Fredericksburg locals Bret and Chris Perrenoud started in the wine industry over 20 years ago working jobs at another winery. Chris would go on to run the tasting room and Bret did everything from vineyard management to contracts to making and bottling the wines.
They are a powerhouse winery couple that decided it was time to venture out on their own. With the support of their partners, John and Susie Bernard, they have opened a beautiful winery along the Highway 290 corridor between Fredericksburg and Stonewall.
Bret’s experience and relationships in the Texas wine industry give Airis ’Ele a leg up in their ability to produce stellar wines and Chris’ creativity and experience shows in the tasting room and programs offered. Here is a look at some of their offerings.
NV Dry Bienvenue
Wilmeth Vineyards – Tokio, Texas
A melody of fruits and florals, peach, apricot, orange blossoms greet the nose. A refined acidity graces the mouth. This is a friendly wine that is sure to please a plethora of palates.
A delightful porch sipper great by itself or pair with fresh ceviche.
2019 Viognier
Lahey Vineyards – Texas High Plains
Finesse in a glass describes this lush white wine. Lemon drops encircle the nose with white peach and honeydew melon following through. A medium body with elegant acidity. Stainless steel fermented and aged.
Open a bottle if Thai cuisine in on the menu. In fact, I’ll take a bottle the next time I go to N’s Thai in Boerne.
2021 Redlin Rosé
Farmhouse Vineyard – Texas High Plains
Rich watermelon hues shine bright. A blend of five red varietals that offers ripe strawberries, rose petals, watermelon and hints of cherry on the nose. Not a wimpy rosé, this Texas blend is round and fleshy with enough body to stand up to Brisket Bar-B-Que.
2018 Malbec
Newsome Vineyards, Neil Newsome – Texas High Plains
Twenty-five-year-old vines produced this complex red. Opulent with a rich bouquet of black currant, violets, and ripe dark fruit upfront with a backbone of tobacco leaf and vanilla. Hints of white dust and leather. Structured tannins will let this one age for bit. Although it was finished in American Oak, the trained nose can detect the French Oak where it was started. This is a B-E-A-utiful malbec.
Perfect complement to a charcuterie board with dried venison sausage and Manchego cheese.
2021 Nichol
50% Petite Sirah – Texas High Plains
50% Petit Verdot – Texas Hill Country
Opaque and inky with amazing fortitude and tannin structure. Perfumes of black plums and blackberries with notes of sassafras, geranium, black pepper and cloves.
Perfect to serve with a Wagyu steak and blue cheese crumbles.
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Washington
A classic Cabernet that emits juicy essences of ripe dark fruits, mission figs, saddle leather, cigar box and a hint of light smoke. Elegant, satin tannins exhibit on the long finish.
Pair with roasted lamb or portabella mushrooms.
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
The same vines that produced the 2019 produced a bit richer more rounded Cabernet Sauvignon in 2020. The 2020 will be released fall of 2023 offers up elements of rose petals, ripe strawberries, sweet tobacco smoke and leather. Worth getting on the waiting list.
2019 Cuerno
Bordeaux Blend
Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Washington
Lovely, elegant fusion of everything a Bordeaux blend should be. Dark ruby color, aromas of dark currants, ripe plums, blackberries, baking spice, sweet smoke, and cigar box. Mouthwatering with well-integrated tannins.
Great with foie gras or duck breast and, of course, chateaubriand.
2020 Cabernet Franc
Calistoga, CA
Big, bold and beautiful. Dark ruby colors shine in the glass. Mocha, plum, fig and blackberry aromas are backup up with a touch of vanilla. Moderate acidity and solid tannins suggest an age worthy wine.
Pair with pork tenderloin with a sweet soy sauce or a Moroccan beef stew.
2021 Muscat
Farmhouse Vineyards – Texas High Plains
A fresh bouquet of zesty lime, light Meyer lemon, orange blossom and pink grapefruit. I detect a hint of the Fun Dip stick from my childhood, sweet with a touch of Mexican vanilla. Great dessert wine, serve with lemon cheesecake.