Alamosa Wine Cellars October 2010 Dockline Issue

        Hey y'all!! We're back continuing to feature Texas wine and Texas winemakers, but before we get started, I hope everyone has a blast at the Historic Montgomery Wine and Food Festival. Due to publishing deadlines, we have to have this page written several weeks before it's printing, so as I sit and type this, the Festival hasn't happened yet. So, I'm guessing that we had perfect weather, a record turnout and the best time ever! Thanks to all that attended and to the hundreds of volunteers. Now back to business, our featured winery this month is Alamosa Wine Cellars and Jim Johnson.
        At Alamosa Wine Cellars they like to think of themselves as being true to Texas. You know, that pioneering, unique spirit that this state represents. They've pioneered the Tempranillo wine with "El Guapo", the very first Tempranillo to be grown and bottled in the State ios Texas. They've even marked the El Guapo label with Texas state reptile, the Horned Lizard, or more commonly the Horned Toad. He's their winery mascot, and he fits the bill nicely. You'll even notice that each and every cork they use has the Horned Toad printed right there on the side.
        They are unique in the Alamosa only produces

European style varietals and European specialty blends - no Cabernets, no Merlots, and no Chardonnays! You can get those anywhere. Their vineyards are full of Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne, Cinsaut, Viognier, Tannat, and Graciano. Winemaker Jim Johnson selected these grapes, as they are all warm climate varietals originally from Spain's Rioja region, France's southern Rhone valley, adn Tuscany region of Italy. Their wines aren't your average grocery store wine; they're in a class by themselves. Try their Super Tuscan style wine, "Texacaia", or their Rhone style red blend "Palette". If you're looking for something cool to satisfy that sweet tooth, they'll fix you right up with a glass of "Amigo Red", "Amigo White", or "Amigo Pink". They like to call them, yes - The Three Amigos. There are many "friends" to enjoy at Alamosa.
        Oak. Let's talk about this. At Alamosa, Oak barrels aging isn't used for Oak flavor; it's used for wine affects and wine structure. Jin Johnson judiciously uses Oak as it's the essence and nuances of the fruit that they feel is most important. You'll taste why.
        Speaking of Jim, let me tell you a bit about him. He's a Texas man through and through. He studied winemaking in California and graduated with a degree in Fermentation from UC Davis. After that, he worked at three different wineries in California until his return to the great state of Texas. Here in Texas he was winemaker at Slaughter-Leftwich winery near Austin and Becker Vineyards near Stonewall before turning full attention to Alamosa Wine Cellars in 1998. The rest is, as we say around

these parts - Texas History. With Jim's experience, Alamosa is uniquely capable of producing some of the very best, and most unique wines in Texas.
        They welcome you to come by the winery some time for a visit. They're in Bend, Tx, you know, just outside of Cherokee, Tx. Drive slowly as you get near, Bridget and Ralph, their hardest working employees, will probably be working the vineyard. They're dogs. Seriously. They're on duty 24/7 keeping those pesky deer and raccoons out of the vines. Be sure to tell the "Hi". Everybody deserves a pat on the head now and then, along with a nice glass of wine.
        As always, you'll be able to taste wine from Jim's outstanding Alamosa Wine Cellars along with other Texas wineries at The Rancher's Daughter. where we represent over 50 Texas wineries and well over 150 varietals. We hope that you enjoy this column and, if you have any suggestions, we welcome them. Y'all come see us at The Rancher's Daughter, "Texas' Only Texas-Only Wine Shop".
        Harry and Rendy Kerr, native Texans and Montgomery residents, can be reached at 202B McCown Street, Montgomery, Texas 77356 (936) 449-4100.