Sixty Second Swirl by Brent Lello
Tempranillo is a Spanish grape variety that’s finding a niche here in the Yass Valley region. Several local winemakers are crafting out Tempranillo wines that are vibrant, true-to-roots and super food-friendly. Bob Makin at Murrumbateman Winery on the Barton Highway has seemingly worked out the nuances of Tempranillo and produces great examples, including this week’s ‘swirl’ – the Murrumbateman Winery Tempranillo 2019.
This “neo’ is a deep cherry red in the glass with flashes of crimson-purple. A swirl invites aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries and ripe blood plums with a crack of black pepper and a pinch of cloves. The flavours are energetic and bright with ripe red cherries and red currants. There’s a delicately poised balancing act of lively acid, fruit sweetness and smooth tannins, leading to a food-friendly finish with a sweet yet slightly savoury edge.
We enjoyed our bottle with corn-chip crumbed pork taco burgers with chipotle mayo but given Tempranillo’s Spanish origins also cries out for a Manchego cheese, chorizo sausage and olive platter. I got my bottle – “No. 3407 of 4100” – direct from the cellar door, but you can buy for $30 online.
Check out these great events hosted by Murrumbateman Winery coming up April 30 & May 1st!
