Val Verde Winery

The oldest winery in Texas can be found in Del Rio, a little town in the southwest corner of the state. Frank Qualia, an Italian immigrant with vast winemaking experience who realized the potential for producing high-quality wines in the region, established the Val Verde Winery in 1883. He began his work at the winery by cultivating the land, planting the first vines, and producing wine in traditional Italian fashion. In South Texas, known for its calcium-rich and loamy soil, Qualia planted a family vineyard using cuttings from the native Lenoir grapes growing wild in the area. He established the Val Verde Winery in 1883, naming it for the county in which it is situated. As a result of producing sacramental wine for use in church services during Prohibition, the family-run business, now in its fourth generation, may lay claim to the title of Texas's oldest winery that is still in operation today.

The Val Verde Winery has established itself as essential to the Del Rio community. It has emerged as a well-liked attraction for visitors and wine lovers. It is well-known both for the quality of its wines and the breathtaking scenery it offers near the banks of the Rio Grande. The Qualia vineyard is nearly entirely made up of black Spanish grapes, some of which are more than 120 years old, but it contains a small number of Herbemont vines and some Blanc du Bois grapes. The winery also produces wine from grapes sourced from vineyards in the Escondido Valley and the High Plains.

The Val Verde Winery has been an essential contributor to the expansion of the wine industry in the state of Texas. It was one of the earliest wineries in the state and helped establish Texas as a significant wine-producing region when it opened in the early 1970s. Today, it continues to be an essential component of the state's wine culture and stands as a tribute to the tenacity and creativity of the early wine pioneers in the form of Texas.

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society

Sour Grapes - The Great Wine Fraud

Rudy Kurniawan was a wine collector and dealer who gained notoriety for his involvement in a high-profile wine fraud scheme in the early 2000s

Born in Indonesia, Kurniawan moved to the United States in the late 1990s and began building a reputation as a connoisseur of fine wine. He became known for his lavish wine tastings and his collection of rare and expensive wines.

However, in 2012, it was revealed that Kurniawan had been producing and selling fake wines. He was arrested and charged with counterfeiting and fraud. In 2013, he was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The scale of Kurniawan's fraud was staggering. He is believed to have sold millions of dollars worth of fake wines to collectors and investors around the world. Many of these fake wines were made using lower-quality wine that was labeled with the names of famous and rare vintages.

The Kurniawan case sent shockwaves through the wine industry and sparked a renewed focus on the importance of authenticity and provenance in the world of fine wine. It also highlighted the challenges of authenticating rare and expensive wines and the risks that collectors and investors face when buying from untrustworthy sources.

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society

Corked Wine

Corked wine is wine that has been contaminated by a chemical compound called TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole). TCA is a naturally occurring chemical that can sometimes be found in cork, and it can also be produced by the breakdown of certain pesticides and disinfectants.

The presence of TCA in wine is often referred to as "cork taint," as the cork is the most common source of the chemical. However, it is important to note that not all wines with cork closures are corked, and TCA can also be introduced into wine through other sources such as contaminated barrels or storage facilities.

There are a few ways to tell if a wine is corked. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of a musty or moldy smell. The wine may also taste flat or dull, and it may lack the fruit flavors and aromas that are typically present in a good wine.

Corked wine is a common problem, with estimates ranging from 2% to 8% of all wines being affected. If you suspect a wine is corked, you can ask your server or the staff at the wine shop for a second opinion, or you can try a different bottle. If you are unsure whether a wine is corked or not, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking it

Article Written by: Austin Texas Wine Society