Weekend Wine: Becker's Provençal Rosé

courtesy of Becker Vineyards

Richard Becker, M.D. and his late wife, Bunny, started Becker Vineyards in 1992. They weren’t the very first, and they never became the biggest, but they have always been one of the very best.

Over the years, the Beckers and their winemaking team have made the winery into one of the top tourist destinations in Texas by serving consistently wonderful, fairly priced wines through more than 25 vintages. They were a striking couple. Besides both being attractive people, she was six feet tall and Richard is much taller still.

One wine of theirs that has been a consistent throughout the years is the Becker Provençal ($25). This lively rosé is made from Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Tempranillo, 93% of which comes from the Farmhouse Vineyard in Meadow, Tex., with the remaining 7% coming from Tallent Vineyards in Mason County. The resulting wine tastes like red berries with a dusting of black pepper along with a hint of minerality.

Provençal is ideal for Texas food and weather. Drink it cold. Have it with a smoked fish or a plate of nachos. Or try it with its highest calling, a perfectly roasted chicken. Also, drive over to their winery. They have done a splendid job of creating a hospitable and joyous destination. While you are there, take a chance to wander though their lavender field, a project full of love that Bunny worked on tirelessly just to make all visitors smile.