Primary Aromas

Primary aromas in wine are the distinctive scents and flavors derived directly from the grape variety used to make the wine. These aromas are typically fruit-forward and can include notes of citrus, berries, stone fruit, or other fruits. Primary aromas are influenced by the climate and soil in which the grapes are grown and the winemaking techniques used to produce the wine.

Primary aromas are essential to a wine's overall flavor profile and can help differentiate one wine from another. For example, a wine made from Chardonnay grapes may have the primary aromas of apple and pear. In contrast, a wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes may have the primary aromas of black currant and blackberry. These primary aromas create a unique and distinctive sensory experience for the wine drinker.

Primary aromas are typically the first aromas that a wine drinker will detect when smelling a wine, and they are often the most prominent and distinctive aromas in the wine. However, as wine ages, its primary aromas may fade and be replaced by other aromas, such as tertiary aromas derived from oxidation and aging.

To preserve and enhance a wine's primary aromas, winemakers must carefully control the conditions of the winemaking process, including the temperature, pH, and oxygen levels during fermentation and the type and duration of aging. By carefully managing these factors, winemakers can produce wines with vibrant and expressive primary aromas, creating a unique and enjoyable sensory experience for the wine drinker.

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society

Texas AVAs

The (AVAs) in Texas are designated wine growing regions with distinct characteristics that distinguish them from other areas. There are eight AVAs in Texas, each with its own unique terroir and climate. Here is a brief overview of each of the AVAs:

1. Mesilla Valley is a high-altitude American Viticultural Area that was established in 1985. It follows the Rio Grande River through both New Mexico and western Texas. The AVA was established in 1985, and viticulture dates back to the mid-17th century. However, the Valley currently has less than 50 acres of vineyards. As a result, wines produced in this region are rarely seen outside of Texas and New Mexico. The majority are made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

2. Texas Davis Mountains: Situated in the western part of the state, the Texas Davis Mountains AVA is known for its high elevation and cooler climate, which is well-suited to growing certain grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The region is home to several small wineries and is known for producing high-quality red wines.

3. Escondido Valley: is an AVA in the western part of Texas. The "hidden" (Escondido) Valley, which spans 32,000 acres of the Trans-Pecos region in the state's westernmost corner, is a typical-sized Texan AVA. In the state, it was the fifth appellation to be introduced (in June 1992). Although there are no wineries here, the region is known for producing white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc.

4. Texas Hill Country: The AVA is the third largest in the United States, including 9 million acres (Nearly 15,000 Square Miles). The AVA stretches from just north of San Antonio to San Saba and from just west of Austin to Rocksprings and contains over 60 wineries and 1,000 acres of vineyards. The region is home to many wineries and is known for producing a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. The AVA is known for its rolling hills, warm climate, and well-draining soils, which are well-suited to growing several grape varieties.

5. Bell Mountain: Located in the Texas county of Gillespie. In November 1986, the Bell Mountain appellation was made official, making it the first AVA that was entirely in Texas. The Bell Mountain AVA is known for its hilly terrain and warm climate, which is well-suited to growing certain grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah. The region is home to several small wineries and is known for producing high-quality red wines.

6. Texas High Plains: Situated in the western part of the state, The Texas High Plains is the second-largest AVA in Texas. It is in west Texas, mostly south of the Panhandle, and covers about 8 million acres. The Texas High Plains AVA is known for its high elevation, dry climate, and sandy clay loams, which are well-suited to growing certain grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Montepulciano, Viognier and Tempranillo.

7. The Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country AVA: Located in the Texas Hill Country town known as Fredericksburg, this viticultural region is situated in the Texas Hill Country and spans a total area of approximately 110 square miles. The region is home to many wineries and is known for producing a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. In the 1800s, German immigrants moved around Fredericksburg and settled there. These people were the first in the Texas Hill Country to grow grapes.

8. Texoma: Situated in the north-central part of the state is where 19th-century viticulturist Thomas Volney Munson discovered that grafting Vitis vinifera grapevines onto native American vine rootstock produced phylloxera-resistant vines. When the technique was introduced to France, which was experiencing its first phylloxera epidemic, it saved the European wine industry. It was in 2005 that the region was designated as an American Viticultural Area. Texoma AVA is well-suited to growing certain grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, with wineries taking a chance with Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Overall, the AVAs in Texas are diverse and offer a range of growing conditions that are well-suited to producing a variety of wine styles. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of wine, there is something for everyone in Texas.

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society

Burgundy

Burgundy is a region in eastern France known for its world-class wines. The region is home to some of the world's most prestigious and sought-after wines, including Chablis, Meursault, and Montrachet.

The region is divided into several sub-regions, which include Chablis, Côte d'Or, (Côte de Nuits), (Côte de Beaune), Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais. Each of these sub-regions has its own unique climate and soil conditions, which contribute to the distinct character of the wines.

Burgundy wines are made primarily from two grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay grapes are used to produce white wines, while Pinot Noir grapes are used to produce red wines. Chablis and Mâconnais produce white wines from Chardonnay grapes, while Côte d'Or and Côte Chalonnaise produce red and white wines. Beaujolais, the sub-region located further south, produces red wines using Gamay grapes.

One of Burgundy's most famous sub-regions is Chablis, located in the northern part of the region. The wines from Chablis are known for their crisp, mineral-driven character and are often considered some of the best white wines in the world.

Another important sub-region is the Côte d'Or, also known as the "Golden Slope," located in Burgundy's heart. This area is divided into two main sections: the Côte de Nuits, which is known for its red wines, and the Côte de Beaune, which is known for its white wines. The wines from the Côte d'Or are known for their depth of flavor and complexity and are highly sought after by wine collectors.

Collectors and connoisseurs highly prize Burgundy wines, and they command some of the highest prices in the world. The region is also home to many prestigious wineries, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, considered one of the finest wineries in the world.

Overall, Burgundy is a region that is synonymous with fine wine. Its unique climate, soils, and grape varieties combine to produce wines considered among the best in the world. Whether you prefer red or white, a Burgundy wine is sure to satisfy your palate.

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society