2015 Bodega Del Sur Winery Tempranillo
Finally had a chance to stop Bodega Del Sur Winery today in Murphys, California. What a treat to meet Evelyn Reyes Umana and Fausto Mendoza. I was referred to them over one year ago, but never have connected. Went through an abbreviated tasting (due to time on my part), but one of their wines stood out amongst the others! That was their 2015 Tempranillo.
Tempranillo means “little early one” a name that the Spanish wine growers observed since it ripened earlier than their Garnacha in the vineyards. Tempranillo claims a heritage based on DNA with Rioja and Navarra grapes in Spain. Tempranillo is a thick skinned red grape that makes for intense dark colored wines with moderate tannins. Typical flavor profiles and aromas of Tempranillo range from strawberries, blackcurrants and cherries to prune, chocolate and tobacco depending on soil, climate and weather conditions. Oak barrels, be it French and American, impart vanilla, coconut notes to fruity, spicy flavors.
Tonight we paired this wine with a 24 hour Chaka marinated BBQed tri-tip, a fresh stir-fried vegetable medley of mushrooms, broccoli with cheddar cheese and a Yukon Gold potato. This wine hugged and embraced each bit of the steak. On the eyes, a deep red, almost black color with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose dark cherries were prominent. On the palate, besides cherry, leather, sweet tobacco, vanilla and clove, it made lasting mouthful impression. The finish was long lasting and albeit initially possessing an edge or two, simmered down to a velvety crescendo.
More to come on this boutique winery in the months coming up and many of their other handcrafted wines.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://bodegadelsur.com/
California Wines & Wineries 