Three Wines of Texas Spring

by Russ Kane, wine writer, blogger and aficionado
www.vintagetexas.com

Wines of spring are the first of the prior year’s vintage. In Texas, harvest comes early, starting in July on the Gulf Coast and progressing through October on the High Plains near Lubbock. Six months after harvest the early 2010 wines offer a fresh modern style with dominant fruit aromas and flavors with only a touch if any oak. Enjoy these wines from winemaker Kim McPherson at McPherson Cellars:

McPherson Cellars, Viognier 2010is classic McPherson statement, dominant in fruit yet yielding restraint with refreshing flavors of crisp white peach and pear combined with minerally characteristics, a soft silky feel, and a finish that invigorates and refreshes the culinary experience. Try this with our Roasted Salmon with Mustard Chive Butter. This wine offers a blessing over this dish in its aromatic floral, pleasantly sweet tropical aroma.

McPherson Cellars, Roussanne 2010, made from a new grape variety for Texas, approaches with a pale straw color and aromatic essences of sweet lemon sprinkled with hints of sage and thyme. It follows with a smooth, creamy mid-palate and long crisp citrus, green-apple finish. This wine is an ideal match to the deep flavors of our Leek & Olive Tart.

McPherson Cellars Texas Red Table Wine, Tre Colore 2010is a blend of three Rhone varietals, hearty red Mourvedre and Carignan and aromatic white Viognier, this medium bodied wine offers rich red berry flavors comingled with exciting notes of charcoal, tea and fragrant herbs. Pair this with lamb, as in our Spiced Grilled Leg of Lamb with Yogurt Sauce.

All wine available from McPherson Cellars (http://www.mcphersoncellars.com). Check winery for available outlets.

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Russ Kane has covered activities in the Texas wine industry for over a decade with articles in selected local and regional publications. He blogs regularly at www.vintagetexas.com/blog where he describes his travels around Texas, associated meet-ups, and wine tasting experiences. His book The Wineslinger Chronicles is scheduled for release Spring 2012.

To find a Texas winery, click here for an interactive map.

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