Bent Oak Winery

Austin’s Best Little Secret

By LORELIE HELMKE
Bent Oak principles, from left, Marilee Catalano, Debbie Bruce, Audrey and John Catalano.

Computer software engineer by day, John Catalano loved making beer as a hobby. Eventually, he decided to try his fermenting skills with wine, perhaps at the behest of Audrey, his wife (a.k.a. “Chard Girl”). Catalano enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology program at Texas Tech. As luck would have it, grapes grown in Dry Creek fell into his possession while presenting his software in San Francisco. This was the beginning. John and Audrey, with his sister Marilee and her spouse Debbie, have created the best little secret in Austin. They still source some juice from California, but grapes for most of their wines are grown in the High Plains of Texas. With 22 offerings at their winery there is something here for everyone. And the quality is impressive. In fact, many of their wines have earned well-deserved medals from wine competitions all over the country. Bent Oak winery isn’t located in a place you would expect to find such graceful, elegant and beautiful wines. That’s what makes them a great little secret. I, for one, am happy to have found them and will be Ubering over every time I visit Austin.

2017 Trebbiano
Texas High Plains

Silver at San Francisco International Competition.

Tart Apple and Pear hit the nose followed by a chalky dust. It delivers a tingling acidity that lays on the tongue. A mouthwatering medium finish. Pair with Gulf Snapper or Shrimp.

2017 Malvasia Blanca
Texas High Plains

Silver at San Francisco International Competition.

Beautifully aromatic. It offers fresh cut honeydew melon and rose petals in the glass. A great wine for brunch – quiche and Benedict.

2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Texas High Plains

Silver Lone Star International Competition

A traditional sauvignon blanc – aromas of lime zest with a distinct herbaceous quality and fresh cut grass. Whole cluster fermentation and oak barrel fermentation give this wine a hint of tannin complexity. A perfect wine to have with Manchego cheese and serrano ham.

2017 Viognier
Texas High Plains

Silver at San Francisco International Competition

Sourced from the Bingham Family Vineyards, this Rhone varietal shows off white flowers with pear and Tuscan melon aromas, followed by hints of vanilla and nutmeg. Surlie aging gives it a lush creaminess. Pair with crab cakes or turkey dishes.

2018 Dolcetto
Texas High Plains
Silver at San Francisco International Competition

Sourced from the Bingham Family Vineyards, this Rhone varietal shows off white flow-ers with pear and Tuscan mel-on aromas, followed by hints of vanilla and nutmeg. Surlie aging gives it a lush creaminess. Pair with crab cakes or turkey dishes.

2018 Dolcetto
Texas High Plains

New Release
Light garnet in color, this red shows off baked cherry pie aromas, hints of baking spice, a balanced acidity. It has char-acteristics of a big red in an easy to drink red wine that can be shilled slightly – a wonder-ful option for Texas. Pair this one with Margarita Pizza.

2018 Barbara
Texas High Plains

New Release
Gorgeous nose of violets and dark cherry, plum and cranberry aromas. A soft, silky texture creates an enjoyable mouthfeel. It’s young but oh so lovely. Great to serve with Texas Chili – beef or wild game.

2018 Sangiovese
Texas High Plains

New Release
This wine shows a rich ruby color, it is elegant and soft. Dark cherries leap out followed by plum, cigar box and a hint of mineral. Serve with roasted quail or Paella.

2018 Petite Verdot
Texas High Plains

Gold at San Francisco International Competition

Masculine and full-bodied wine with aromas of black cherry, black berry, just rolled cigar and a hint of graphite. It’s sultry and sexy with a satiny tannins and bright acidity. Perfect with carne asada.

Bent Oak Winery
bentoakwinery.com
2000 Windy Terrace Bldg 2-B, Cedar Park, TX 78613
512.953.8094