Tempranillo has been a favorite among our club members since we introduced it with our first vintage in 2007. A lesser-known varietal in Oregon, it is one of the world's top five planted grape varietals. Our 2021 Tempranillo showcases stunning layers of red berries, hints of fig and spices.
A Note from Winemaker, Leo Gabica
"We have been working with Quail Run Vineyard in Southern Oregon for a while. The vineyard site produces beautiful fruit - I wanted to highlight that with the 2021 Tempranillo. I aged the wine in French-American hybrid barrels for 20 months. With the vintage being warmer, I decided to use only neutral barrels. This allows the genuine flavor profile of the fruit to shine while harnessing the textures. Tempranillo is known for its tannin structure, and I wanted to focus on the rich berry notes, pops of cherry, and hints of spices. The barrel aging allowed these tannins to soften a bit, becoming velvety in texture. When the fruit arrived from Quail Run, I cold-soaked the berries for four days. This allowed for a gentle maceration, extracting the vibrant colors and developing the flavor profiles. This is an excellent culinary wine; it can stand up to a range of foods and become the hidden gem of your next meal."
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Tempranillo is a versatile and food-friendly wine, pairing well with a variety of dishes, from red meat to barbecued dishes and boldly spiced foods, inviting you to explore new culinary adventures. Some of our favorite suggestions are roasted lamb, medium curries, tomato-based pasta, blue cheese burgers, paella, or wood-fired pizza.