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CARTER CREEK WINERY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF WINE MADE WITH NEW DISEASE RESISTANT VINES
JOHNSON CITY, Texas – Adopting a more sustainable, proactive approach to winemaking, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa has released its first-ever estate wine, the 2023 Estate Red. Crafted from Pierce’s disease (PD)-resistant vines grown on the property, this milestone release highlights the winery’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the heart of Texas Hill Country.
According to Carter Creek winemaker Jon McPherson, the new wine is a blend of Errante Noir and Paseante Noir, two varietals with signature characteristics reflecting petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel grapes.
McPherson said Carter Creek was among the first vineyards in the country to receive the new vines, which were planted on seven acres on the Carter Creek property in 2020. “The entire industry is very excited about these new grapes – which represent a visionary grape breeding project spearheaded by UC Davis.”
Ultimately, he said, the PD resistant grapes will make viticulture more sustainable and economically feasible as well as create a high-quality wine. “We are thrilled to be among the early adopters of these vines, which will become increasingly prevalent as the industry has suffered over $100 million in losses in recent years due to this rampant disease.”
A growing threat to the U.S. wine industry, Pierce’s disease is a virulent grapevine disease – prevalent in Texas Hill Country – caused by the bacterium xylella fastidiosa. The deadly bacterium is transmitted by sharpshooter insects, including the smoke tree, blue-green, and glassy-winged varieties. It causes grapevine leaves to yellow, or “scorch,” and eventually drop from the vine. While common throughout many parts of the United States, McPherson noted the disease is especially common in riparian zones – topography with abundant wetlands – which provide an ideal habitat for insects. “Vineyards are often planted in close proximity to these areas because they are a source of water,” he said.
Researchers at UC Davis – including department of viticulture and enology faculty member Dr. Andrew Walker – released the disease resistant grape varieties in late 2019. A prominent name in grape breeding, Walker used “old school” plant breeding techniques in the development of the new clones not effected by Pierce’s disease, McPherson said. “Thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Walker and his team, grape growing in regions where sharpshooters are present is now not only possible, but economically viable,” he said.
Carter Creek’s new insect-resistant varietals have signature characteristics that reflect petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. “These varietals are characterized by deep, purple violet color, hearty tannins and aromas that are jammy fruit – damson plum, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry with subtle herbal notes of oregano, lavender and dried rose petals,” McPherson said. “We purposefully kept barrel aging to a minimum on this first release so the oak characteristics did not obscure the actual varietal characters. Delicate smoky oak and leathery notes are balanced against the rich, velvety tannins. Natural acidity and a moderate alcohol round out the finish to give the wine great aging potential.”
About Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa features 78 luxury villas, a pampering spa, outdoor pool, Old 290 Brewery restaurant, onsite microbrewery, winery with two tasting rooms and outdoor event center, which highlights top musical acts. Carter Creek wines have been produced since 2016 in another nearby facility and have garnered many awards. For more information, visit www.cartercreek.com.
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.