Spirits

Summer Selections: The Lighter Side of Texas Wines

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Tony Maples Photography

 

After a promotion, during a bridal shower, or even a break-up (and sometimes just a night on the couch at home,) wine is a stalwart companion. Regardless of circumstance, wine will be there for you. And if the damp winter and spring are circumstances you’re celebrating successfully getting through, while you’re overhauling your seasonal wardrobe, make way for an overhaul on your wine cooler as well. It’s time to lighten up with some summery Texas wine!

Summer Selections: The Lighter Side of Texas Wines

Photo: Pexels

Bearing in mind the wide variety of food pairings one can make from season to season, it stands to reason that matching up a Texas wine with your food selections will go with the summer flow as well. While your psyche and metabolism are telling you to switch from hearty and heavy comfort food to fruits, cold plates, and salads, you’ll find it’s a natural transition to also want lighter selections of wines in these warmer months, moving on the spectrum from full-bodied flavors to lighter tastes. Likewise, you’ll tend to opt for more fruit-focused selections and choices such as Pinot Noir as opposed to buttery, oaky vintages like a Chardonnay.

Summer Selections: The Lighter Side of Texas Wines

Photo: Pexels

A lighter selection still, and one that’s gained considerable popularity over the past decade, is a dry, crisp rosé. Making a great sipping wine, and one that goes quite well with the summer snack choices of cheese, pickles and olives, and various crudités, this option is a wonderful summer selection, especially when it’s slightly chilled. Warmer weather also lends itself nicely to the opportunity to sample wines which are made from different grape varietals. Grapes which are grown in Texas have been known to produce wines that earn considerable Golds and Double Gold medals in annual wine shows, much the same as those in similar latitudes around the world (example, southern France), proving that “new world wine” can run with the big dogs.

Summer Selections: The Lighter Side of Texas Wines

Photo: Pexels

With a considerable selection of Texas wines more readily available at local grocers such as HEB and Kroger, it’s now even easier to pick up a favorite Lone Star State vintage on your travels home from work, or on your way to the cottage after a long week. Try pairing new releases with some fantastic Texas barbecue, or with some fresh peaches and a bowl of ice cream for a more decadent dessert treat! Happy pairings of summer Texas wine, and enjoy your tasting adventures!