2019 Tempranillo Texas High Plains

The Texas High Plains is the second largest AVA in Texas, comprising roughly 8 million acres in west Texas, mostly south of the panhandle region.  The eastern border of the Texas High Plains AVA follows the 3000 ft. elevation contour line along the Caprock Escarpment, the steep transitional zone separating the High Plains from the lower plains to the east.  The elevation within the Texas High Plains gradually increases from 3,000 ft. to 4,100 ft. in the northwest portion of the AVA.  This positioning provides an environment of long, hot, dry summer days which allows the grapes to mature and ripen to proper sugar levels, and cool evenings and nights, which help set the grapes’ acidity levels.  Grapes and wine have been produced in this region since the mid-1970s and vineyards here have become the major grape supplier to wineries throughout the state.  There are over 75 Wine Grape Varietals planted in the High Plains AVA, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Dolcetto, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Viognier.