Your Guide to Texas Wines: Roussanne

Roussanne grapes are white wine grapes that were originally cultivated in France's Rhone wine region. Roussanne wine grapes are now grown all over the world, in places that include Australia, Tuscany, Washington, California, and Texas. And as it turns out, this russet-colored grape actually thrives in certain Texas climates, particularly the Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area. (Roussanne can be difficult to grow in other areas because it is very susceptible to drought, high winds and mildew.) Although often used as a blend, in California and Texas in particular Roussanne often stands on its own as a varietal. Roussanne wine ages very well, so you can purchase it to enjoy now or store it for a few years. And of course, as a Texas wine, it is one you should certainly seek out and enjoy. For an overview of just a few of the Texas vineyards and wineries that produce Roussanne varietals and blends, as well as a few recommended wines, see below.

Texas Hills Vineyard. Located (where else?) in the Texas Hill Country, these vineyards grow outstanding wine grapes, where the hot Texas days and cool hill country nights combine to grow amazing fruit. Their vineyards are dedicated to using sustainable, organic farming methods, protecting the environment as well as the quality of their wine grapes. Their Roussanne wine, which they do not blend, has aromas of honey and apricot, and flavors that include pear and hazelnut. For more information on these vineyards, winery, and their Roussanne wines, click here.

Becker Vineyards. Another Texas Hill Country winery, Becker Vineyards is located between Frederickburg and Stonewall. They have been growing excellent wine grapes since 1992, where over 45 acres of vineyards grow over 8 varieties of wine grapes. Their winery is a former German stone barn. Becker Vineyards also owns 30 acres of vineyards in Ballinger (formerly known as the Bluebonnet Hills Vineyard.) Their 2009 Roussanne wine is a lovely white wine that has aromas of jasmine and hazelnut, followed by flavors that include peach and honey. For more information on this Texas winery and its Roussanne wines, click here.

Bending Branch Winery. This small boutique winery is located just outside of Comfort, Texas (in, you guessed it, Texas Hill Country). Consisting of over 5,500 vines, made up of twelve varietals, this small winery has created many award winning wines. They also strive to maintain sustainable farming practices in their vineyards. They have an outstanding, full-bodied Roussanne wine, which has floral aromas mixed with citrus, and flavors of apricots and a touch of black pepper. For more information on this Texas winery and its Roussanne wines, click here.

If you have trouble finding Roussanne wines in your area, try looking for them under other names (which may vary depending on where the grapes are grown.) Try looking for Roussanne under the names Barbin, Martin Cot, Rebolot, Greffou or Rusan Blan wine. But remember - Texas Roussanne wine is always the best!

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.texashillsvineyard.com

http://www.beckervineyards.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roussanne

http://vintagetexas.com/blog

http://www.bendingbranchwinery.com