King Valley in Victoria's North-East is described as a 'little slice of Italy' due to the ancestry of many residents, and the climate's similarity to the Meditteranean and Apennine peninsula's. Luckily for us, this also means that many alternative grape varietals favoured in Italy and the Meditteranean are thriving in their new home.
Natively from Spain, Tempranillos are traditionally robust, medium to full-bodied wines that offer spice and pepper notes. This wine from Wood Park's 'Wild's Gully' range is a vibrant ruby red in colour, with purple hues that dance around the rim. The nose takes in blackcurrant and wild berry, with toasty hints and liquorice notes apparent. Initial flavours of savoury black cherry and raspberry combine with soft tannins, the result is a smooth palate that offers some oaky notes. Medium weight, this will drink well alongside lighter food dishes, now or in the short term.
Awards and Accolades
☆☆☆☆☆ - James Halliday Winery Rating
2014 Vintage: Special Value Wine, 92 Points - James Halliday, Wine Companion "Wild yeast open-fermented, hand-plunged, 8 days on skins, matured for 21 months in French oak (10% new). The colour is pale, although the hue is good; it has greater intensity and grip to its flavour than expected, with exotic, warm spices intermingling with cherry fruit; there are tannins in play, but sweet fruit manages to pierce the veil."
From the Winery
Tempranillo in Spanish means early ripening and this wine grown on our home block did not disappoint in the mild and generally dry 2015 vintage. It was the first of the red grapes to come into the winery. The berries were loaded with colour coupled with enticing flavours which have come out in the wine.
Food Matches: A tapas selection followed by roast stuffed peppers.
Don't Pay: $20.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: King Valley, VIC
Winemaker: John Stokes
Drink now until: 2021
Alc/Vol: 12.6 %
