Wine Wanderings in Texas High Plains
Let’s Talk to the Wine-grape Experts
I was privileged to interview four of the top wine-grape growing and enology experts in the Texas High Plains AVA (American Viticultural Area) where 85% of the Texas wine-grapes are grown. The common link to these four was a recommendation by Dr. Bob Young MD, Co-founder of Bending Branch Winery, in the Texas Hill Country area of Austin/Fredericksburg. He values the knowledge and reputation of all of these wine-grape/winemaking experts, and contracts with many of them to obtain his Texas wine-grapes.
Join me in talking to the experts at McPherson Cellars, Newsom Vineyards, Reddy Vineyards, and Y Knot Vineyards. Thank you to Linda Spina, photographer and videographer, for her contributions on this trip.
See Recommendations below on several of my “best of trip” Texas wines from these winemakers/vintners
Why Texas High Plains? Interview: Reddy Vineyards
Reddy Vineyards was founded in 1997 by acclaimed viticulturist Dr. Vijay Reddy. His vast expertise in both soil chemistry and farming led to a gold medal-winning Cabernet Sauvignon with his first planting. His passion for the vineyard has determined a lifetime pursuit of perfecting and cultivating wine-grapes. In 1997, after having discovered the premium quality of grapes from the Texas High Plains, Dr. Reddy planted the family’s first grape vines. Reddy Vineyards is now comprised of a constantly expanding 300+ acres planted with 38 different varietals, making it one of the most diverse vineyards in Texas.
“Texas High Plains is really good for grape growing because we are at a higher elevation, at 3300 feet high. If you go further west, it goes all the way up to 4000 feet high elevation. Even though you have 95-degree days during middle of May, by nighttime temperatures go down to 65-degrees cooling down the plants. They will rest nicely…The soils here are a beautiful sandy loam for the top three feet, and if you go deeper and deeper, there will be calcareous soils-much like some of the celebrated French soils.”
-Dr. Vijay Reddy, Reddy Vineyards
Growing Organically in Texas: Harry and Marie Froese, Y Knot Vineyards, Seagraves, Texas
“Y Knot grow organically? We live right here with the kids. We are not big chemical fans. We learned a lot from growing organic peanuts. We decided to give it a shot. Our vineyard should be certified organic [for wine-grapes] by July if all goes well.” – Henry Froese, Y Knot Vineyards
Newsom Vineyards: International Grape Varietals and Controlled Deficit Irrigation in Texas High Plains
Newsom Vineyards, Plains Texas was founded in 2010 and has 150 acres of wine-grapes in the Texas High Plains. Varieties represent grapes originally found in France, Spain and Italy including: Albariño, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, and Tempranillo. Newsom Vineyards grapes are sold to some of the finest wineries in Texas: Bending Branch Winery, Calais Winery, Pedernales Cellars, and Inwood Estates Vineyards (among others.) In this very windy video clip Owner, Neal Newsom, discusses the benefit of controlled deficit irrigation in grape-growing in arid Texas High Plains. Along with his wife, Janice, their family represents over 100 years of farming [previously cotton] in the Texas High Plains.
Tricia Conover: “What are your opportunities growing grapes in Texas High Plains?”
“The opportunities here are our climate and terroir. We're actually pretty high for vineyards, even for anywhere in the world. We're at 3700 feet. We're a high semi-arid desert plateau. So, we spoon feed everything the plants need, nutrition-wise and irrigation-wise through the sub-irrigated vineyards. We use partial root zone drying, which is also known as control deficit irrigation. Because of our altitude and the lack of smog and no mountains on the east and west sides of us, we have really high-quality sunlight in this part of Texas. Other advantages [as winemakers] we have is our access to the large population centers and wine consumers in Texas. The number of wineries in Texas is just ballooning. There's a big demand.” – Neal Newsom, Owner, Newsom Vineyards.
The Growing Consumer Market for Texas Wines- McPherson Cellars
The McPherson family has been a part of Texas grape growing and winemaking for over 40 years. McPherson Cellars was created to honor Winemaker Kim McPherson’s father Dr. Clinton “Doc” McPherson, a founder and pioneer of the modern Texas wine industry. The renowned James Beard Foundation has twice nominated Kim as a semifinalist in the “Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Producer” category. McPherson Cellars wines have been recognized and awarded in several international wine competitions, including the prestigious Texsom International Wine Awards. He continues to play an innovative and dynamic role in the development of Texas's wine industry. The McPherson wines are widely distributed throughout the USA, prompting many new wine drinkers to appreciate the quality and value of Texas wines.
Tricia Conover: “Kim, what is your favorite wine you make?”
Kim McPherson: “Sangiovese is my favorite. My father was the first guy to plant it in Texas. Sangiovese just works here. Italian restaurants have chosen it, and they were so surprised it was grown and made in Texas.” Editor’s note: Sangiovese is the Italian varietal used in Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino Italian wines.
“Best of High Plains” Wine Recommendations
Roussanne - Marsanne 2018, McPherson Cellars, White Rhône-Style Blend, Texas High Plains $24
This wine has a creamy mouthfeel due to the extended lees contact. Flavors and aromas of lemon curd and jasmine enhance this zesty, fresh wine.
Viognier, 2018 McPherson Cellars, Texas High Plains $18
This aromatic Texas wine is a cousin to its Northern Rhône Valley counterpart. The floral notes are backed by peach and apple flavors. Perfect new wine choice for the Chardonnay fans.
Malbec, 2016 Newsom Vineyards, Texas High Plains, $35
The berry, plum, and black cherry, and smoky flavors and aromas enhance the smooth finish of this elegant wine. Pairs well with grilled meats and seafood.
Sangiovese, 2019 McPherson Cellars, Texas High Plains, $28
This wine spent 14 months in French Oak (2–3-year-old barrels). Aromas of rose and strawberry and flavors of cheery make this Italian varietal made in Texas sing.
Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019, Reddy Vineyards, Texas High Plains, $75
This wine spent 100% new French oak. Dark cherry, blueberry, vanilla and elegant finish makes this a fine Texas wine. This wine won “Best of Class 2022” San Francisco Chronicle Wine competition and “Cabernet Franc Champion” at the 2022 Houston Rodeo Uncorked!
Tannat, 2018 Bending Branch Winery, Newsom Vineyards, Texas High Plains $50
Double Gold 2022 San Francisco Chronicle awards. Rich, complex, and full of healthy polyphenols.
Where to Stay in Texas High Plains
Rock’n N Red & Breakfast, Plains, Texas at Newsom Vineyards
Where to Eat
Midnight Shift Restaurant and Bar
Wine Wanderings Editorial Calendar
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Live from Barcelona: Gaudi Influences and the Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Spain and the Gin & Tonic: Where is the Love?
Live from Priorat, Spain: Scala Dei “Ladder to God” and the Finest Wineries
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Traveling to Italy 2022: An interview with Liz Heath, Italian Travel Writer
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Great article. Such an informative trip. The McPherson Viognier is a new favorite.