This summer, with the incessant heat by day and warm temperatures at night, is finally coming to a close. For those seeking an escape, a wind down, or looking to cool down with a drink to celebrate the coming of autumn, join me in exploring these chilled wine options I discovered this summer as I was on the hunt for cooler things, wine being the primary and only choice of drink.

Sweet wines have never caught my attention, but seeing that Texas’s climate and soils could bear some fruitful options compared to other regions in the world, how could I not give it a shot? These three wines accompanied me on the hottest of days this summer. Let’s talk about them.

We’ll begin first with a Rosé Wine (Cab Blanc) since this is typically my first style choice for the long days of summer.

AVA: Texas Hill Country

Located on the 290 Wine Trail in Texas, this winery’s focus is on Italian and French varietals from the warmer growing regions in these two countries. If you’ve never heard of Cab Blanc, it may be because it is still relatively new to the game, as it was first introduced in the 1990s as a hybrid by Valentin Blattner, a Swiss winemaker. Blattner created a variety that is resistant to many diseases that typically and devastatingly destroy production. Salmon-colored, strawberries on the nose, instant notes of red fruit, and sweetness like jam, though not overbearingly sweet as it has a nice finish that’s somewhat dry. With its low ABV, it is easily drinkable—a wine I’d share as a dessert for a picnic or simply at home in my patio.

Sparkling Peach Wine

Looking to take a bottle of wine with you on an adventure? Do it with this wine. It is probably the most enjoyable thing for this summer, mostly because peaches are in season here, and this wine adds a little alcohol to the fun, and it comes sparkling too! This wine is low in alcohol with an ABV of 12% and delivers a good time. Their wines come from Liberty Hill, Texas, and all peaches are sourced from Texas. Besides this peach wine, they also carry a variety of fruity wines, if not dessert wines, that are for those who like sweeter or fruitier options without high tannins.

Blushing Angel Rosé

Strawberries at their best, this wine was intended as a dessert wine. Choosing this wine was initially as a gift, but days later I went to look for it for myself. I enjoyed this rosé as a single treat on my days off. A blend of Riesling and Petit Verdot, it has a rosy pink color, light acidity, some notes of peach, and strong flavors of strawberries. It is unnecessary to pair it with food, but if you still desire to do so, then choose something equally sweet and light. Messina Hof has a strong tradition of working with Riesling which is why I was keen to picking this wine.

Texas has a diverse and long history of making sweeter wines, but through the multitude of changes over time due to climate change and buyers’ habits, Texas winemakers have adapted and begun to produce more and more diversity in the styles and grape varietals that were once practically rare in our soils. It is a unique experience set apart from other regions in the United States, so do not stop here and check out the many options you have now.

Cheers!

Whether it’s sweet, sparkling, or dry, there’s a lot Texas can offer in the wine world.

– Silk & Luna