RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘2010’

Westcave Cellars and the Austin Hill Country Chapter

20 Jun

On June 17th, 2011 – Members of the Austin Hill Country Chapter of the American Wine Society met at Westcave Cellars Winery for a presentation led by Executive Chef of Wine Arts, Oscar A. Montes Iga, who prepared a technical sensory evaluation for attendees, and members of Westcave Cellars Wine Club. The function served as the First Official Meeting of the Chapter, as well as launched the special type of events that Wine Club Members at Westcave can expect in the future.

 

Margaret and Allan Fetty, owners of Westcave Cellars Winery were present during the component tasting, and it was a great opportunity to meet with them – they offered barrel samples for our guests and disclosed details on winemaking methodology, making this even a more extraordinary evening.

Chapter Founder, Oscar A. Montes, chose the line up of 5 wines made on site, and paired them with 8 simple foods to evaluate the pairing characteristics of wine and food.

 Guests got to learn hands on, and experience what wine professionals have to think about and go through when selecting wine for food events. The list that follows is the wines selected for this specific pairing.

 

 

    • Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Blanc de Merlot Noir, 2010

A clear orange-red rosé made with Merlot from the Panhandle of Texas. It has a nose showcasing aromas of rose petals, strawberry, cranberry and a lemon zest. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, ripe strawberry, apricot and orange zest fill the mouth. It is finished medium-sweet balanced with a smooth yet lively acidity in this medium-full body wine with a pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Muscat Blanc, 2010

Grown in the Texas High Plains, this white Muscat is clear straw to yellow canary hue. Simple aromas of ripe peach, honeysuckle and pineapple, and more developed aromas of lily, kiwi and wet stone. A pleasant quality of white peach, pear and apple flavors. Medium –dry and velvety to the tongue, medium-full body with a lively smooth acidity and a pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Viognier, 2010 [light oak]

Medium-full body and medium-dry Viogner. Clear medium straw color. It has powerful and complex aromas of white peach, lychee fruit, citrus, pear and apple, floral notes, herbal tones, and grassy accents. It has supple and lively acidity, and it fills the mouth with flavors of green apple, grapefruit, lemon and lime. Pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

A proprietor’s select blend of Cabernet grown on the Estate. A clear, medium garnet to brick red hue. It has aromas of red berries, dark plum, and clove with a hint of toasted coffee. Fills the tongue with flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and spice. Supple full body with soft tannins and a pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Tannat, 2010 [unbottled]

This estate grown Tannat is clear, with a dark opaque purple to red violet colors. Releases aromas of plum and black currant, and dark cherry. It brings flavors of black cherry, blueberry, dark plum and a nice anise or licorice finish. Smooth full body with balanced tannins and a pleasant very long finish.

Share
 
No Comments

Posted in WinEvents

 

Cowboys and Gauchos; Tejas Style

18 May

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas shines yet again with this innovative first annual event, produced by Jennifer Grathwohl. This took place in Driftwood, Texas – May 16th, 2011.

GUSTO Tastings Group was a sponsor of the event, and it furnished Certified Sommeliers to take guests through a journey of the wines sampled, they were given small informative tours on the regions and grapes, and basic wine knowledge that made this feature a memorable learning experience for those who participated.

Participatiing in this event were several regional wineries, as well as producers from South America. The foods crafted for this particular occasion had a major ’Brazilian Churrascaria’ theme going on, aside from many local vendors that brought forth their best products. I sampled some wild boar burger, and antelope chilli.

The ambiance was set in a Hill Country pavillion, located near a creek and amongst vineyards. The people were all well taken care of with the wine choices, local brews, and the meat – nonetheless, it is worth mentioning the whole ambiance came together with the live music program. I missed most of the early event, but towards the end a lively group of Flamenco Gypsies took the stage and everyone was enthranced by their rythm and sincere passion for their craft. Ole’!

This is one event to remember, and I certianly look forward to the next one! I’ll have my badge and chaps ready.

Visit the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Official Site to keep updated on events and membership benefits. Also visit www.gustotastings.com to learn more about GUSTO and your Ultimate Tasting Experience!

