TexSom 2015

Messina Hof is so honored to be part of the TexSom annual event.  Not only is it a place to meet the passionate wine enthusiasts and professionals of the world but also to taste rare wines, learn from producers, and enjoy the journey with others who are like minded.  TexSom is an annual gathering in its 11^th year created by Master Sommeliers James Tidwell and Drew Hendricks.  People from all over the US and around the world come to learn, network, and experience new wines.                                           

There are so many classes from which to choose.  In order to get your choices of presentations, you must register early.  Some of the highlights for me were the winemaker insights and state of Texas report by Paul V Bonarrigo; The Distinguishing Winemaking Choices by Matthew Citriglia MS and Geoff Kruth MS; learning the Lineage of the Pinot Family with Josh Raynolds; and getting educated on teas by The Cultured Cup during session breaks.

Did you know for instance that Gamay, Aligote’, Chardonnay, Muscadet and other grape varieties are all the result of the marriage of Pinot Noir and Gouais?  I had never heard of Gouais before but even though now virtually extinct it played a huge role in parenting some of our favorite varieties of today.  Gouais is a thin skinned, highly acidic grape that is well suited for sparkling wine blends.

The TexSom lunches are also hosted by wine regions.  I particularly enjoyed the Wines of Chile lunch since we had just returned from our Messina Hof VIP wine trip to that region.  The Messina Hof wines served over the course of events during the weekend were Sophia Marie Rose’ 2014, Riesling 2014, Tempranillo 2014, Barrel Cuvee Cabernet Franc 2014, Sangiovese 2014, Paulo Bordeaux Blend 2011, GSM, DRZ, and Private Reserve Port 2012.

For information about TexSom 2016 watch www.texsom.org.