A blend of 88 percent Grenache and 12 percent Tempranillo. The Grenache was grown on 80-year-old vines with low yields—only about a ton per acre—and was fermented on skins with twice daily pump-overs. The Tempranillo was vinified separately and aged in used oak, then blended with the Tempranillo to boost the wine’s tannic structure.
A saturated red color, its perfume of red berries (currants, raspberries, black raspberries) is sharpened by alcohol. Light-textured, it has an aspect like red fruits steeped in coffee, and the tannins are modest overall. I got little impact of earth or herbs, but there is mercifully no oaky barrel flavors. It’s pleasant and refreshing, if a little forward.
Try it with small savory starters, charcuterie, young or hard-aged cheeses (skip the blues), meaty fish, light pork, or dark poultry.
14.6% abv | $30 (sample) Imported by Great Australian Wine Co.
