Rosé in May

By: Connor Brown
The Grapevine in Gruene

There’s never a better time for a glass of wine than in the sunshine. Fortunately we’ve finally reached the month of May, which means summer is just around the corner. However, this leaves many of us with a tough decision on our patio pounding preferences.

Pedernales Rosé is a wonderful Rohne style rosé made in Fredericksburg, Texas. Made of Carignon and Mourvedre, this lovely wine has beautiful balance between its full body and its crisp acidity. Notes of strawberry and red fruit on the nose forecast a bright flavor profile of ripe fruit, with a balanced zesty-smooth finish. While Pedernales Cellars is known for its Tempranillo and Viognier, the rosé stands on its own, offering unique flavor characteristics that are very approachable to any novice or experienced wine drinker.

Next are a couple selections from a vastly underrated local winemaker, Rae Wilson. In addition to other fine wines from Austin, Rae is responsible for two of the finest Texas Rosé wines around. First we have the Dandy Rosé. Available with or without bubbles, however both provide a fantastic drinking experience. Dandy is a french style Rosé with a lot of flavor. This wine is balanced with a zesty finish, but a lot of flavor upfront. Dandy makes the perfect companion for summer drinking and casual chilling, as it is versatile enough to pair with most meals, but structured enough to enjoy on its own.

Also from Rae Wilson is her Rosato. This Italian style rosé is made of 100% Sangiovese, a naturally acidic wine that makes for a perfectly crisp and even rosé. What makes this wine special, is it’s a sangiovese, a grape commonly found in Texas, though it drinks similarly to a french rosé. One will experience an excellent equilibrium between whats expected from a sangiovese, but also expected from a medium bodied dry white. This rosé carries the entire package of flavor, crispness, and delicacy, without being too much of anything. A solid choice for drinking or pairing.

In addition to these fine Rosé wines, theres a world of wines ready for tasting to compliment your favorite summer past time. Just remember what Texas has to offer, and be amazed what can be found right in your backyard!

Springtime Sippin’

By Connor Brown 

The Grapevine in Gruene

With the sun shining and ideal weather upon us, there is no better time to kick back with some tasty beverages while awaiting the wrath that is Texas summer. However, during the few months we have, let’s think about our springtime thirst-quenchers and consider enjoying the rest of this magnificent season with some fresh and local suggestions from a reputable source, just up the road in your favorite historic district of New Braunfels.

Of everything I’m planning to indulge in this spring, I’m mostly looking forward to the company of a fresh, fun beer, and a delicious and delicate rosé to make the most of this seasons’s offerings.

Out of San Marcos, AquaBrew is responsible for some of the best craft beer within 20 miles of New Braunfels, and can be found in many establishments around town. While AquaBrew boasts a large and diverse portfolio of craft brews, one specific seasonal brew stands out. Ape-Pricot Wheat is a deliciously unique beer that is a must-try for any craft beer enthusiast. On the surface, this is a well done, full bodied wheat beer with a great balanced flavor between its complexity, fresh fruity flavor, and alcohol presence (Only 6.9% ABV!). The name says it all, notes of ripe and juicy apricot can be experienced on the nose and the palate, to create a fun and fresh choice of beverage to enjoy on a beautiful springtime stroll through Gruene.

On the wine front, Lewis Winery already has a great reputation in South Texas with their outstanding Tempranillo, and the fun and fresh Swim Spot. Located in the Hill Country of Johnson City, Lewis Winery produces a fantastic Rosé blend. A wonderful Provence style dry rosé made from a blend of Mourvedre and Grenache varieties. This rosé has pronounced flavors of ripe red fruit and citrus with a pleasantly pungent floral nose. This lovely rosé has patio-pounder capability as it drinks smooth while being incredibly refreshing. Enjoy on a sunny day with fresh fruit and delicious Brie cheese to take total advantage of prolonged visits with mother nature while enjoying the season.

Even if fruit beer or dry rosé doesn’t quite resonate with your palate, these fine examples show that Texas wine and beer makers have what it takes to compete with the trends, and continue to show why Texas has earned its place in the industry. But really, who doesn’t think apricot and beer sounds delicious? And the thought of a crisp rosé while lounging in the sun? Oh my! I know where I stand, try it out!