2023 Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the most widely planted red varietal in Spain, where it is known as the 'Noble Grape.' Its lush texture, appealing fruit, low tannin, and soft acidity produce wines that have endeared Tempranillo not just to growers and vintners, but to wine fans throughout the world. From Spain and Italy to Morocco and Portugal in the Old World, and to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and the USA in the New World, Tempranillo is growing in popularity. In Spain, the region most associated with Tempranillo is Rioja. In Rioja, Tempranillo is produced in a variety of styles, ranging from Gran Reserva, which is aged in a combination of barrel and bottle for five years before release, to Joven style wines that may not see any time in a barrel and are often brought to market within a year of the harvest. Having had great success  producing 'fruit-forward' wines and given the low acidity of Tempranillo, we took more of the 'Crianza' approach, in which the wine is aged in barrel for about a year and briefly bottle-aged before release. The soft, supple nature of Tempranillo reminds me of Barbera in that it is easy to warm up to and is easily embraced by folks new to red wine.