Overview of Varietals

Varietals
Vitis vinifera are classic European wine grapes producing wines with the greatest consumer demand. Most vinifera do well on the South Plains and Trans-Pecos. They are also grown in North Texas and the Hill Country, but the presence of Pierce's disease requires strategic site selection and more intensive management. When selecting a varietal, keep in mind its potential to grow in your area of the state and its marketability and profitability.

Cabernet Sauvignon
The world's leading quality red wine grape, it has vigorous vines and adapts to a range of climates and fermentation styles. Vines require many trials to determine the best canopy and production system. Does best south of Lubbock where fall freeze damage is less severe. Quality can be outstanding.

Chardonnay
Consumers love it. Chardonnay represents 24 percent of wine sold in the United States, but production in Texas is less than ideal. Cold-hardy vines do well in North Texas, but late spring freezes pose a hazard. Moderately vigorous vines require good management in the Texas heat. It's the most susceptible to Pierce's disease in Texas and the fastest to die from it.

Chenin Blanc Vigorous and easy-to-grow, Chenin Blanc produces high quality fruit. Low prices can be offset by consistently high yields. Commonly used as a blender, it grows best in West Texas, where high tonnage results from wind tolerance and adaptation to mechanization.

Merlot
The wine's popularity is making Merlot the red grape of choice. Moderately vigorous vines have potential for high yields and overcropping. A thin berry skin susceptible to black rot demands good fungicide protection. Needs concise pruning and excellent management.

Muscat Canelli
An old Italian variety from Italy's Piedmont region sold in the United States as Asti, Muscat Canelli has vigorous vines that produce well in West Texas. Small quantities are often blended with other varietals. Makes a fruity, sparkling wine popular with new wine drinkers.

Riesling
Consumer demand is low, but quality, yield, cold hardiness and ease of mechanical pruning and harvesting make Riesling hard to rule out. Considered the best variety for North Texas.

Ruby Cabernet
Texas plantings produce high tonnage and grape quality that yield wine with excellent color. Low consumer demand relegates it to blender status.

Sangiovese
Italy's number one wine, Sangiovese has tremendous vigor that adapts well to Texas conditions. The wine can be outstanding if made carefully with ripe fruit and aged in small oak barrels.

Sauvignon Blanc
Vigorous, productive vines produce wines that don't sell as well as some, but easy growth and high tonnage make up for lower market prices. Adapts well to mechanization.

Zinfandel
Moderately vigorous Zinfandel produces a full-bodied red wine and a blush. Cold-tolerant north of Lubbock and grown successfully in West Texas.

Other Vitis vinifera of interest to Texas growers include Gewurtztraminer, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Pinot Gris.

Tolerant to Pierce's Disease:
LeNoir/ Black Spanish - Texas-grown since 1880, high-acid, best for Port.

Herbemont - brown grape, clear juice for white wine.

Blanc Du Bois - vigorous white, top quality only when blended with Vitis vinifera.

Cynthiana (Norton) - outstanding dry red wine when harvested ripe, fermented correctly and aged in small oak barrels.

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