D

Where Texas Wine Comes From, Part One: Newsom Vineyards

If you’ve drunk your fair share of Texas wine, chances are you’ve heard of Newsom Vineyards. Winemakers almost always include the vineyard designation on their label–the grapes are well worth the recognition. Newsom grapes help many winemakers win gold at competitions across the state, nationally, and internationally. I first heard of the vineyard from LightCatcher Winemaker Caris Turpen. Her Newsom Cabernet Sauvignon solidified my belief that many Texas wines can stand up to top-quality producers from around the globe. A few other standouts include Inwood Estates Cornelius Tempranillo, Llano Estacado’s Viviano, Texas Hills Kick Butt CabNewsom, Becker Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Fredericksburg Winery Late-Harvest Orange Muscat, and San Martino Winery’s Dolce (follow the jump for notes).

On a recent visit to the High Plains I had the chance to meet Neal and Janice Newsom, visit their vineyards, and taste grapes off the vine. For a wine geek like me, you can compare the experience to a Star Wars fanatic getting the chance to meet (and lunch) with George Lucas. When I finally got over my starstruck moments of nerdiness, I found out that Neal is not only a dedicated family man, he’s a passionate farmer dedicated to growing the best possible grapes with his soil. Much of his 92 acres of vines are grown on a red sandy, loamy soil on top of caliche limestone at an elevaton of 3800 feet.

I was a little shocked at first–limestone in Texas. Winemakers the world over seek grapes grown on top of limestone. It lends a complex minerality to the wine that cannot be manufactured. It’s in the grapes or it’s not. Winemakers can’t finesse that kind of complexity. He grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Malbec, Pinot Grigio, and Orange Muscat. Click here to see a slideshow and more notes from my trip to Newsom Vineyards. Follow the jump to read about Inwood Estates Cornelius Tempranillo (named after Neal–it’s his middle name), LightCatcher Etain’s Rose as well as Llano Estacado’s Viviano.

2005 Inwood Estates Cornelius Tempranillo

This wine has a soft elegance that has a velvety mouthfeel. I can’t resist the red fruit flavors with a touch of vanilla. It is 100 percent Newsom Tempranillo and aged in French oak. It has a similar profile to Pinot Noir, but packs a little more of a punch and has a darker, inky color. This wine is not made every year, so don’t pass it up when you see it.

2007 LightCatcher Etain’s Rose

I have to admit I am partial to this wine. I drank it exclusively throughout my wedding reception, which was held at LightCatcher on May 3, 2008. It is a vibrant pink color, but not sweet. It is a dry Merlot rose that has refreshing notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a mild spice. It is the perfect wine for Thanksgiving and everyday drinking with friends. 100 percent Newsom.

2005 Llano Estacado Viviano

Executive Winemaker Greg Bruni calls this Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese blend a “Super Texan.” Like the Super Tuscans in Italy, this wine is impressive. It is big and rich, but has black cherry and tobacco notes and solid oak that is not overpowering. This is the perfect wine to introduce Texas wines to newcomers. You can share this one with pride and confidence. Try a blind tasting against any high-end California Cab. You’ll be surprised. The 2005 is 100 percent Newsom.

It’s regional wine week over at DrinkLocalWine.com. Local wine writer Jeff Siegel launched this site with the idea that there is a lot of fantastic wine out there that is overshadowed by the big guns in Napa, Sonoma, and even Oregon. Go. Click. Check out wines from around the state.

photos: Neal Newsom and Inwood Estates by Julie Blacklidge, wedding by Sara Dane Scott Photography