Deep copper color; cherry, strawberry on the nose; red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, watermelon on the palate.
Dry; delicious red fruit; very light tannins; good acidity. Blend of 40% cinsault, 20% montepulciano, 20% sangiovese, 15% mourvèdre, 5% grenache. Light, lilting rosé that does not challenge your palate, but is happy to be a mild easy drinker. Relatively simple rosé with no flaws or searing problems. The issue with many Texas wines is they are correct and competent, but the winemakers—many only a few years into their journey—have yet to find distinctive. If you want to pour a Texas rosés, this will certainly not offend anyone and will please anyone searching for an innocuous libation. 13.5% ABV
This is produced by Airis‘Ele Vineyards, a relatively new winery on U.S. 290 near Fredericksburg, Texas. Hwy 290 is the Texas equivalent to State Route 29 in Napa. Bret and Chris Perrenoud, longtime employees at Becker Vineyards, and John and Susie Bernard are the owners. The owners have deep connections to Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country. Chris is 6th generation Texan, born in Fredericksburg. Bret and Chris have been in the Texas wine business for a combined 41-plus years, most with Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg John moved to Fredericksburg and started a restaurant, where he me Susie. Susie is from Florida, but has lived in Texas most of her life and proudly claims she considers herself a Texan.
The website notes: “Once an old farmhouse set back from the highway, Airis’Ele Vineyards Tasting Room is the collective vision of our owners. Completed in 2022, this stunning building now includes multiple tasting areas both inside and out with panoramic views of the large, aged oak trees. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for our frequent visits from over 30 species of birds and an occasional sighting of our Axis on property. Indulge in our world-class wines and relax in the picturesque nature that defines this region we love so much.”
The unusual name is a portmanteau. Airis comes from John Bernard’s side of the family, and Ele derives from Chris’s maiden name Bendele. It is pronounced “Air-is-L”—English translation would be “Iris” and “He.” The winery logo is inspired by two Axis deer antlers found on the property. They represent the grapevines that are pruned back and re-grow each year and the uniting of the families of the partners. The bird, a Summer Tanager, is found in abundance at the property; Susie is an avid birder.
Airis’Ele Redlin Texas High Plains Farmhouse Vineyards Rosé 2021 is bright, light, airy, fruity rosé blend from relatively new Texas winery in the Fredericksburg area. The grapes come for Texas High Plains, the main supplier of grapes for the Texas wine industry. The wine is straightforward easy drinker that offers no challenges to your palate or enjoyment. Pair with lighter fare; roast chicken; smoked salmon; grilled scallops; summer salads and vegetarian fare. $35
