2010 Running with Bulls Barossa Tempranillo

Barossa Valley, South Australia

With a name like ‘Running with Bulls’ you would expect a couple of things from this wine. Namely, a wine that has a Latin beat proudly displaying its Spanish roots, is so freshly savoury that you feel the need to slap it’s face (or hind quarters …) and has a sense of terrifying excitement.

While Tempranillo is one of Spain’s most famous wine varieties, it is certainly finding a welcome home here in Australia. It does particularly well in our warmer regions like the Barossa producing some excitement worthy wines. This wine most deservedly won a Gold Medal at the 2011 Sydney Royal Wine Show and generously gives something more than the usual fruity Shiraz available at the same price.

There is no denying the savoury intensity of this wine. However, there is a freshness to its silky texture. Some rather judicious barrel work has calmed the sometimes tannic varietal character of thick skinned Tempranillo but lets the fruit shine through. The juicy ripe black plums have a slightly leathery spice and dried herb character that is very food friendly. With a moderate 13.5% alcohol, it does not leave you feeling trampled either!

Warning: this wine will make you feel like whipping out the phrase book to get to Pamplona. Exciting, Si? At this point, I recommend drinking this wine with a friend over a smoky Paella before you actually pay for your tickets. Buen Provecho!

Distribution: Widely available

Value: $22.00

 

 

© Lisa Johnston March 2011

Wine Diva Wines of the Month, April 2011