Super Summer Sippers from Pedernales

June 12, 2013

It's that time of year again, Gentle Reader.  The long hot summer (which, of course, is longer and hotter in Texas) has begun.

With the heat, one's fancy shifts yet again to cool crisp white and rosé wines. "Summer sippers" as Yr Mst Hmbl & Obdt Svt is oft want to call them.

Two outstanding ones are from right here in Texas. Pedernales Cellars was most kind to send two sample bottles for my consideration (Ethical Disclosure) of some new releases from the 2012 vintage: Dry Rosé and Albariño. I have to give props to them right off the bat for using nothing but Texas High Plains AVA fruit.

The Dry Rose is 70% Tempranillo and 30% Sangiovese.  The wine is a lovely structured balance of aroma and flavors.  Berry, light green apple and a nice crisp acidity are in elegant harmony with just a hint of minerality for some body.  Wonderful to drink alone, but would also pair nicely with light appetizer fare.  Reminded me more of Rosé from the Languedoc than the US.  They did not make much, just a hair over 200 cases, so I would grab one while you can. 

The Alabariño was a bit shy and reticent at first, but after about 20 minutes of breathing, the wine came into its own.  A solid wine of nice complexity and structure that stays light and lively in the glass.  Pleasant green fruit and fresh herbs on the nose, leading to crisp lime toned citrus and fresh green herbal notes on the palate.  Solid and wet stony minerality give it good complexity.  It paired nicely with Texas style Barbecued chicken for dinner.  As it should.  A solid summer supper sipper.

Once again, Pedernales and the Kuhlken family are leading our Texas wine industry down the path of righteousness and quality.  Yes, I am often very hard on Texas wines, but am also pleased to give praise when and where it is due.  It is quite appropriate in this case. I hope the rest of the Texas winemakers are paying attention.

Allow me a moment Gentle Reader, to again proffer my annual advice for the summer. Do NOT leave your wine, or your dog, in the car for any length of time.  Treat that bottle of wine like a gallon of ice cream!  In fifteen minutes at 95 degrees, the inside of your car can reach 125 degrees! You can literally cook that bottle of wine at those temperatures. Please! Don't leave wine or pets in your car in the heat!

Cheers

Rob Moshein
Austin Wine Guy