A panorama of Australian Tempranillo

TempraNeo is a collective of Tempranillo makers inspired by the variety and the potential it holds for making wines of character and interest.

Tempranillo is now considered to be one of the rising stars on the Australian wine scene.

Its various interpretations from diverse Australian regions have created a stir quite out of proportion to the modest area currently under vine. It has demonstrated its potential to yield unique and distinctive wines that give clear voice to their place of origin.

With this in mind, the TempraNeo 2011 workshop series has been designed to deliver a broader and deeper understanding of the panorama that is Australian Tempranillo. It will bring together eighteen of the finest Tempranillo wines from across the country to help build a comprehensive picture of the many faces of the variety from this wide and contrasting landscape.

News

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June 2012: It's time to have some more news on this site, so we're starting a blog for this site. Please check back very soon!

Vintage 2011: how was it for Tempranillo makers? Read the reports from our members.

Reviews of the 2010 event can be found on the Event page. The tastings and discussion led to a compilation of style and flavour descriptors of Tempranillo wine. 6/10/10

updated 6/6/12
© 2010-2012 TempraNeo

A lovely variety to work with, lending itself to our naturalistic approach...

Of the three wines made at Mayford, Tempranillo is distinguished by its earthy fragrance, depth and rich spice. It is a lovely variety to work with, lending itself to our naturalistic approach to winemaking, and sitting comfortably with Porepunkah's continental climate, where a bony ridge-planting at the top of our dryland vineyard keeps its inherent vigour in check.

The product of a tiny family enterprise where handcrafted means exactly that, Mayford Tempranillo reflects a unique site in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and offers an interesting counterpoint to some of the warmer-grown examples in Australia.
Eleana Anderson • Winemaker • Mayford

We need varieties that 'belong' here...

While it has been suggested that Tempranillo in Canberra could make the 'next Vega Sicilia' our reason for growing it at Mount Majura Vineyard is to make the best 'Mount Majura'. That means a variety adapted to our continental climate and able to give voice to the character of our soil.

We need varieties that 'belong' here. For us, Tempranillo has been exciting from the very first harvest in 2003, making wine that has revealed new dimensions in flavour and structure from our vineyard. We feel that the depth and personality in the wine is revealing the character of our place.
Frank van de Loo • Winemaker • Mount Majura Vineyard

Based in Central Victoria our aim is to create distinctly varietal wines expressing the terroir of each vineyard...

Based in Central Victoria our aim is to create distinctly varietal wines expressing the terroir of each vineyard. Our range comprises Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz plus our Miro blend, made in Spain for the Australian market. 2006 was our first vintage and since then we have continued to grow and make the best quality wines possible.

The exceptionally low yields in 2010 from both tempranillo vineyards has produced a wine of deep concentration and powerful varietal character showing rich ripe raspberries with classic chalky tannin.
Narelle King & Don Lewis • Winemakers • Tar & Roses

Working with two very different Tempranillo vineyards...

While the first La Linea Tempranillo was released in only 2007, the partners in La Linea draw on over a decade of practical experience with this intriguing variety. David LeMire MW has spent far too much time in Spain tasting the variety, while Peter Leske has been stuck in the winery in Australia, making it!

Working with two very different Tempranillo vineyards located at each end of the beautiful Adelaide Hills, we craft a medium-bodied, savoury dry red in the 'Joven' style, and a dry, food-friendly rosé.
Peter Leske • Winemaker • La Linea

Biodynamic viticulture and a hands-off winemaking approach....

After working vintages in Spain in the late 90's and observing the versatility of Tempranillo, we decided to plant the variety at Gemtree. Located in the foothills of McLaren Vale, the site and the soil are perfectly suited to growing Tempranillo.

Eleven years on, we are delighted with the consistency of results we have achieved. We continue to push the boundaries, with the commencement in 2007 of biodynamic viticulture and a hands-off winemaking approach.
Mike Brown • Winemaker • Gemtree Vineyards

We've given Tempranillo a home in the Barossa and Wrattonbully showcasing the versatility of this exciting variety...

Traditionally a Spanish variety, we have focussed on the Barossa and Wrattonbully regions for these exciting wines; bright in colour and rich in fruit flavour. Tempranillo from the Barossa shows its rustic side; Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, all spice and Satsuma plum with a juicy yet savoury palate that finishes with cocoa powder tannins. The Barossa shows a strong likeness to the wines that emerge from Ribera del Duero, whereas the Wrattonbully region resemblance lies with the Riojan wines. The Wrattonbully wine is sitting more in the floral and red cherry spectrum with notes of dried Mediterranean herbs and long grainy tannins.

The Running with Bulls wines are tailor made for the Australian way of life and should be enjoyed in good company and with some tasty food.
Sam Wigan • Winemaker • Running with Bulls