Wine Life - Houston

Photo courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Alliance. Located just six miles from the Pacific Ocean on the inland side of the Santa Lucia Coastal Mountains lies Paso Robles , now California’s fastest growing wine region.  With 40,000 acres of land under vine   currently and  over 200 wineries producing, there is a lot to discover in this sizable Central Coast appellation. How large is it? For comparison sake, Napa Valley has approximately 225,000 total acres in its delineated area making it about 1/3 the size of Paso Robles. Comparing actual vineyard land currently in use, there is only a difference of 5,000 acres between the two with Napa ahead with 45,000 acres of land under vine. Paso Robles, however, has over 600,000 total acres of land within its boundaries which may allow for it to enjoy even greater expansion in the future. In 2014, eleven new AVAs within the Paso Robles AVA were recognized as distinct wine growing sub-regions. Wines sporting these new designat...

"Long and thin it will always remain,  but Chile is packing a lot of excitement into such a confined space." ~ Tim Atkins, M.W.  The quote above summarizes the message from the Wines of Chile seminar at the New Chile Pequeños Tasting in Houston last month delivered by Master Sommelier candidate Steven McDonald.  The excitement stems from Chile beginning to more fully utilize its  diverse range of soils and climates to push the country's viticultural limits. If you think the country only produces wines from its signature grape,  Carménère, it is time for you to rethink Chilean wine. 75% of all the grapes grown are red but there are a range of different varieties being produced.  This tasting focused on site specific artisan wines from cooler high elevation terroirs.  These unique growing areas support specific varieties more easily and contribute to the purity of style. The wine: Aquitania Sol de Sol 2014 - This 100% Chardonnay...

As originally seen in the June issue of Galveston Monthly magazine

Last week at the Texas Wine School, Guy Stout shared his knowledge with Houston wine professionals on the village appellation of Santenay located in the Côte de Beaune growing area in Bourgogne, also known as the Burgundy wine region of France. Santenay is situated in the southern portion of the Côte de Beaune on limestone based soils which receive ideal morning sun exposure. The area primarily produces well structured red wines from Pinot Noir but they also produce some elegant white wine from Chardonnay as well. Santenay earned AOC status in 1937. Wine wasn't the only liquid of interest at the time, a hot springs spa was a major attraction in the area until 1998 when it was closed. The wines of the region, however, have maintained their attraction through their reputation for quality and charm. There are twelve Premiers Crus Climats within the Santenay appellation. In Bourgogne, Climats are plots of land that have been delimited by winemakers for genera...