Johnson City’s 290 Vinery offers up their exclusive recommendations for wines to enjoy throughout the New Year!
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Over the course of 2018, we’ve spent a fair amount of time here at TheTexasWildflower.com exploring the Johnson City arts scene. Time and again Susan Kirchman’s name came up in that context, in general recognition of the essential work she did to attract other gallery owners to the downtown area.
What we never fully explored, however, is the fact that Kirchman—in addition to being an artist and contemporary art gallery owner—owns and runs a winery and tasting room with her husband Warren and daughter Alison Lanik.
The 290 Vinery opened in 2016 and they produced their first wines in 2017. Not only do they sell their own beverages, they also showcase regional and international wines—many of which are available online via their website, too. The business also hosts special events and rents space for private affairs.
With a new year dawning in just a few weeks, we turned to Kirchman et al to request their suggestions for wines to mark the year, holiday by holiday. With the help of the Andy Lee, manager of 290 Vinery’s wine club, they delivered a thoughtful, spirited list that we can’t wait to work our way through. We hope you’ll feel the same.
Cheers!
New Year’s Eve
Marrugat Cava Semi-Seco
This is the perfect wine for celebration. It satisfies both dry and sweet wine drinkers, so at this traditional social event where many different palates are gathered, all of your friends will be impressed with your choice.
290 Vinery Reserve Tempranillo
This is the perfect wine for celebration. All Texas grapes. Berry and plum on the nose. Plum, spices and a hint of vanilla on the palate. A nice medium finish with hints of pepper. This is a wine that your guests will love. Pairs well with rich meats and cheeses.
Valentine’s Day
Valley Mills Rosé
Light rose in color and dry on the plate. Tastes of strawberries makes this the ideal wine to celebrate with your significant other. A Texas wine that satisfies socially and is also terrific with a special dinner.
290 Vinery Sangiovese
Clear and bright ruby color. Plum and strawberry on the nose. Berry and dried strawberry on the palate with a hint of vanilla and a well-balanced medium finish makes this the perfect dinner wine and pairs well with chocolates.
St. Patrick’s Day
Bookwalter Chardonnay
Crisp, clean and refreshing (and comes in a green bottle), this wine satisfies the white wine drinker on those warm spring days. Tastes of pear, apple and maybe a little green grass, it’s the perfect wine for St. Patrick’s big holiday.
290 Vinery Petit Verdot
Very fruit-forward, yet dry, this single-varietal wine has hints of fig and dates. Nice tastes of plum and cherry with a lingering finish. Goes well with corned beef and potatoes.
Easter/Passover
290 Vinery Seriously Red
A serious dry red wine for a serious holiday. A wine with characteristics of the Old World style, it pairs nicely with the rich dinner that would be served during this reverent time.
Christoval Sparkling Almond
Not dry but not too sweet. The effervescence makes this a terrific wine to celebrate a holiday. Serve this socially or before, during or after dinner and your guests will love it.
290 Vinery Pinot Grigio-Muscat
This blend was created for those who enjoy an “off-dry” wine. The nose detects green apple, cut grass and hints of citrus. Creamy pear and melon on the palate with a nicely balanced medium finish. Chilled, this wine goes well with a holiday ham.
View this post on Instagram290 Vinery daughter and General Manager Alison Lanik on her 1st Mother’s Day as a Grama!
Moms, Dads, & College Grads
290 Vinery Sangria
These are happy times and need to be celebrated with a fun wine. This sweet wine is full of tropical flavors that satisfies drinkers of all ages.
Memorial Day & Labor Day
Escondido Valley Sauvignon Blanc
A wonderful refreshing white Texas wine that is easy on the palate with hints of pineapple and pears. The Sauvignon Blanc grape was cultured in France where so many of our service people gave their live for our freedom, so this seems like a perfect wine for this holiday.
290 Vinery Ruby Cabernet
Light on the palate, this cabernet drinks well in a social gathering but also goes well with food. Ruby red color. Plum on the nose and plum and cherry taste notes. A well-balanced finish makes this wine terrific with beef and barbecue.
Halloween
290 Vinery Little White Lies
With a name like that, this is the ideal Texas wine for trick or treating (treating with this wine is fun!). A blend of Roussanne and Muscat Blanc, it is a fruity treat indeed.
Thanksgiving & Christmas
Austin Custom Winery Cranberry Chianti
A sweet wine, this will satisfy your sweet drinkers during dinner and your dry wine drinkers after dinner. With tastes of fresh cranberries and a smooth quick finish, Thanksgiving will be a hit with your company.
290 Vinery Seriously Red
A wonderful blend of Tannat, Mourvedre and Alacante Bouchet. Deep ruby red and cherry color. Plum on the nose and plum and cherry taste notes. A well balanced finish makes this wine terrific with traditional meats like Prime Rib or Turkey.
Thanks for reading!
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