Summer to fall, winter to spring. While the calendar gives us a definitive line, the weather doesn’t always obey the equinox. One bleeds into the next, hints of change and temperatures tease. Depending on who you ask, this winter has been divine. I wish we’d seen more of a chill. I found myself reaching for whites, winter whites and others, all season. One white that is perfect for carrying you through the seasonal transitions is Roussanne, even the color of the grape is transitional, golden green to russet.

Roussanne is a grape that is growing in popularity here in Texas. One winery that is doing a wonderful job with it is Kuhlman Cellars. Winemaker Bénédicte Rhyne believes in “blending high quality fruit to accent the strongest characteristics while maintaining a subtle hand in the manipulation of the natural juice.” It shows. In fact, it was the top-rated Roussanne in the state by Texas Wine Journal’s panel of judges.

I was able to taste this wine last fall as part of my research for a piece on Rhône varieties in Texas for Thanksgiving. Jeremy Wilson was kind enough to share one of the last bottles of the 2014 with me and I tried to do it justice.

We were having dinner with our friends and I was in charge of appetizer. I went for a filo tart with caramelized shallots, pear, gorgonzola and a honey drizzle.  It paired swimmingly.

In the glass, the color of ripe banana. One the nose, honeysuckle and apricot. It began with notes of golden delicious apple, stone fruit, a hint of acidity, round with a finish of cinnamon stick. It was perfect with the dish. The tang of the blue cheese shined, the honey echoed, the savory, buttery tart was just right with the full round flavors. I’d pair it again for sure.

But I’ll have to wait for the 2015.

If you are in the Hill Country, I highly recommend the tasting experience at Kuhlman Cellars. Texas charm and hospitality paired with Texas wine and delicious bites.

Tasting Room:

18421 E US 290
Stonewall, TX

(512) 920-2675 (CORK)

appointments@kuhlmancellars.com

 

Hours

Thursday – Saturday:  11AM to 6PM, with last tasting starting at 5PM

Sunday: 12pm to 5PM, with last tasting starting at 4PM

To deliver exceptional tasting experience and ensure adequate time and seating, we provide tastings of our wine by appointment.  Please contact us through phone or email to schedule an appointment.  Same day appointments are welcome and walk-ins will be accommodated as best as possible!

{This wine was provided as a sample for a story I was working on. This review is separate and I received no compensation for it. Thoughts and opinions are my own.}