How Temranillo Has Exploded On The Australian Wine Scene

In the Rioja region of Spain Temranillo is knownValdepenas and is generally thought of as
as the exclusive red wine from the grape of thatunsuitable for making fine wine.The popularity of
area. Now across the ocean from Spain thisthe Tempranillo variety has increased in Australia
delicious red wine is now on the verge ofjust in the past few years. The renowned Brown
dethroning Sangiovese as the top red varietalBrothers have long been a pioneer of the variety,
wine in the land of Oz, not that Oz, Australia!Thebut now there are over 50 other producers of
win growers in Australia are now harvestingthe variety in about half of Australia's sixty wine
plantings of the Tempranillo from over the lastregions and even though McLaren Vale has the
few years and the new grape on the Australianhighest number of producers the Tempranillo
wine scene is becoming more popular than anyvariety is widely planted throughout the mainland
other wine as far as a percentage basis isAustralian wine regions.The highest rated
concerned.So what is it that is so special aboutTempranillo wine according to James Halliday's
this particular grape? Some of the characteristicsWine Companion 2005 is that which hails from
that are making it so popular are that the winesManton's Creek Vineyard in the Mornington
that come from it have a great color and delicatePeninsula. Casella Wines, the makers of the hugely
fruit flavor as well as being very low in acid andsuccessful [yellowtail] range are also actively
tannins which make for an effortless drinkinginvolved in the variety.The fate of Tempranillo as
style.The Temranillo variety also has a shortfar as Australia is concerned lies with the
growing season in the vineyard which makes itwinemakers and the growers many of which are
suitable even for cooler areas which expandsjust beginning to experiment and learn how to use
upon the regions of the country in which it can bethe variety. Some enthusiastic fans of Tempranillo
grown.The Temranillo variety is the main wine inclaim that it will be the premium red wine in
the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions of SpainAustraila while some of the traditionalists stick by
where it is sometimes blended with Graciano orthe Italian Sangiovese. One thing is certain, only
even sauvignon.time will tell but in the meantime I will continue to
In Portugal Temranillo is utilized as a minor part inenjoy the competition.Gregg Hall is a consultant
port, and in some red table wines. In other areasfor online and offline businesses and lives in
of the world the major vineyards are found inNavarre Florida.
Argentina and California. In California it is called