Hi,
I live outside Austin, TX. This winter/spring I want to plant grapevines to make red dry table wine. I'd like to plant enough vines so that I can make 5 or 6 gallons of wine per year. I've been reading "From Vines to Wines" by Cox. I selected a nice location on my backyard near the top of a slope. I dug a trench 2.5' wide, 2' deep and 27' long. My soil is what's called a sandy loam: mostly sand, with some silt and clay, and also lots of rocks. Soon I will install a two-wire trellis, which seems to be a pretty versatile support system.
The reason for this post is that I'd like some recommendations on what grapes to plant. I guess the three big considerations are: 1) it has to make good red dry wine, 2) it has to be suited for this weather, and 3) it would be nice if it were tolerant to Pierce's disease.
Any recommendations? Does anybody have experience with Cynthiana (also called Norton)? It is cited as one of the varieties that are tolerant to Pierce's disease, but I dunno if it can make good wine.
Thanks in advance.