We’re raising a glass to ‘Try January’ – a growing trend that invites wine lovers to break out of their comfort zones and explore new varieties. With more than 70 wine grape varieties planted across the state, Texas is the ideal playground for your next adventure.
Our wineries are no exception! From Picpoul Blanc and Semillon to Teroldego and Agliancio, you can find a wide variety of lesser-known white, red and rosé wines that can transport you to other parts of the world.
Ready to expand your palate? Here are our top picks for your ‘Try January’ journey:
Bending Branch Winery
2024 Picpoul Blanc – Bending Branch introduced Picpoul Blanc to Texas in 2009, making it one of the winery’s signature grapes. With citrus and pineapple notes, it’s a great option for Sauvignon Blanc lovers. Best news? There’s also a sparkling Picpoul Blanc – pure and palate pleasing!
2019 Estate Souzão – Native to Portugal, Souzão thrives in the Texas Hill Country. It is one of only a few tienturier grape varieties (grapes with red flesh and juice, not just red skins). Like a big, bold red? This is for you.
Duchman Family Winery
2019 Aglianico – Known as the “Barolo of the South,” this Southern Italian variety was an early triumph for Duchman. This spicy red has layers of dark fruit with great structure and complexity.
2024 Vermentino – Another Duchman trailblazer, Vermentino is a white grape that hails from Italy and is known for its refreshing profile. This is great option for Chardonnay, with notes of lemon, pineapple and ripe apple.
Pedernales Cellars
2022 Texas High Plains Teroldego – Native to Northern Italy, Teroldego produces a stunning red wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum. While often a blending grape, Pedernales makes a single varietal wine in the best vintages.
2022 Kyla Semillon – A Bordeaux grape often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or made into a sweet white wine, it’s a great grape for Texas because it holds on to its acidity. This sparkling wine from Pedernales has white peach and golden delicious apple notes, with hints of almond.
Spicewood Vineyards
2024 Louisa –100% Semillon in still form, this white offers notes of citrus, lemons and honeydew melon, anchored with bright acidity.
2021 Battle of Toro – The name tells the story: Spanish Tempranillo and Portugese Touriga Nacional duke it out in your glass. Some sips bring Tempranillo’s bright red fruit forward; others let Touriga’s rich, dark berry notes take the lead.
This month, we hope you’ll commit to ‘Try January’ and taste something new. Visit our wineries and discover why Texas is such an exciting wine region.