White Label Tempranillo 2021

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep red core with a vibrant dark red hue.
Aromas: Ripe dark cherries, spicy dried herbs, and a hint of liquorice.
Palate: Juicy and smooth, with layers of dark cherry, liquorice, and spice, supported by a plush mid-palate and silky tannins. Light to medium-bodied with a beautifully balanced finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions

🥩 Grilled Meats – Pairs beautifully with smoky barbecued lamb or beef.
🍝 Rich Pasta Dishes – Try it with a slow-cooked ragu or chorizo pasta.
🧀 Charcuterie Board – A natural match with cured meats and aged cheeses.
🇪🇸 Tapas – Think spicy chorizo, patatas bravas, or stuffed peppers.

Awards & Reviews

🏆 2022 WineWise Small Vigneron Awards – Trophy Winner, Best Tempranillo
🍷 Partners In Wine WA Review: “A good all-year-round red. Juicy dark cherries and a hint of spice. Plenty to enjoy here! On the lighter side of medium-bodied.”

Serving & Cellaring

🌡️ Best Served At: 16-18°C – A slight chill brings out its bright fruit and spice.
      Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for up to 5 years.

FAQ 🤔

❓ Is Tempranillo similar to Shiraz?
While both are bold reds, Tempranillo is more medium-bodied, with a juicy, savoury edge and a touch of spice rather than Shiraz’s deep, peppery intensity.

❓ Should I decant this wine?
It’s ready to drink straight from the bottle, but a short decant (20-30 minutes) can help open up its aromas.

Risky Business Wines

Risky business brings together the vision and decades of experience of grape grower/viticulturist Rob Quenby and vintner John Waldron. They have been sourcing fruit from Western Australia (primarily Margaret River) and Victoria’s King Valley, producing small batches of fine and distinctive wines from each area.

Exploring the Frankland River Wine Region

The Frankland River wine region, located in Western Australia’s Great Southern area, is quickly gaining recognition for its exceptional wines, particularly its Tempranillo. Nestled about 250 kilometres southeast of Perth, this region benefits from a unique combination of climate, soil, and dedicated winemakers, making it an ideal home for this versatile grape variety.

Climate and Terroir

Frankland River boasts a cool maritime climate, heavily influenced by the nearby Southern Ocean. The region experiences warm summers and cool winters, creating an environment conducive to producing grapes with excellent acidity and flavour complexity. The daytime temperatures allow for slow ripening, while the cool nights help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity, essential for crafting balanced wines.

The soils in Frankland River are varied, with a mix of clay, gravel, and sandy components. These soils are well-draining, which is vital for vine health, particularly for Tempranillo, which thrives in drier conditions. The diverse soil types contribute to the grape’s character, allowing for the development of rich, expressive flavours.

Tempranillo: A Perfect Match

Tempranillo, originally from Spain, has found a welcoming home in Frankland River. This grape variety is known for its adaptability and ability to reflect the terroir in which it is grown. In Frankland River, the combination of climate and soil allows Tempranillo to develop a unique profile that showcases the region’s characteristics.

The warm, sunny days enable Tempranillo grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, while the cool nights help maintain the acidity necessary for balance. This duality results in wines that are both fruity and structured, often exhibiting notes of cherry, plum, and subtle spice. The freshness and vibrancy found in Frankland River’s Tempranillo make it an exciting choice for wine lovers.