In keeping with the State Fair of Texas mission of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement, the State Fair of Texas is introducing the Fair’s new Blue Ribbon Wine Selection program. Sponsored by GO TEXAN and in partnership with the Texas Wine Advocate, 12 of Texas’ best wines were selected from a pool of more than 100 entries. In addition to supporting local agriculture and educating visitors on the best Lone Star wine, this program brings communities of people together to enjoy a glass of great Texas flavors at the State Fair Wine Garden.
A panel of nine wine experts blindly judged 94 wines from across the Lone Star State and selected 12 of the best to receive the “GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon” distinction.
“I raise my glass and toast the winners of this year’s GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection Competition. For the second year in a row, Texans can be proud that the majority of winners were GO TEXAN members,” said Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner. “I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s competition and thank our friends at the State Fair of Texas. And of course, I’d remind all Texans that whether visiting the State Fair of Texas this year, or shopping for that perfect bottle of wine, taste the best of Texas and remember Texas agriculture matters!”
These ribbon-winning wines represent 11 different wineries across the state, with a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines. Selected wines showcase the best Texas has to offer and are available for tasting and purchase all 24 days of the Fair. The State Fair Wine Garden, located between the GO TEXAN Pavilion and Pan Am Arena, will have a special tasting station to showcase the 12 Blue Ribbon wines, which will be sold in two-ounce samples, by the glass, and by the bottle.
The State Fair of Texas announces the 2019 GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection winners.
Bending Branch Winery “Texas Tannat®” (Red) Texas
Scents of warm Texas limestone in summer rain and sharp crushed blackberries launch a burst of mouthwatering pomegranate, Tellicherry peppercorns, and espresso-tinged dusty tannins. Shades of red licorice and spearmint linger on the smoky finish.
C.L. BUTAUD Rosé (Rosé) Texas
At C.L. Butaud the philosophy is simple: use 100% Texas-grown grapes and apply skilled, low intervention winemaking to create high quality wines that Texans can be proud of. Our limited production 2018 C.L. Butaud Rosé’ is made with Cinsault grapes from Farmhouse Vineyards in West Texas. Expect a wine that is lively, sophisticated, and ready to pair with an epicurean feast.
Cassaro Winery and Vineyard “Avante Rosé” (Rosé) Texas
Avante Rosé’ is a Texas Sangiovese Rosé’ that is fruit forward as its Italian name implies. This summer favorite is pink in color with strawberries, cranberries and a hint of honeydew melon.
Farmhouse Vineyard “West Texas Sweet” (White) Texas
Notes of honeydew, lychee and beautiful orange blossom envelope each other on the palate with light vanilla and ripe Texas Hill Country peach skin. The long finish is marked with flavors of ripe, juicy Bartlett pears and a smile.
Haak Vineyards and Winery “Amorcito Sweet Red” (Red) Texas
Amorcito wine is made with grapes sourced from the highest quality south Texas vineyards. The grapes are fermented on their skins at 80F to get the maximum color and ripe fruit flavor. This wine is the true expression of the Texas Black Spanish Grape. Stainless Steel fermented and finished to produce a smooth finish with low tannins.
Haak Vineyards and Winery “Semi Dry Blanc du Bois” (White) Texas
This Semi-Dry Blanc du Bois displays aromas of apricots, peaches, honey, and tropical fruits like guava and pineapple, with light hints of citrus. This fantastic wine has perfectly balanced sugars and acidity. A long fermentation at low temperatures helps to ensure that the delicate, fruity nuances of the Blanc du Bois grape are retained in this popular wine.
Kiepersol “Flight” (Rosé) Texas
The red berry nose with a palate of ripe red cherry, pomegranate juice and a slight floral note.
McPherson Cellars “Verde Verde” (White) Texas
Styled after the spritely wines of Northern Portugal, our Verde Verde – “green” – references the wine’s youthful freshness. A modest blend of Albarino and Trebbiano, Verde Verde is gently effervescent. It’s a perky refresher that matches exuberant fruit to a modest body with no oak.
Messina Hof Winery Sangiovese (Red) Texas
Messina Hof’s Sangiovese delights with balanced flavors of rustic earthiness and tart cherries. Tannins and acidity are counterbalanced with light oak aging to provide roundness that pairs well with roasted game meats or dishes with a hearty tomato sauce.
Pedernales Cellars “GSM Mélange” (Red) Texas
The 2016 GSM Mélange is, like in previous vintages, a very food friendly wine. Medium in body, this wine provides aromatics of dried currants and strawberries with more earthy bramble, flint, and peppery notes. Dried strawberries and cherries follow on the palate combined with dried green herbs and cedar. A complex wine to be enjoyed now or the next 2-5 years.
Spirit of Texas Winery “Welcome” (White) Texas High Plains
Our new Welcome white a very fresh & crisp dry white with aromatics of citrus & white flowers. It’s composed of 80% Trebbiano and 20% Vermentino from the Lost Draw Vineyards in the Texas High Plains.
White Fox Vineyards “Texas Red” (Red) Texas
Made from estate grown noble muscadines, this semi-sweet red is as polished as it is playful. Much like the executive that wears sneakers with a suit, this wine is prepared for a fine restaurant but is just as comfortable at a backyard barbeque.
Visit the BigTex.com/Wine, for more information on the GO TEXAN Blue Ribbon Wine Selection program.
About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations.
The 2019 exposition runs September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.