Get Daily Dallas News HeadlinesSign Up Texas appellation wines walked away with a cool 158 medals last week at the prestigious 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That included an unprecedented seven "Best of Class" awards, seven double-golds and 14 single golds, plus a slew of silvers and bronzes. And to think, only five years ago, we were excited when the state got its first double-gold. "This year, Texas wineries using Texas grapes won more medals — including some of the top awards — than ever before," said Bob Fraser, SFCWC executive director. "It is not surprising to me, as I recently visited the Texas wine country and was completely impressed with the quality of their wines." The take-away punctuates what Texas wine-watchers already know: Our grape growers and winemakers are fast figuring out what makes not just the best wines in Texas, but some of the best wines, period. The linchpin: Texas has become a second home for grape varietals that flourish in countries edging the Mediterranean, from Spain's tempranillo to Italy's dolcetto and vermentino, with lots of love lavished on grapes in between, such as viognier, roussanne and mourvedre.

But wait: Of course, there's an outlier, and that's blanc du bois, an American hybrid developed in Florida that thrives in our coastal zone. It's currently being planted with a frenzy in the central and northern parts of the state, too. The SFCWC drew nearly 7,000 entries from 28 states this year. All entries are tasted blind by wine experts from around the country. Yes, California dominates, but the competition's wide-open. Among the seven sweepstakes awards — an echelon Texas has yet to crack — was Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Vidal Blanc American Ice Wine. From Illinois.Here are the Texas appellation wines that placed in the top medal categories. Top Texas wines in the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Best of Class Best of Class means the wine was deemed the best across one of the 100-plus judging categories. These are often divided further by price, especially for popular varietals. Texas winners included: Viognier: Brennan Vineyards 2015 Reserve Viognier, Comanche County, Newburg Vineyard  White blends: Wedding Oak Winery 2015 Sweet Alyssum, Texas High Plains, Wildseed Farms VineyardDry Rosé/Blush: Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards non-vintage Texas Sweet Blush Dolcetto: Perissos Vineyards and Winery 2015 Dolcetto, Texas High Plains, Diamante Doble Vineyards Merlot: Messina Hof Winery & Resort, 2015 Merlot, Texas Tempranillo: Haak Vineyards & Winery 2015 Tempranillo

, Texas High Plains, Reddy Vineyards Malbec: Trilogy Cellars 2015 Malbec, Texas High Plains, Amanecer Vineyards, Bolen Vineyards, Krick Hill Vineyards Double-GoldDouble-gold means a panel of judges all awarded the wine first place. Winners included: Viognier: Grape Creek Vineyards 2015 Viognier, TexasWhite blends: Grape Creek Vineyards 2015 Cuvee Blanc, Texas; and Perissos Vineyard and Winery 2015 Serendipity, Texas High Plains, Farmhouse Vineyards and Oswald Vineyard Red dessert: Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards Besitos de Chocolate NV, Texas Other white varietals: Perissos Vineyard and Winery 2015 Roussanne, Texas High Plains, Oswald Vineyard Sangiovese: Flat Creek Estate 2014 Super Texan, Texas  Tempranillo: Yates Winery 2014 Tempranillo, Texas High Plains, Bayer Family Vineyardsbuy french wine in australia GoldTexas appellation wines awarded gold medals: Muscat/Albarino/Chenin Blanc: Fall Creek Vineyards 2015 Headwaters Chenin Blanc, TexasWhite Native American/Hybrid: Haak Vineyards & Winery 2016 Blanc du Bois, TexasViognier: Lost Draw Cellars 2015 Viognier, Texas High PlainsWhite Blends: Lost Oak Winery 2015 Saku White, Texas High Plains, Diamante Doble VineyardOther White Varietals: Brennan Vineyards 2015 Roussanne, Texas High Plains, Reddy Vineyards; beer and wine nyc

and Duchman Family Winery 2015 Vermentino, Texas High Plains, Bingham Family Vineyards; and Lost Oak Winery 2015 Blanc du Bois, TexasDistilled/Fortified: Haak Vineyards & Winery 2014 Blanc du Bois Amnesia, Texas Tempranillo: Brennan Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo, Texas; and Spicewood Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo, Texas Hill CountryRed Bordeaux: Fall Creek Vineyards 2013 Meritus, Texas Hill Country Mourvedre: Lost Draw Cellars 2014 Mourvedre, Texas High Plains; best wine country wineriesand Rancho Ponte Vineyard 2015 Mourvedre, New Mexico/Texasbuy sa wine online All other red blends: Solaro Estate Winery 2014 Miscela, Texas Hill CountryKim Pierce is a Dallas freelance writerusa today top 10 wine bars Texas grape growers and wine makers choose to work with European as well as non-viniferous, or non-European grapevines and fruit. where to buy old soul wine

