RiverBank Rebellious Tempranillo 2021

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep rich crimson red.
• Nose: Upfront aromas of dark cherry, liquorice, and bush tomato.
• Palate: A generous and rich wine with soft tannins and persistent flavors of ripe plum and berry fruits. A fruit-forward wine with hints of spice and toasty oak.

Winemaking Process

Crafted in the heart of the Swan Valley, the 2021 Rebellious Tempranillo is made from mature, low-yielding vines. The inclusion of a touch of Malbec & co fermented on skins with Viognier adds depth and complexity. The wine undergoes oak maturation, imparting subtle vanilla notes and enhancing its aromatic profile.

Vintage Description

The 2021 vintage in Western Australia’s Swan Valley was marked by a relatively mild growing season with consistent weather patterns, which contributed to a high-quality harvest. The season was characterised by warm, dry conditions during ripening, allowing grapes to reach full phenolic maturity without excessive heat stress. These favourable conditions resulted in balanced acid levels, fine tannins, and vibrant fruit expression across many varietals. For producers in the region, 2021 was considered a standout year, offering wines with clarity, freshness, and age-worthiness.

Tempranillo, a Spanish varietal increasingly gaining attention in the Swan Valley, performed particularly well in 2021. The reliable warmth of the season, combined with cool nights, was ideal for Tempranillo’s ripening window, enabling winemakers to capture its signature dark berry fruit, earthy undertones, and subtle spice. Notable producers like Sittella and Corymbia showcased the varietal’s potential through blends and varietal wines that year. The success of the 2021 vintage helped to solidify Tempranillo’s place in the Swan Valley, proving it can thrive in the region’s Mediterranean-like climate while offering a compelling alternative to more traditional red varieties.

• Harvested: Handpicked at optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality fruit.
• Pressing: Gentle pressing to preserve fruit integrity and prevent over-extraction.
• Fermentation: Controlled fermentation to maintain the wine’s aromatic complexity and balanced structure.
• Maturation: Aged in oak barrels to impart subtle vanilla notes and enhance the wine’s depth.
• Bottled Bottled on-site to maintain quality and reduce handling.

Analysis

• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.62
• Total Acidity: 6.01 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 0.24 g/L

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks: The wine’s rich fruit flavors complement the savory depth of the dish.
• Chorizo and Manchego: The spiciness of chorizo and the creaminess of Manchego harmonize with the wine’s balanced profile.
• Stuffed Capsicum: The wine’s acidity and fruitiness enhance the flavors of roasted vegetables.

Cellaring

Enjoy now or cellar for up to 2 years to allow the wine to develop further complexity.

FAQ Wine Terms  🤔

• Tempranillo: A red grape variety native to Spain, known for producing wines with rich dark fruit flavors, earthy notes, and excellent aging potential.
• Oak Maturation: The process of aging wine in oak barrels, which can impart flavors such as vanilla, spice, and toast, while also contributing to the wine’s structure and complexity.
• Residual Sugar: The amount of sugar remaining in a wine after fermentation, influencing the wine’s sweetness.

Serving Temperature

• Optimal: 16-18°C
• Warm Weather: Slightly chilled to 14-16°C for a refreshing experience. Pop in the fridge for about 45 minutes prior to drinking.