Share
 
Comments Off

Posted in WinEvents

 

Tastings at Westcave Cellars

30 Apr

 

On April 29th I experienced another journey into the Caves of the Cellars. An impromptu day of randomness inspired a trip to the winery in the Texas Hill Country to be able to taste wine from the region. Invited by propriétaires Margaret and Allan Fetty, a good colleague, Copper Anderson, and myself went to see the operations, and got a good oportunity to sample a wide viriety of Texan wine. More than half of the wines we sampled were unbottled, still young. But we sampled some bottled wine and overall it is a great effort and it shows and induces you to enjoy! We couldn’t be more anxious to be back yet again.

Below is what we had to sample:

 

    • Westcave Cellars Winery,
      Texas Hill Country, Viognier, 2010

      This medium-full body viognier is vinified
      off-dry. It is bright straw green color, and it has adequate aroma
      characteristics of citrus and tropical fruit and more complex aromas of candied
      peach and crystallized ginger that finishes with a hint of vanilla. It has
      smooth crisp acidity with a pleasant very long finish.

 

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas High Plains, Viognier, 2010

      • Medium-full body and medium-dry Viogner. Clear
      medium straw color. It has powerful and complex aromas of white peach, lychee
      fruit, citrus, pear and apple, floral notes, herbal tones, and grassy accents.
      It has supple and lively acidity, and it fills the mouth with flavors of green
      apple, grapefruit, lemon and lime. Pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas High Plains, Muscat Blanc, 2010

    Grown in the Texas High Plains, this white
    Muscat is clear straw to yellow canary hue. Simple aromas of ripe peach,
    honeysuckle and pineapple, and more developed aromas of lily, kiwi and wet
    stone. A pleasant quality of white peach, pear and apple flavors. Medium –dry
    and velvety to the tongue, medium-full body with a lively smooth acidity and a pleasant
    long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas High Plains, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

     

The Cabernet grown in the Panhandle is clear and
it has a dark cherry to garnet color. Aromas of red chili pepper, red apple,
blackberry dominated and it showcased graceful accents of cedar and wet stone.
Flavors of dark cherry, mature red apple, and tamarind with a lingering spicy
finish. Rounded full body with rich tannins and a pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

     

A proprietor’s select blend of Cabernet grown on
the Estate. A clear, medium garnet to brick red hue. It has aromas of red
berries, dark plum, and clove with a hint of toasted coffee. Fills the tongue
with flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and spice. Supple full body with soft
tannins and a pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas High Plains, Merlot Noir, 2010

     

This High Plains Merlot has a dark ruby to
cherry color. Aromas of black berries, dark cherry and spice. Flavors of dark
cherry, plum, and earthy accents of cedar. Rounded and supple full body, with
rich soft tannins and a pleasant very long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Tannat, 2010

     

This estate grown Tannat is clear, with a dark
opaque purple to red violet colors. Releases aromas of plum and black currant,
and dark cherry. It brings flavors of black cherry, blueberry, dark plum and a
nice anise or licorice finish. Smooth full body with balanced tannins and a
pleasant very long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas High Plains, Blanc de Merlot Noir, 2010

     

A clear orange-red rosé made with Merlot from
the Panhandle of Texas. It has a nose showcasing aromas of rose petals,
strawberry, cranberry and a lemon zest. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, ripe
strawberry, apricot and orange zest fill the mouth. It is finished medium-sweet
balanced with a smooth yet lively acidity in this medium-full body wine with a
pleasant long finish.

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas, Blanc de Zinfandel, 2010

     

This Zinfandel grown in Eastern Texas has a
bright light-medium salmon color. Cranberry on the nose, and noticeable aromas
of white rose blossom with hints of mountain rain and alpine springs.
Showcasing flavors of cranberry, cherry, raspberry and a clove finish. This
medium-full body Zin is balanced with velvety sweetness and a very pleasant
soft long finish.

 

    • Westcave Cellars
      Winery, Texas, Cabernet Sauvignon, “Sweet Red Wine” 2010

     

This proprietary blend of Cabernet and Muscat
has a medium cherry color. Pleasant aromas of watermelon and tamarind on the
nose. Brings flavors of cherry and watermelon. A smoothly balanced sweet wine
with a medium body and a straightforward medium finish.

 

 

 

Share
 
Comments Off

Posted in Grape-news

 

May in the Hill Country – Texas Festivals

11 May
Get ready for 3 Wine Festivals in May!

May is a great month for wine, music, lavender and festivals in the Texas Hill Country.  The Texas Hill Country Wineries would like to share with you 3 of the upcoming festivals in which 18 of our 24 member wineries will be present. 

