Explore Texas Roussanne: Your Next Favorite White Wine
Since arriving in the Lone Star State only a few years ago, Texas Roussanne has graduated from a wine-world wallflower to a sensation and has made its mark among wine enthusiasts.
The question on everyone’s lips: what makes Texas Roussanne so irresistible to those in the know?
France’s Rhône Valley is where this white grape gets its roots, and it’s praised for a flavor profile that’s uniquely its own – a quality that Texas winemakers aggressively pursue to create a diverse array of exceptional wines.
From the Rhône to Texas: A Tale of Two Terroirs
Roussanne is a white grape varietal originally from the Rhône Valley in France, an area known for its hot summers and mild winters. This region is famous for iconic wines like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie and is where Roussanne thrives alongside Viognierfor many white wine blends in the Rhône Valley.
Roussanne grapes have found a new home in the Texas High Plains AVA
What is the true meaning of Appellation?... More. You’ll find Roussanne vineyards growing in the rolling hills around Fredericksburg, a charming town with a rich German heritage and a wine industry that is quickly expanding and where wine enthusiasts will discover exceptional tasting experiences, including Becker Vineyards, boasting not one but two tasting rooms. I have visited Becker Vineyards, and as a WSET-trained wine professional who loves Rhône Roussanne, I was charmed and impressed by the bright, fresh, vibrant Roussanne wines being made there.
One tasting room is at their Estate Winery & Tasting Room at 464 Becker Farms Road, and another is in the heart of Fredericksburg at 307 East Main Street.
Why Texas Agrees with Roussanne
Though geographically worlds apart, Texas and the Rhône Valley have similar climates which also helps to explain Roussanne’s success in the Lone Star State. Just like in its native France, Texas Roussanne benefits from the hot days and cooler nights of the Texas High Plains.
The grapes ripen slowly, naturally preserving their bright acidity, yielding a velvety and fragrant wine.
Texas winemakers are making their mark. Where wildcatters once drilled for oil, vineyards now sprawl across the Lone Star State, rewriting its culinary narrative.
In a startling turnaround, Texas wine has gone from underdog to darling, boasting a level of success nobody saw coming. Texas is the new heavyweight on the American wine scene: Texas is now solidly ranked as the country’s fifth-largest wine producer, with a growth spurt that shows no signs of slowing down.
Texas wines, particularly Roussanne, possess a certain je ne sais quoi that draws enthusiasts in and refuses to let them go. This ain’t your grandma’s wine country—Texas vintners are on a mission to modernize the craft, marrying cutting-edge technical innovations with the Texas spirit to produce wine that’s as rebellious as it is refined.
Unveiling the Flavor Profile: What Does Texas Roussanne Taste Like?
Texas Roussanne typically has a fuller body and displays a wide range of aromas. It is often described as a beautiful mingling of floral hints like honeysuckle and gardenia with fruit notes like apricot and pear, along with a mingling of herbal hints and topped with a satisfying nutty kick.
Rich flavors and lively acidity come together in perfect harmony in these wines. Here’s what you can expect when you enjoy a Texas Roussanne:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Color What role do Anthocyanins play in wine? ... More | Light gold to deep golden yellow |
| Aroma | Floral (honeysuckle, jasmine), fruity (apricot, yellow apple, Meyer lemon), herbal (thyme, chamomile), nutty (almond) |
| Flavor | Full-bodied with medium acidity; notes of stone fruit, citrus, honey, and spice with a creamy texture. |
| Finish | Long and lingering, often with a subtle bitterness and nutty notes. |
Aging Potential: A Wine Worth Cellaring
One of the fascinating things about Texas Roussanne is its potential to age gracefully. While perfectly enjoyable in its youth, extended time in the bottle allows this wine to reveal its complexities. Floral hints give way to bold fruitiness, with nuances of nuttiness cleverly weaving their way in as time passes.
Some Texas Roussanne wines might even develop alluring honeyed and spicy nuances. As the wine is still relatively new, it will take time to discover what other flavors and attributes will develop.
Pairing Texas Roussanne: A Culinary Adventure
While many wine lovers enjoy Texas Roussanne stand-alone, it is also remarkably food-friendly. Whether you’re serving up spicy Thai or a rich Italian dish, this wine is a perfect pairing, its broad-shouldered flavor never getting lost in the shuffle.
Ideal Food Pairings for Texas Roussanne:
- Seafood: Try it with grilled or roasted white fish, scallops, or shrimp.
- Poultry: Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, especially when herbs are involved, or turkey.
- Asian-Inspired: Texas Roussanne’s flavors beautifully complement Thai curries or Vietnamese dishes.
- Moroccan Tagine: The exotic spices of Moroccan cuisine shine when combined with Texas Roussanne.
- Creamy Pastas: Think fettuccine Alfredo or any pasta with a cream-based sauce with mushrooms.
- Cheese: Opt for nutty cheeses like Gruyère or Comté, or soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
Where to Find Your Next Bottle of Texas Roussanne
As you discover the world of Texas Roussanne, look for wines from top producers. Expand your wine knowledge by having expertly chosen bottles delivered to your door. Getting up close and personal with wine country means sipping, savoring, and sometimes stomping some grapes at scenic wineries and enjoying expert-led tastings. As you wander through this sun-kissed wine region, let yourself be swept away by the symphony of flavors and enjoy the wine makers’ love and dedication, which shines through in every bottle.
Many wineries offer e-commerce platforms like WineDirect to make it easy to purchase their wines. WineDirect allows you to browse a wide selection of Texas Roussanne and have it delivered to your doorstep. You can even find virtual tasting packs to enjoy a guided experience from the comfort of your home.
The best way to support the industry is to buy directly whenever possible. In a crowded digital world, e-commerce platforms like WineDirect help wineries like Duchman Family Winery and Llano Estacado Winery seamlessly connect with consumers.
the Last Grape
From its humble beginnings in the Rhône Valley, Texas Roussanne is making its mark on the global stage. It is a match made in heaven: the wine’s notes blend seamlessly with Texas’s landscapes. Whether you enjoy full-bodied whites or are curious to try something new, a bottle of Texas Roussanne is worth seeking out.
