September 2020 Musings from the Wine Press
5th RLV Vintage
It is both surprising and then again not hard to believe that we have completed our 5th harvest and vintage of RLV wine. What was a mere concept and dream in 2015, has materialized in gold medal awards at TEXSOM, Houston, and San Francisco wine competitions, to mention a few. These accolades have led to food and wine writer, Jessica Dupuy to consider RLV “a leading contender in the Texas Wine Industry.”
Our goal at RLV has always been to produce wine representative of Texas terroir and climate. Our wines are the product of 100% Texas grapes and more specifically, grapes from the Texas High Plains AVA near Lubbock. Our French enology consultant, Guenhael Kessler has been indispensable in RLV rapidly ascending the learning curve of premium wine making. Many of the grape varietals and wines we produce mirror those from southern France.
We have faced numerous challenges along our journey from initially producing a commercial product in a small West Texas town, to dealing with vineyard management, grape harvest and wine production issues in the dead heat of August. All these factors have the potential to compromise quality. We have experienced the challenge of growth, moving wine production locations, adding a Ft Worth tasting room, and entering the retail market where premium Texas wines are still novel.
We are proud that you have joined us in this experience. Frankly, we are most appreciative of your support. I would personally like to thank as well all of our dedicated staff, spouses, family, and friends for their concern and assistance, especially during COVID. Andrew Chalk’s recent RLV blog review was aptly titled “Rancho Loma Vineyards—Fast Start by the Winery from Coleman”. The best is yet to be! Please enjoy our current wine club release.
Tasting Notes by Sean Gravalos, WSET III, RLV Head Sommelier
Red Wine Offerings for September 2020
2017 RLV Toro – This wine is a dry full-bodied Tempranillo. Look for black berry, black cherry, black current, tobacco, leather and earthy notes on the nose and palate.
Awards: Silver medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine competition and silver medal at the 2018/2019 Texas international wine competition.
Pairings: Hearty Stews, Lasagna, Pizza, dishes with tomato-based sauces. Grilled meats and Mexican food.
2017 RLV Valera – A dry Spanish-style blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Grenache. Look for dark red cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cloves, with a hint of vanilla on the nose and palate.
Awards: Silver medal at the 2020 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Bronze medal at the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Pairings: Pâté, BBQ Meats, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Shoulder, Lamb and Veal.
2017 RLV The Tempter – The Tempter is a dry full-bodied Texas Bordeaux style blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Tannat. Look for blackberry, black cherry, black current, plum, leather, tobacco, earthy notes and a hint of vanilla on the nose and palate.
Awards: Double gold medal winner 2019 San Francisco International wine competition and the 2020Houston Livestock and Rodeo
Pairings: BBQ Grilled Meats, Smokey Dishes, Rib-eye Steak.
White Wine Offerings for September 2020
2017 RLV Nocturnal Albarino – A floral dry wine with high acidity with fresh citrus, apple, pear, honeydew, saline on the nose and palate.
Awards: Double gold winner at 2018/2019 Texas International Wine Competition. Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco Wine Competition. Silver medal at the 2018 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Bronze medal at the 2019 TEXSOM International Wine Competition.
Pairings: Seafood Risotto, Grilled or Fried Fish Tacos, Oysters, Mussels and Clams.
2017 RLV Imprint – A dry Orange Muscat with refreshing acidity. Aromas of orange blossom, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, meyer lemon and some stone fruits on the finish.
Awards: Silver Medal at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle wine Competition. Gold Medal at the 2018/2019 Texas International Wine Competition.
Pairings: Light Summer Salads, Sushi, Shellfish, Chicken, and Fresh Fruit.
2017 RLV III – This Rhone blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne is fermented in 16% new oak. The remaining balance is fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain a fresh and fruit forward style. Pleasant palate of apricot, yellow apple, pear, pineapple, jasmine, honey, and a hint of vanilla on the finish.
Awards: Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Gold Medal at the 2018/2019 Texas International Wine Competition. Silver Medal at the 2018 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Pairings: Butter Meats like Lobster, Crab, Foie Gras, and Pâté.
Wine Club Recipe by Caitlyn “CJ” Hatchett, RLV Operations Manager
Flammkuchen – Flammkuchen comes from south Germany and the Alsace region of France. Translated it means “flame cake”. While you can choose any toppings for flammkuchen, the most traditional recipe includes bacon and caramelized onions. These are seasoned with a bit of nutmeg and black pepper.
VinoShipper
You can ship your favorite RLV out of state via VinoShipper. We can now ship to your friends and family in 40+ states. For out of state shipping: https://vinoshipper.com/shop/rancho_loma_vineyards_llc . Or select your favorite wine at www.rlv.wine under our Shop Tab, then click on About This Item, and scroll down to the direct link.
Important Contact Information
General information: info@rlv.wine
Wine Club Inquiries: wineclub@rlv.wine
Existing orders/reservations inquiries: customercare@rlv.wine
Coleman Wine Concierge: julie@rlv.wine, heaven@rlv.wine
Coleman Phone: 325.625.1010
Fort Worth Wine Concierge: sean@rlv.wine, cj@rlv.wine, lauren@rlv.wine
Fort Worth Phone: 817.369.9030
Social Media
Can we ask a big favor of our loyal wine club members? Follow us and like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Share!
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@RanchoLomaVineyardsFortWorth
Looking forward to seeing you soon to share a glass or two of wine either in Coleman or Fort Worth.
As always, Cheers!