauce, pasta Alfredo and pineapple chicken.
Pinot Grigio
Creamy, slightly perfumed white with rich color and a fresh palate. Pair with TexMex, gulf fried shrimp and oysters.
Viognier
Intense, slightly spicy white with notes of floral, peach and apricot. Pair with lettuce wraps (Chinese), white fish with mango salsa and paella.
Riesling
Crisp, unobtrusive white accented by rich, fruit flavors and a floral bouquet. Pair with Indian cuisine, Greek salad and Jamaican pork.
Sauvignon Blanc
Silky smooth white with floral, grassy and delicate herbal properties. Pair with fish, shrimp, cream soups and veggies.
Chenin Blanc
Delicate, floral white with a dry, well-balanced finish. Pair with cheese crepes, quiche and Waldorf salad.
Orange Muscat
Fruity, sweet white with notes of gooseberry and orange peel. Pair with ice cream, dark chocolate and smoked salmon.
Muscat Blanc
Light, fragrant white accented by coriander, peach and citrus flavors. Pair with fish, pasta, raw vegetables and soups.
Muscat Canelli
Fresh, fruity white retaining the zesty flavors of the grape. Pair with chocolate, fresh fruit, fish and pasta.
Gewurztraminer
Full-bodied, pungent white characterized by fruity, nutty flavors. Pair with BBQ, sushi and blackened fish.
Semillon
Bold and oaky, this sweet white carries hints of honey and figs. Pair with fried catfish, olive tapenade and fried chicken, as well as blue cheese or crème brûlèe.
See a complete list of Texas wineries here
