Texas wines continue to make strides in both quality and understanding, as wine makers celebrate nontraditional varieties that thrive in our Texas soils. The white grape, Vermentino, is best known in Italy where it calls Sardinia home and in the South of France, where it is often referred to as Rolle. Duchman Family Wines in Driftwood, TX sources fruit from the Hill Country and the High Plains to produce their Italian and Spanish varieties. I tasted their current 2013 Vermentino just last night and think this is the perfect wine for a summer day. Very dry, very crisp and very delicious, filled with juicy tangerine, lemon-lime and a hint of floral notes. $15 available at Spec’s.