Tempranillo is a native variety of Spain where it forms the backbone of the famous Rioja region in the north of the country. It is also grown in Portugal where it is known as Tinta Roriz and is utilized as one of the predominant varieties used in the production of Port. Its name is a derivative of "early" in Spanish and it reflects its early ripening capabilities. 

Broken Earth had some of the very early plantings of this variety in Paso and, although it was a tiny block, it encouraged us to plant much more in 2016. Block 5J is 15.09 acres of Clone 770 planted on 10’ x 5’ spacings and utilizing simple vertical shoot position (VSP) for canopy management.

It is an active growing variety, as mentioned has the benefit of ripening earlier and provides a plush, ‘fleshy’ palate but with ample tannins to balance the fruit. The wine is quite aromatic and warrants a more obvious oak regime that utilizes mostly new and some used barrels, with a mixture of French and Hybrid (French oak heads and American oak staves). Harvested at 24.5 Brix, and following a cool ferment, it spent 15 months in oak. 

The result is a wine that immediately captures your attention. The fruit and oak combine wonderfully on the nose and this harmony continues through the palate.. Brighter red fruits abound with great length of flavor and a balanced firm finish.