While these festivals are hosted by some of our member wineries,
THCW is not producing or affiliated directly with  the following events. 

Visit the wineries, take in the festivals, and most of all…enjoy the wine!
 

Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 15 & 16, 2010
Becker Vineyard, Fredericksburg

Three acres of lavender fields are profusely blooming purple-blue under the Texas sun at Becker Vineyards. Rows of vibrant lavender contrast with the red, sandy loam soil it grows in. This is the Provence-like setting for Becker Vineyards’ Annual Lavender Festival, May 15 & 16.  The event will feature speakers and vendors promoting lavender education as well as herb related products. There will also be gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and luncheons.  There will also be concessions and music.  The event is complimentary; parking is $5.

Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker, co-proprietors of Becker Vineyards, took a trip to Provence, France and enjoyed the beautiful lavender they saw while visiting the wineries there.  They thought the climate was similar to the Texas Hill Country and conducive to growing lavender.  They planted their 3 acre Lavender Field in 1998 and have been making commercial lavender products since.  Chris Perrenoud, Lavender Manager, makes potpourris, soaps, shower gel, lotions, salt scrubs…and more from the lavender.

The Lavender Luncheons are $60 + tax per person, reservations are required and can be made on-line at www.beckervineyards.com or contact 830-644-2681 ext 230.  The Saturday Lavender Luncheon is being catered by Rails of Kerrville, TX and the Sunday Lavender Luncheon is being catered by Delicious Details of Fredericksburg, TX.

www.BeckerVineyards.com
 
Hill Country Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg

The Hill Country Wine and Music Festival is a celebration of wine, music and food that is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds in Fredericksburg, Texas.  We are bringing together vibrations, libations and cuisine to benefit the establishment of the Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts and art education in area schools. The Center will be a showcase for the State’s emerging wine industry as well a culinary arts teaching facility that includes a state of the art kitchen and complete audio visual production studio. 

At the festival, Texas wineries from across the state will sample and sell wine by the glass and bottle. The wineries will be accompanied by Hill Country restaurants selling food, delicacies and cooking demonstrations.  There is a great music schedule featuring six bands throughout the day. Please come out and enjoy the wine, food and music supporting two great causes. For tickets, music schedule, and more information please visit our website.


www.HillCountryWineAndMusic.com
 
Austin Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, May 29 – Monday, May 31, 2010
The Domain, Northwest Austin

A one-of-a-kind three-day Festival that takes in sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. The five senses of wine and food will be at the center of the 2010 Austin Wine and Music Festival. What You Will See: Located at The Domain in northwest Austin, the Festival grounds are resplendent with beautiful people and plenty of space to roam, and relax over 15 rockin’ musicians and bands. You’ll hear both up and coming stars as well as those who have cut guitar strings on Texas audiences for generations. There are wonderful foodie opportunities that will attract Festival goers to fill their Texas appetites. More importantly is the aromas of award-winning Texas wines whose bouquet of fruit makes it euphoric. Uncork that Texas wine, give it a swirl or two, and you will be won over again and again. Festival goers will be teased by the wonderful Texas artists and craftsman on site. Just imagine, fine art, home décor, jewelry, olive oil, chocolate, and as sundry of Texas created items all for the picking. (No pun intended!)

What You Will Taste: Last but not least, the whole reason Festival goers spend their time with us on Memorial Day weekend – the Wine! Over 20 award-winning Texas wineries will be on hand to showcase the nectar of grapes and the finesse of winemaking. A new addition this year will also be locally-made artisan beers.  Just imagine, that beer drinker who would endure wine tasting with their spouse can now enjoy the ‘hops’ brewed in Texas.  Join us for the Military celebration with Radney Foster on the 31st.
www.AustinWineAndMusicFestival.com
   
For more information on the Texas Hill Country Wineries please visit
www.TexasWineTrail.com
Share
 
No Comments

Posted in WinEvents

 

25th TXHC Food & Wine Fest!

04 Apr

Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival

More info:

http://www.texaswineandfood.org/

or look for them on Facebook!

Share
 
Comments Off

Posted in WinEvents

 

Fredericksburg W&F Fest

04 Mar

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest

Fredericksburg, Texas

October 23, 2010

http://www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com/

Share
 
Comments Off

Posted in WinEvents