|| | $64 | 2018 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Tempranillo

Tempranillo in Oregon’s Willamette Valley? That’s right, and Bryn Mawr Vineyards is growing it in one of the coldest, windiest AVAs of them all – the Eola Amity Hills. Their foray into Tempranillo began with the planting of 150 vines circa 1995 on an estate vineyard. Tempranillo, Spain’s principal grape varietal, is thought to have been introduced by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. The wines are known for having bold tannins and savory fruit characteristics. They follow the lead of our Spanish predecessors and make it in what would be considered a Reserva style. This Tempranillo is allowed to age in barrel for at least 2 years, and then bottle aged for at least 1 year prior to release. The extended aging allows the tannins to soften and the flavors to concentrate and become more savory and complex. In an homage to antiquity, they tread the grapes by foot during fermentation to develop more texture and depth of flavor.

“Dark ruby red in color. The aromatics on this wine are impressive – with ripe berries and spice upfront, and an ample layer of deep richness that sways in and out of the foreground. The palate is lively, with pleasantly assertive tannins and a peppery midpalate and finish.”
– Rachel Rose, Winemaker