These grapes are more resistant to specific challenges presented by growing conditions in Texas. Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests close to 1659. As European settlers followed the development of mission outposts, they brought more grapevine cuttings, further developing the industry through the 1800s. Today Texas boasts approximately 4,500 acres of producing vineyard farmland. The U.S. Department of Treasury through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau officially designates American Viticulture (Grape Growing) Areas, or AVAs. Texas has eight AVAs although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 75% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region. Texas grape growers have learned what varieties do well in Texas climate and soil. Texans are proud to share their award-winning Texas wines made with Texas grapes. Featured Texas Wine Varieties

Blanc du BoisAn American hybrid with Italian Muscat in its heritage. Primarily grown in Southeast Texas, this grape produces wine with high marketability. It is popular among grape growers for it’s resistance to Pearce’s Disease – a fatal bacterial disease that can affect an entire vineyard. Blanc du Bois is typically used to make white table wine. Pictures compliments of Grohmann Farms Vineyard, Weimar, TXCabernet FrancThis classic French variety has does best on the South Plains or in extreme North Texas. Often it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.Cabernet SauvignonThe king of red wine grapes does well over much of Texas, but especially well above 3,000 feet in elevation. Excellent wines made from this grape have been made by many Texas wineries and enjoyed by many consumers of Texas wines. Picture compliments of Williams Ranch Vineyard and Kirk Williams in San Antonio, TX.This grape is challenging to grow for much of Texas because it buds out early in the season, which makes the grapes subject to late spring freezes.

Widespread recognition among consumers places this wine on most winery lists. It is susceptible to Pierce’s Disease. Wine from chardonnay grapes is typically aged for 12-13 months.Chenin BlancMakes white wine. The grape does well in most parts of the state. Typically dryer than chardonnay, it is less known by consumers and thus more difficult to find on winery lists. It is most often used for blending. Tight clusters make the grape prone to bunch/sour rot. It is also susceptible to Pierce’s Disease.CynthianaThis grape is used in making dry wine. This varietal closely resembles Norton, but many will say Cynthiana should be considered a separate varietal. Genetic studies show the two varietals are almost indistinguishable. Maybe Cynthiana is a mutation of the original Norton.GewurztraminerThis spicy, aromatic grape variety has proven to grow successfully on the South Plains of Texas.LenoirAlso known as Lenoir or Jacquez. Used in southern France in the mid-1700s, this grape is of American heritage.

It is resistant to Pearce’s Disease, and therefore has been grown primarily in southeast and central Texas. Has been used to make Texas Port for many years, and recently has been successfully used to make red table wine. Picture compliments of Grohmann Farms Vineyard, Weimar, TXMalvasia BiancaThis Italian grape variety is very similar in taste to Muscat blanc. It can be used in the same way as Muscat blanc.MerlotThis classic French grape makes a soft, full-bodied, red wine similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but is easier to drink. This variety does well over the western 1/2 of Texas, but does extremely well above 3,000 feet in elevation.Muscat BlancThis floral grape variety is a favorite of most winery tasting rooms and makes an excellent white, cocktail wine or a wine that goes with chocolate desserts. This variety does best in the western 1/2 of Texas, but can be found growing in other parts of Texas. Also known as Muscat Canelli.Muscat CanelliThis floral grape variety is a favorite of most winery tasting rooms and makes an excellent white, cocktail wine or a wine that goes with chocolate desserts.

Also known as Muscat Blanc.Orange MuscatThis citrus tasting variety is proving to be a very good grape for the South Plains of Texas. It may do well in other areas too. Most often these grapes are used in making dessert wines.Petite VerdotThis classic French variety is relatively new to Texas and is used almost exclusively for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon.Pinot BlancThis rather neutral variety does well in North Texas and can be used as a neutral white table wine or as the base for a very nice sparkling wine.Pinot GrigioAn Italian grape variety that seems to be adaptable to the hot Texas climate. It makes a simple, clean, dry white wine. While there is only a small amount currently planted it should increase in acreage over time.RieslingA German grape variety that is adapted to the colder regions of Texas. Wines from this grape, while sold as varietals, are often blended with a red wine to make blush wines.Ruby CabernetThis grape variety was developed by the University of California to be a hot weather Cabernet Sauvignon.

It has extremely good color and seems to be best used when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or with a white wine to make a blush.SangioveseThis Italian grape variety is has great potential to do extremely well in the hot Texas climate.Sauvignon BlancMakes white wine. Sauvignon Blanc does well in the western half of Texas. It can make a wonderful wine, but there is not a large market for this variety. Similar to Chenin Blanc, it is dryer than chardonnay, making it more difficult to find on winery lists. Tight clusters make the grape prone to bunch rot. It is also susceptible to Pierce’s Disease.ShirazThis French grape made “famous” by Australia may be the best red grape variety for many areas of Texas. It color and taste are extremely good under a wide diversity of growing conditions. It is somewhat cold sensitive, especially when it is young. Also known as 'Syrah'.SyrahThis French grape made “famous” by Australia may be the best red grape variety for many areas of Texas. Also known as 'Shiraz'.