Driftwood Estate was the very first winery I visited in Texas. Might have been the first time I tried Tempranillo, as well. They grow grapes in Driftwood, but they also have a vineyard in Newsom, Texas in the High Plains area. Tonight I'm drinking the Newsom Reserve. What's interesting though, is if you go to (either I'm sure) their winery you can taste the same vintages, made in the same way, in the same location under the aegis of the same winemaker--but made from grapes grown in different terroir. And it really makes a difference!
This is a very dry, full-bodied red, leather, lavender, blackberry and baking spices on the nose. Maybe a hint of pipe tobacco. The blackberry and tobacco notes are more pronounced in the flavor along with notes of pepper and even more spice--cumin, cardamom, cocoa, maybe a little turmeric. After it breathes for awhile, the dark fruit flavors are more pronounced.
This is a wine that you'd drink while seated around an Autumn bonfire. I'd pair it with grilled or roasted corn, or anything Tex-Mex. It could definitely stand up to those bold, spicy flavors.
Anyway, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I'm writing a winery-set book that will hopefully release next year. One of my characters likes to make up songs about wine (or, more specifically, she makes up lyrics about wine). Which of course means that I have to make up song lyrics about wine. Here's one about Tempranillo.
Tempranillo
(Sung to the tune of “Oklahoma”)
Tempranillo, you’re the first to ripen on the vine.
You’re the fourth most planted red wine grape, and a top-tier rojo noble nine!
Tempranillo, you’re the wine Phoenician traders drank
As they sailed the Med’terranean ’til the last of the penteconters sank!
We know that you pair well with meat,
And with aging exhibit fruit and heat.
And when we say, "Hey!
You taste like cherry, fig and suede!"
We're really sayin'
"You’re a fine wine, Tempranillo!"
Tempranillo, olé!
