What is the best Tempranillo in Australia?

by Darby
(Willaimstown)

Reader Cam C asks the question

What, in your opinion is the best Tempranillo wine in Australia?

My answer:

The Tempranillo grape variety is now used by close to 200 winemakers throughout Australia, and each year more wineries are coming on stream and winemakers are becoming more experienced at using it. See Vinodiversity's List

Interestingly at last years' Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show a Tempranillo from Mayfords Wines in the Alpine Valleys wine region was awarded the trophy for the best wine of the Show. I'll have to trust the judgement of the judging panel on that one as I haven't tried one - it sold out.

Mount Majura in the Canberra District have made a very good wine from this variety for several years. But most inland regions are on the bandwagon with the variety. Brown Brothers is very good and available just about everywhere. Last year I was very impressed with Centennial vineyards in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Other more inland regions of NSW such as Hilltops, Orange and Mudgee will also become more prominent for this variety. I aslo think that it may become the signature red of the Granite Belt region of QLD. (Lucas Estate, Ridgemill Estate to name just two from this rapidly emerging region) The variety is also a winner in McLaren Vale. A few years ago I had a Brookland estate from Geographe (WA) that was very impressive.

Ooops... I haven't answered the question. It's a great variety and there are some lovely wines being produced already. If pressed I might opt for the centennial vineyards, but we are being spoilt for choice here.

Cam, and other readers are invited to comment on what they think is the best Tempranillo wine in Australia.