Review: Calais Winery

So you scoff and say you haven’t been to Deep Ellum since the Green Room closed? It’s time to get back and spend an evening at Calais Winery with winemaker and owner Benjamin Calais. First, he has a French accent and loves to chat. Second, the wines he makes are fantastic. Third, tastings are free. He’s not blending Texas grapes, so it’s technically not Texas wine, but how can we not like wines named after streets in Deep Ellum? The 2007 La Cuvée Principale (“Main” in French) is an unoaked Chardonnay ripe with apple and pineapple aromas followed by fresh, fruity, and balanced flavors ($16.63 per bottle). Don’t leave without tasting the 2007 La Cuvée d’Elme. A traditional left-bank Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc ($17.55 per bottle), it is velvety with soft tannins. A tasting-room favorite is the 2006 La Cuvée d’Commerce ($24.94 per bottle), which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Calais ages the wine for 24 months in French and American oak. It is earthy with a bit of cedar and spicy, peppery notes. In case that’s not enough to pique your interest, every Friday night Calais hosts themed wine tastings. Recent topics include Argentinean Malbecs, sparkling wines, and varietal verticals tasted blind all for about $15. 3000 Commerce St. 214-453-2548. www.calaiswinery.com.