2011 Tempranillo
CELLAR ... up to 5 years.
The 2011 season was a very interesting year – being wetter than average, with cooler than average maximum daily temperatures. This very un-Rutherglen vintage saw our vineyards receive approximately 900ml of rainfall for the growing season, compared to the average 350ml. After long-term drought conditions, it has resulted in the vineyard soil profiles returning back to a healthier position, and our dams are full ready for next year. Given the tough conditions, there were still highlights in the parcels that were picked.
Tempranillo is considered to be the noble grape of Spain, as it is the backbone of wines made in the well-known northern regions of Riojoa and Ribera del Duero. It was traditionally used as a blending partner for Grenache and Shiraz. The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word “temprano”, which translates to “little early one”, in reference to its short growing season and early ripening. With many regional synonyms, it is also known as Tinto Fino, Valdepenas and Tinta Roriz (Portugal).
Tempranillo is flourishing in our Rutherglen vineyards, as this early ripening variety is traditionally grown in a similar warm climate. Our first vintage of this vibrant and aromatic varietal offers aromas of warm spices, crushed red fruits and the classic elements of tobacco. On the palate elements of berry fruit, a cherry compote finish with mouth-filling grainy tannins.
Winemaking
Varieties Tempranillo
Region Rutherglen, North East Victoria
Harvest date 19 March 2011
Release date July 2012
Oak treatment Matured for 16 months in a mix of older French, American & Hungarian oak
Total acid 6.3g/L
pH 3.65
Residual sugar Dry, less than 1.0g/l
Grape Hunter, Gilbert Labour, 9 September 2012
Rutherglen Estates, Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2011
Tempranillo, this chameleon-like Spanish variety has been nurtured by chief winemaker Marc Scalzo in the Rutherglen region.
This 2011 Rutherglen Estates example delivers aromas and flavours of redberries and cherry. There is also a definite overlay of leather and tobacco evocative of gentlemen's smoking lounges.
The oak and acid influences are definite albeit in a supportive role.
Whilst initially slightly "flat" on the long palate, it gradually built up flavour momentum.
This is definitely a food wine which came into its own when matched with grilled kangaroo steaks.
Price: $19.95
Cellar: Up to 3 years, but drinking well now
Matthew Jukes, Wine Rules Launch, August 2012
Three cheers for Rutherglen Estates. Why? There are so many attempts at making Tempranillo in Australia that fail, ( I can hear you screaming at me now) but just for one second bear in mind that inexpensive Spanish Tempranillo is virtually free and more often that not, a hell of a lot more enjoyable than many truly expensive Aussie versions. So I rejoice when I taste a wine like this because it is clear that RE has managed to capture the benchmark strawberry and cinnamon notes that this variety is famous for without spoiling it with ridiculous amounts of oak. I, for one, will be pouring this wine far and wide to prove that it can be done.
