Bokisch Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a variety of vitis vinifera, the red grape used commonly in winemaking. It is native to northern Spain, and widely cultivated in both northern and central Spain It is also fairly common in Argentina, and plays a minor role in the wines of two regions of Portugal, the central Alentejo, where it is known as Aragonez and used in red table wine blends of variable quality, and Douro, where it is known as Tinta Roriz and mainly used in blends to make port wine. It has recently started to appear 2001 in several wine regions in Australia, namely McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.  Tempranillo does best in cooler grape growing regions, as it does not tolerate hot or dry weather well. Pests and diseases are a serious problem for this grape variety, since it is has little resistance to either. 

Tempranillo is usually blended with other grape varieties, being low in both acid level and sugar content. It is the major component of the well-known Rioja wines. Its wines can be consumed when young, but are considered at their best when aged, especially when aged in oak. It is lightly colored and ages well in American and sometimes French oak.
Tempranillo is often considered the “Cabernet” of Spain. Our California vines, grown on red, clay loams, produce a dark, purple-black wine with silky flavors and aromas of ripe raspberries. It is full and round on the palate with a soft finish. We barrel age our Tempranillo for 16 months in 50% new French Oak as well as tightly grained Minnesota Oak to impart a spicy flavor. It is blended with 5% of our highly prized Graciano as is done with traditional Rioja blends from Spain.

Scores: Tempranillo 2003
88 points-Robert Parker “…elegant, Pinot Noir-like texture, light tannin, and a spicy ripe finish…delicious”
Silver Medal-San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2003 Vintage Production: 210 cases