Texans know a thing or two about making wine. The state, no stranger to agriculture is known within the wine community for its grapes. Varietals grow well in Texas based on both climate and region. The following are some of the best-growing varietals in all of the great state of Texas.
1. Blanc Du Bois
These American white grapes are bred with Italian Muscat and usually blended into a white table wine. Blanc Du Bois grows primarily in Southeastern Texas. In addition to its wine’s high potential to be marketed, Blanc Du Bois is popular amongst growers partly due to its resistance to Pearce’s Disease, a bacterial infection that is infamous for destroying entire vineyards. Blanc Du Bois is grown by over 28 vineyards in Southeast Texas and makes for a good, old-fashioned white wine.
2. Cabernet Franc
French Cabernet is a certified classic, for sure. Its plump and succulent grapes are best grown in the southern plains or predominately northern areas of Texas. Cabernet Franc is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a deliciously bitter hybrid wine. Fans of typical Cabernet Franc wine will die for the Cabernet Franc of Texas wineries, including both Becker’s Vineyard and Peter’s Prairie Vineyard.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
While we’re on the subject of Cabernet, let’s revisit the Cabernet Sauvignon, another classic red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, the arguable leader of red wines, is grown all over the state of Texas. The Williams Ranch Vineyard and 1851 Vineyards are among the most popular growers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Texas, however. The grapes are best grown above 3,000 feet of elevation, but otherwise grow like weeds!
4. Cynthiana
Cynthiana grapes produce a drier wine than typical red grapes. Genetically speaking, this breed is identical to Norton Grapes. In fact, some researchers claim the Cynthiana varietal is a mutation of the Norton. The Cynthiana is grown by both the Austin County Vineyard and the Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard in central Texas.
5. Lenoir
Lenoir wine thrived in the mid-1700’s, Southern France, although Texans have since utilized it to create Texas Port. It’s resistance to Pearce’s Disease makes it easily grown in both southeastern and central Texas. Popular vineyards which have been using Lenoir or Jacquez grapes for making red table wine include Alta Mira Vineyards, Baker Ranch and Vineyard, and Blue Lotus Vineyards. Texas makes no qualms about their Lenoir’s French heritage, and consumers will consider it just another taste of Texas after trying this quality red wine.
6. Merlot
Texas is also not a stranger to Merlot! The classic French Merlot grows best at elevations over 3,000 feet but can be found all over the western half of greater Texas. The grapes produce a soft, yet full-bodied flavor, similar to that of its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon.