Calais Ruisseau

Calais is one of my favorite Texas wineries. Ben Calais uses only Texas grapes, mostly from the high plains near Lubbock. This Calais La Cuvee du Ruisseau is a 2017 Merlot, and it is delicious. The inky black color is seductive. It is full bodied and savory with high tannin. This is a beautiful representation of what Texas grapes can do, if cared for by an expert. This wine is $55 available through the winery’s website.

Winery: Calais

Wine: La Cuvee du Ruisseau

Year/vintage: 2017

Location: Texas High Plains

Grapes: Merlot

Price: $55

If you find yourself in the Texas Hill Country (Fredericksburg, Wimberley, etc.) make a reservation to stop in at the winery. Calais is a tiny cellar built into the ground. There is no sign, only a French flag flying on the side of Highway 290. It’s easy to miss, but when you make it in, you won’t soon forget the experience.

Because the cellar is built into the ground, it’s chilly. Bring a sweater! Tastings are $15 and you’ll usually also get a taste of homemade bread with your wine. After harvest, you can also look into booking the wine makers table tasting, where Ben Calais will host you through tasting all the wines he has in the shop and his theory behind making each individual wine. It is pricier, but well worth the experience.