Texas Wine Collective Wine Club Release – Apr-2023
It is time for the Texas Wine Collective April Wine Club Release. Spring is definitely here with warmer weather, some threatening thunderstorms, prolific wildflower blossoms, and oak pollen that drives some folks’ allergies crazy. To go along with all of that, the TWC pickup events are scheduled on Sundays, April 16 and April 23. There will be two sessions each Sunday, Session One – 11:00 am-1:30 pm or Session Two - 2:30 pm-5:00 pm, with opportunities to taste all the wines from this release and enjoy several small food bites to enhance the experience. There will also be live music for your enjoyment. Check the website – www.texaswinecollective.com - to make reservations. Four adults per wine club membership are allowed to join the fun.
Allocation Selection: R=Red, M=Mixed, W=White, S=Sweet
Brennan Vineyards Super Nero 2019 Texas R/M
Grape(s): Nero d’Avola 50%; Malbec 14%; Syrah 14%; Montepulciano 14%; and Carmenere 8%
Mechanically harvested fruit; cuvées fermented separately in SS tanks; aged 16 months in used American & French oak barrels; blended and bottled @ 14.5% ABV, 0% RS (DRY)
Nero d’Avola is the most important red wine grape in Sicily, originating near the seaport town of Avola. Medium ruby color with aromas of fruit punch, red plums, and raisins. The flavors are tart cherry, tobacco, and cinnamon spice with nuances of cigar box, black tea, rose petals, and tarragon. The acid balance and soft tannins lend a velvety finish. Pair with veal scallopini, BBQ pork ribs, and jalapeno poppers.
Lost Oak Winery Petit Verdot 2021 Texas R/M
Grape(s): Petit Verdot 100%, Sprayberry Vyd, Midland, TX
Machine harvested; fermented in SS tank; underwent malolactic transformation and aged about 19 months in used oak barrels; bottled @ 12.6% ABV, 0% RS (dry)
This dark, rich, full-bodied wine shows off the versatility of this important Bordeaux grape variety. Typically blended at 4-10%, Petit Verdot adds darker color, richer flavor, and better tannin structure to many Bordeaux red blends. Alone, Petit Verdot can produce a tannic wine with unpleasant astringency, UNLESS techniques are used to soften tannins and highlight the fruit. Winemakers Jim Evans and Angela Chapman have created a rich, relatively low in alcohol, pleasant version of Petit Verdot that pairs with sage and prosciutto pasta, sausage rigatoni with vodka sauce, Memphis-style ribs, eggplant parmesan, and bourbon plum walnut crumble.
McPherson Cellars Sangiovese 2021 TX High Plains R
Grape(s): Sangiovese 100%, Lahey Vyds, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty, and Sagmor Vyd near Lubbock, TX
Fermented 10 days in SS tank with overall 25-day skin contact; aged 14 months in French oak barrels (20% new); bottled @ 13.7% ABV, 0.2% RS (dry)
Kim McPherson and Spenser Igo pay homage to Doc McPherson who was the first to plant Sangiovese on the High Plains with this flagship wine. Aromas and flavors of red liquorice, black cherry cola, white pepper, with nuances of vanilla and baking spices. This is a dry, medium-bodied wine with soft mouth feel and a rich, smooth finish. Pairs with stuffed mushrooms, white pie sausage pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, and grilled meats - pork or chicken.
McPherson Cellars Viognier 2021 TX High Plains W
Grape(s): Viognier 100%, sourced from Texas High Plains vineyards
Fermented 28 days at 58oF in SS tank; aged in SS tank with no malolactic transformation; bottled @ 13.8% ABV, 0.3% RS (essentially DRY)
Viognier, a key grape from the Rhône Valley of France, has become a “workhorse” white variety in Texas. Often blended with Marsanne and Roussanne, it can easily stand alone as a distinctive varietal bottling. Typical aromas and flavors are peach, apricot, pear, and melon with notes of honeysuckle blossom and pineapple leading to a crisp and refreshing finish. Pair with most seafood, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin or mushroom cups (bacon wrapped just about anything), charbroiled oysters or shrimp, white cheese fondue, fried okra, and classic chef or cobb salads.
