Sustainable farming yields exceedingly abundant vines

By Lorelie Helmke
By Lorelie Helmke

The Greek word perissos translates to exceedingly abundant. That’s an appropriate name for this boutique vineyard and winery located in Hooper’s Valley near Burnet.

In 2005 Seth and Laura Martin set out to produce world-class wines with a farming first mentality.

With the belief that wine is made in the vineyard, their sustainable farming and sheer tenacity have paid off. Today, Perissos produces a many wines that are available to taste in their exceedingly charming tasting room with abundant breathtaking views.

2016 Estate Viognier
3.5 stars
Aromas of honeysuckle and Meyer lemon rise from the glass and white flowers and peaches mingle in. On the palate, tropical flavors shine through. A viscous white with a little higher alcohol than others pairs with Thai chicken wings. Six hundred cases of this Texas Hill Country wine were produced.

2016 Reserve Rousanne
4 stars
This is quite powerful for a white wine. Scents of ginger, honeycomb and apricot swirl around the nose. There is a beautiful hint of vanilla derived from the time this wine spent in oak. A rich buttery finish makes this a great wine to pair with holiday turkey. Two hundred and twenty-nine cases were produced from grapes out of One Way Vineyard in the Texas High Plains.

2017 Italian Stallion Rose
3 stars
Four Italian varietals from the Texas High Plains combine to create a delightfully easy yet somewhat complex rose wine. Lychee and rose petals blend with watermelon on the nose. Essence of plum swirls on the palate and it finishes clean. Pair this with great conversation and bruschetta. One hundred and seventy-four cases were produced.

2015 Estate Tempranillo
4.5 stars
This red earned Double Gold at San Francisco Chronicle Competition. An intense ruby color entices while aromas of baked cherry crisp and leather leap from the glass. Hints of clove and cinnamon blend with tastes of figs, pepper and a touch of roasted tomato. Full of finesse, this stunning red finishes with beautiful balance. Perfect to serve with paella. Six hundred and ninety-seven cases produced from Texas Hill Country grapes.

2015 Estate Aglianico
5 stars
Stunning shades of garnet/ruby alert the senses. It opens with aromas of bright ripe cherries, cigar box spice, blackberry and blue flowers close in behind. A touch of rough leather adds backbone. This wine is subtle and lays softly on the palate for an impressive feminine finish. Great to serve with osso buco. Six hundred and sixty-three cases of this Texas Hill Country black grape wine were produced.

2015 Tamara
3 stars
A one hundred percent tempranillo sourced from Mason, Texas is robust with medium tannins and acidity that adds spirit to the palate. Up front dark berries and plums intertwine with tobacco, clove, anise and lavender. The balanced, long finish will pair well with roasted leg of lamb. Three hundred and eighty-four were cases produced.

2015 Italian Stallion
3.5 stars
Equal parts of aglianico, dolcetto, montepulciano and sangiovese combine to create a bold masculine red.

This wine, which exhibits a garnet/brick color, begins with smoke, strawberry jam and blueberries. White pepper and baking spices add to the complexity. It finishes bold and long. Seven hundred and ninety-five cases were produced.

Perissos Vineyard and Winery
perissosvineyards.com
7214 Park Road 4 W
Burnet, Texas 78611
512.820.2950