TEXAS HILL COUNTRY, July 12, 2017 – The five wineries of Texas Fine Wine are optimistic about this year’s harvest, predicting it will be one of the best in Texas’ history. Barring any unexpected weather challenges, this year’s crop looks great in terms of yield and quality in both the Texas Hill Country and Texas High Plains AVAs.
Here’s a harvest snapshot from the Texas Fine Wine wineries:
Bending Branch Winery is among the first wineries in Texas that have already begun harvesting, with some early-ripening Blanc du Bois and Sauvignon Blanc already in the door from custom crush clients.
“Bending Branch Winery is very fortunate to work with several of the most respected vineyards in the Texas High Plains and the Texas Hill Country,” said Dr. Robert Young, Bending Branch Winery owner. “The Texas High Plains crop looks very promising for 2017 particularly the Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and the emerging variety originating from Umbria called Sagrantino. We are very pleased with Tallent Vineyards’ Tannat in the Mason area and Hoover Valley Vineyards’ Roussanne planted near Marble Falls. It is looking to be a banner year for Texas wines.”
Milder than usual winter temperatures saw Kuhlken Vineyards awakening and bud breaking earlier than what is normally expected, with its two blocks of Tempranillo well on their way through verasion and Grenache not far behind.
“We are expecting to harvest Tempranillo in mid-July, which is about two weeks ahead of schedule,” said Joanna Wilczoch, Pedernales Cellars vineyard manager. “Our yield will be relatively low to maintain high quality fruit. We are hopeful with weather conditions remaining favorable, we will have another excellent crop this season.”
After going through the warmest winter on record and very early bud break, Brennan Vineyards was understandably concerned about a devastating late freeze, which thankfully did not happen.
“Conscientious pruning and generous spring rains has put Brennan Vineyards in shape for a record harvest,” said Pat Brennan, winery owner. “Our vineyards look the best ever and the High Plains vineyards we work with are clean and healthy with balanced canopies and appropriate crop loads. We are really looking forward to seeing what this vintage brings us.”
Harvest in the Texas Hill Country is definitely ahead of schedule, with Spicewood Vineyards expecting to harvest its estate Sauvignon Blanc and Tempranillo next week. An early harvest is a good omen for Spicewood Vineyards owner Ron Yates.
“Our 2012 Tempranillo – one of our best wines – was harvested on June 27, so we are optimistic about this year’s crop,” said Yates. “We will have our first harvest of Grenache and Tempranillo from Farmhouse Vineyards in the Texas High Plains; we have struggled with Grenache here in the Hill Country in the past so we are excited to get this High Plains fruit. We will also have our first harvest of our estate Carignan.”
“We are expecting a large crop of exceptional quality from the Salt Lick Vineyards here in the Hill Country,” said Dave Reilly, winemaker of Duchman Family Winery. “Only one of our vineyards in the High Plains received hail in the early spring; everything else there is very good.”
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