Past Issues:
Texas Wine Pick, dec99/jan00
Perhaps someday, when people
refer to a good Texas wine, they won't add
the following point of reference: "and
it can stand up to any comparable California
wine." I'm sure when California wine
was just coming into its own, it was compared
to French wine. When was suggested
to me as an exemplary Texas wine, I was
told it could go head-to-head (or nose-to-nose
as the case may be) with a California fumé
blanc. So, can it?
Why, yes, it can.
($9.99) is a clean, refreshing, and citrusy
wine as a good fumé blanc should be. The
slight sweetness of this wine can be attributed
to the unique blend of 96% Sauvignon and
4% Viognier. And, priced at around $10,
this Texas wine can definitely play ball
with its California brethren.
Retails for around $10. Production:
220 cases (about 90 cases are left). Currently,
distribution is primarily in Austin, Fredericksburg,
San Antonio, and Houston (at Wines of America).
Alamosa Wine Cellar is a relatively new
member of the Texas wine family. Winemaker
and owner Jim Johnson planted the vineyards
in 1996 and the winery was officially launched
in July 1999. A Sangiovese was released
this past summer, but quickly sold out.
Look for a new release of the Sangiovese
next summer. A Viognier is scheduled for
release this December. We think this Texas
winery has a particularly bright future.
Johnson holds a degree from UC Davis and
knows what he's talking about. We dig his
philosophy that Texas needs to optimize
varieties for our warm weather climate.
What a concept! We'll definitely be keeping
our eye on Alamosa.
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