Lost Oak Winery Texas Duet 2022 TX High Plains W
Grape(s): Viognier 75%, Bingham Family Vyds, Meadow, TX, Terry Cty; Sauvignon Blanc 15%, Burning Daylight Vyd, Rendon, TX, Tarrant Cty; and Muscat Blanc 10%, Reddy Vyd, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty
Machine harvested fruit; fermented cold and aged in SS tanks; blended and bottled @ 14.9% ABV, about 0.2% RS (dry)
Using Viognier as the base, winemakers Jim Evans and Angela Chapman blended this refreshing aromatic white for spring and summertime enjoyment. Normally a two-grape blend, 10% Muscat was added to boost aroma and crispness. Aromas of melon, gooseberries, and a hint of wet slate followed by flavors of lime, orange, and white tea leaves. The lingering finish is bright and crisp with a tart pear nuance. Pair with garlic cheese focaccia, avocado toast, pork tenderloin with asparagus, lemon pepper shrimp linguini, and prosciutto-wrapped melon slices.
Brennan Vineyards Pinot Gris 2022 TX High Plains W/M
Grape(s): Pinot Gris 100%, Reddy Vyds, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty
Mechanically harvested fruit was pressed and fermented cold at 52oF; aged in SS tank (no malolactic transformation); bottled @ 12.5% ABV, 0% RS (dry)
Better known as Pinot Grigio from Italy, this grape variety is important in Alsace, Austria, Oregon, and now Texas for production of both light-bodied and richer white wines. This lighter-bodied version has aromas and flavors of persimmon, tropical papaya, and ripe Bosc pear with notes of key lime and pineapple. The mouth feel is bright and refreshing with a lush, velvety finish. Pair with simply prepared seafood dishes, bake brie with peach preserves and pecans, mild cheeses, and prosciutto wrapped honeydew melon slices.
Lost Oak Winery Red Moscato 2022 TX High Plains S
Grape(s): Muscat Blanc 75%, Reddy Vineyards, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty, and Ruby Cabernet 25%, Krick Hill Vineyard, Levelland, TX, Hockley Cty
Machine harvested Muscat fruit was pressed; fermented cold; aged in stainless steel tank (no malolactic transformation); blended with just enough Ruby Cab to achieve a vibrant raspberry color; sweetened and stabilized; bottled @ 13.8% ABV, 2.0% RS (semi-sweet)
Patterned after but lighter than Dolce Rouge, this wine offers aromas of red delicious apples, wild strawberries, and a hint of nutmeg. The flavors are apple, mango, and blackberry with notes of ripe raspberry on a soft and refreshing finish. Pair with fruit and cheese, spicy ramen with beef, sun dried tomato gnocchi, baked potato topped with chili, and dark chocolate drizzled strawberry macarons.
Lost Oak Winery Sweet Duet 2022 TX High Plains S
Grape(s): Trebbiano 36%, Six Hearts Vyd, Tokio, TX, Yoakum Cty; Muscat Blanc 34%, Reddy Vineyard, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty; and Riesling 30%, Diamante Doble Vyd, Tokio, TX, Terry Cty
Machine harvested fruit was fermented separately at cold temperature and aged in SS tank (no malolactic transformation); blended, sweetened, stabilized, and bottled @ 13.8% ABV, 5% RS (sweet)
This unusual yet refreshing blend is designed to please those who like chilled, sweeter wines. Aromas of chamomile and golden apple. Flavors of apple and candied lemon peel. The sweet, lingering finish offers notes of ruby red grapefruit and honey. Pair with feta and fig crostini, lobster bisque with saffron, kung pao chicken, chicken and waffles with honey butter, or salted caramel crème brûlée.
Brennan Vineyards Three White Chicks Texas Comanche County S
Grape(s): Gewurztraminer 64% and Riesling 36%, Reddy Vyds, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty
Machine harvested fruit was fermented cold and aged in SS tanks; blended, sweetened, and stabilized before bottling @ 13.3% ABV, 1.8% RS (moderately sweet)
Golden straw color; aromas of gardenia and orange blossoms with sweet cantaloupe nuance; flavors of apricot preserves, fresh mango, gooseberry, and cotton blossom honey; bright acids with a zippy finish. A zesty wine to pair with creamy soft cheeses, sushi, or slightly spicy curry, Thai, or Mexican fare.