Wine Life - Houston

Francois Diligent  Brut Nature Pinot Blanc Champagne NV - While every wine student knows the three main grapes of Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, many people don't know that there are actually seven approved grapes that could be in your bottle.  This 100% Pinot Blanc sparkler was sourced from the Côte des Bar and spent three years on its lees. It is a Brut Nature which means that no sugar was added. It is currently on the list at Backstreet Cafe and is available chilled  on the restaurant's take-out menu. Fresh and dry with a more rounded feel, it had notes of pear and almond with a persistent mousse and clean finish. It was delicious with our takeout dinner of crab-cakes and spicy crab bucatini.  Affordably priced at $39, this unique bottle of bubbles is a great choice to upgrade your dining at home experience. Cantele Chardonnay 2018 - This Italian Chardonnay is sourced from  Guagnano and Montemesola in Puglia.  Surprisingly aromatic, I h

  Texas cattle ranchers, Ed and Susan Auler, became excited with the idea of growing wine grapes after a trip to France in 1973. Ed saw many similarities in the soils and climates in the great vineyard areas of France and his land back home. He was certain that some of the unique features of the Texas Hill Country would make it ideal for grape growing.  Over the next decade, they began to bring their dream to fruition by first planting a test vineyard on a corner of their Fall Creek Ranch in 1975 and then eventually progressing into making wine.The couple was also the force behind the Texas Hill Country getting their AVA status.      Today, Fall Creek Winery produces many award winning wines and has long been revered for their Bordeaux-style blend Meritus. A recent project by current winemaker, Sergio Cuadra, is the single varietal ExTerra line. This premium group of three wines is sourced from the Salt Lick Vineyards and includes wine made from Tempranillo, Syrah, and Mourved

As originally seen in the March issue of  Galveston Monthly magazine   Springtime is upon us and the time to think pink has begun. This month, all of the recommended wines are available on the Island so wine lovers can shop locally without leaving their spring break fun. Top picks include sparkling rosé from New Mexico, a Rioja, and a classic Provence pink.    Lovers of Texas wine will also find a suggestion of a Texas rosé to pre-order directly from the winery to make the most of their time off so they, too, can rosé all day.