Texas boasts an abundance of hardy grape varieties that reflect its spirited wine history. From heat-loving Mediterranean grapes to remnants of native species, the state’s vines have proven their resilience. Today over 70 varieties blanket the landscape, mostly hardy reds that handle Texas’ viticultural challenges in stride. Here we explore a few of the top grapes thriving in the distinctive terroirs of this darling new world wine region. Discover the rising stars that are putting Texas wines on the map.
Grape “Variety” vs Wine “Varietal”
Learning wine lingo can be tricky, but unlocking these two terms will have you talking grapes in no time:
Variety = Grape Type
When you hear “variety,” think grape type. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese are all grape varieties. Texas grows over 70 different varieties!
Varietal = Single-Grape Wine
“Varietal” refers to a wine made mainly from one grape variety. So if you have a wine labeled “Texas Tempranillo,” that’s a varietal Tempranillo made primarily from Tempranillo grapes grown in Texas.
Lone Star Legends: Red Grape Varieties of Texas
Cabernet Sauvignon
The king of grapes feels right at home in Texas, especially in high elevations where the season stretches. Loved for its structured blackberry flavors, Cab thrives in Texas’ dry, sunny climes when left to fully ripen. Expect herbal, floral notes to join the ripe fruit thanks to Texas’ harvest timing.
Tempranillo
This Spanish rose excels in the Texas sun. With a neutral nature perfect for showcasing terroir, Tempranillo reveals its rustic or refined personality depending on where it’s grown. Texas wines highlight the grape’s fruit and structure.
Merlot
The third most planted grape in Texas, Merlot churns out decadent, fruity wines thanks to limestone soils reminiscent of its Bordelaise origins. From delightfully juicy to seriously textured, Texas Merlot shines.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre plantings have surged in Texas for its hearty nature and terroir transparency. This refreshing, adaptable grape counters the heavy French styles to reveal the state’s diverse terroirs in its taste.
Sangiovese
Hailing from Italy, this drought-tolerant grape morphs into a Texas chameleon, adapting its savory, herbaceous nature to local terroir. Expect medium-bodied, fruit-forward and floral styles.
Malbec
Originally from France, hardy Malbec grows well across Texas. The state’s full-bodied Malbecs flaunt deep purple hues and flavors of plum, blackberry and chocolate, with gentle tannins making them instantly drinkable.
Grape Talk: The top 10 planted grape varieties are almost all red, except for the popular white grape Blanc du Bois, a hardy French-American hybrid grape that makes pleasant, fruit-forward white wines well-suited to hot climates.
White Wonders: Texas’ Bright White Grapes
Viognier
This Northern Rhône darling brings lush texture and intense floral aromas to Texas. Balanced and bright despite the heat, Viognier adapts to varied winemaking styles as an aromatic alternative to Chardonnay.
Roussanne
A rhone ranger, this heat-loving grape reveals the state’s terroirs with its neutral nature. Texas Roussanne offers a spectrum from fruity to rustic.
Marsanne
Grown in limestone-rich Texas soil, Marsanne churns out decadent, fruit-forward whites with a round mouthfeel. From delicate to serious, it shines on its own or blended.
Blanc du Bois
This floral, citrusy hybrid thrives in humid Gulf Coast climes, where it makes dry to sweet wines. Its suitability to Texas has made it the state’s most planted white.
Chardonnay
In hot Texas, Chardonnay adapts as a more delicate, fruit-forward style with limestone minerality compared to its butterier counterparts. Unoaked examples retain vibrancy.
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