Grand Reserve Tempranillo 2021

Tempranillo is the great grape of Spain responsible for the famous, sumptuous reds of Rioja. The perfect growing conditions of 2021 produced this intensely flavoured wine.

Aroma & Taste

This rich and bold wine shows ripe flavours of plum and dark berries intermingled with hints of chocolate and subtle smoky tones. The palate is round and generous with tannins that are well integrated with French oak.

Viticultural Practices

The vines are clone 776 from Rioja.  This clone can be high yielding, but when cropped lightly it produces particularly high quality wines.  High density planting and hand-thinning of bunches reduced the crop load to less than 2kg per vine and enabled us to maximise flavour.

Wine Making Details

Just 96 cases were made of this rare New Zealand example. The grapes were crushed to small open top fermenters and the wine fermented to dryness.  Post fermentation maceration was for 8 days when desired tannin extraction was achieved. The wine was pressed to barrel for maturation with 60% of barrels being new French oak.  Natural malolactic fermentation was completed by spring.

Food & Wine Matching

Tempranillo is perhaps one of the most food friendly wines.  The earthy component compliments roasted red meats and it would also suit barbequed meat.  Its Spanish origins means it would make the perfect accompaniment to tapas such as hams, salamis, olives, and cheese.