Vineyard: Tempranillo is the noble grape of Spain. It is the predominant varietal in the wines from the famous Rioja region, where it is sometimes blended with Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo (Carignan). In 1998 two acres of Tempranillo were planted on an isolated knoll in the southern part of the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The vines grow in volcanic soils and benefit from the cool Carneros temperatures. Tempranillo makes a unique, spicy wine, with deep purple color, lush texture, and firm acidity. It is a wonderful food wine.
Winemaking: The fruit was gently destemmed and crushed into an open top fermenter with approximately 20% whole berries. The tank was inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast and punched down twice daily throughout the fermentation. The temperature peaked at 88º F. After 14 days of maceration, the lot was pressed and allowed to settle in tank before going to barrel. The wine was aged for 10 months in both French (85%) and American (15%) oak; 25% of these barrels were new. This wine is 100% Tempranillo. It is approachable right now, but will reward careful cellaring for the next 10 - 15 years.
Harvest: October 1, 2015 24.5Brix 3.75pH 6.9 g/l TA Alchohol: 14.2%
Release Date: July 6th, 2019
Cases Produced: 197
