Happenings at TWC
Black Spanish Grapes in Texas
Black Spanish grapes are common to southern states that tend to have hot growing seasons with higher humidity. Here in Texas, Black Spanish has been planted extensively from the Hill Country eastward to the Louisiana border, and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. The grape, also known as Lenoir and Jacquez, is relatively hardy and disease resistant, making it popular in areas where more traditional vinifera grapes are difficult to grow. Since this is the grape growing in the small 4.0 Cellars Vineyard, it seems a good time for an update. Continue »
Apr 12, 2018 at 7:58 AM
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What’s In My Wine – Label Talk
The question is often asked, “What is in this wine? Is it all Texas fruit? Is it organic, natural, etc.?” This can often lead to a rather lengthy answer and discussion, depending on the actual interest of the questioner. So, I decided to offer in this Carl’s Corner some of the answers and a bit of discussion about what a wine label does, and does not, tell the consumer. Continue »
Mar 28, 2018 at 8:06 AM
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Fermentation Science – Good Stuff!
We all enjoy the benefits of fermentation science, but do we really know very much about the subject? Fermentation is the key to creating alcoholic beverages, and many other consumables. For wine (beer, liquors, etc.), fermentation is the biological process by which sugar molecules are converted to ethyl alcohol plus carbon dioxide and heat. There are other by-products created during fermentation that add subtle nuances of flavor and texture to wines. Since this is so important to creating our favorite beverage, it seems an appropriate subject for Carl’s Corner. Continue »
Mar 14, 2018 at 7:41 AM
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TWGGA’s Wine Press Award 2018-A Surprise and an Honor
The 2018 Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association annual meeting was held last week (22,23,24-Feb-2018) in Irving (Los Colinas area), TX, at the Irving Convention Center. This was the largest TWGGA meeting ever, both in terms of attendees and exhibitors. These meetings represent, to me, at least, a wonderful Texas Wine Industry “Family Reunion,” one where you have a great time and get to drink a lot of good wine with the people who grew the grapes and made the wine. This year was no exception. However, there was one big difference for me as I was awarded the TWGGA Wine Press Award 2018. WOW! Continue »
Feb 28, 2018 at 7:00 AM
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Does Wildfire Smoke Damage Wines
In October, 2017, significant portions of California Wine Country were besieged by wildfires that damaged or destroyed many homes, some wineries, and a few vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Butte, and Solano Counties. Most of us stared in disbelief at the TV news stories, and somewhere in the back of our minds was the question, “How will these wildfires and the smoke they produced impact the California wines that I know and enjoy?” This post covers some of the key issues and points-of-fact involved in this unfortunate, and sometimes tragic situation. Continue »
Feb 14, 2018 at 7:00 AM
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Wine Club February, 2018
The Holiday Season is now past. Texas weather, as expected, is weird! And, another 4.0 Cellars Wine Club Release is upon us. The Wine Club Pickup Parties are scheduled on Sundays: 4-Feb & 11-Sep. If you would like to join the party and share time with lots of other club members, check the website (www.fourpointwine.com) and make your reservations. We would love to share your company, and remember that you can enjoy the 30% discount on wine purchases (on-site or online) on Club Sundays and during the week in between. Continue »
Feb 1, 2018 at 12:23 PM
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Vermentino – Quality White Grape in Texas
More and more, Italian grape varietals are showing up in wines at Texas wineries and tasting rooms. Probably the key reason for this is that these grapes prosper in hot, arid, sunny areas of Texas that are similar in climate to important Italian growing regions that are hilly, if not downright mountainous, limited in rainfall, and blessed with maritime influenced, rock-strewn, sandy, calcium-rich soils. Continue »
Jan 17, 2018 at 12:50 PM
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Wintertime in the Vineyard
Several times during the holidays I was asked about what goes on in the vineyard during wintertime. After the fruit harvest, the vines slow down their growth and begin to prepare themselves for fall and winter. Winter is basically a quiet time for the vineyard manager and vineyard workers, however there are several tasks that require attention while the vines essentially go dormant for a period. Continue »
Jan 5, 2018 at 7:39 AM
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Vintage 2017 – The Best Ever in Texas?
By now you have probably heard accolades and high praise from Texas growers and vintners about the bountiful and high quality grape harvest for 2017. The fruit was ripe, rich in color and flavor, and “California-esque” according to some. This bodes well for the 2017 vintage white and rose’ wines that will be released in 2018, and the red wines that will follow in 2019. My recommendation is to get your cellars and your bank accounts ready for some wonderful wines from 2017. Was this the best Texas vintage ever? Let’s look back and consider that question. Continue »
Dec 20, 2017 at 7:00 AM
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Sparkling Wines –Holiday Treats
With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, this seemed like a good time to highlight sparkling wines. Sparkling wines can be produced by a number of different methods, from essentially any grape, be white, rosé or red, and range from sweet to totally dry. And, they usually conjure up visions of celebrations and special occasions. Continue »
Dec 6, 2017 at 2:57 PM
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