Your Guide to Texas Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a velvety and smooth red wine, usually deep ruby in color. It is commonly used as a blending wine, especially with cabernet sauvignon, but this wine grape stands very well on its own. Its name means "Little Early One," in reference to its short growing season, and it grows very well in Texas, especially in the Texas Hill Country. Tempranillo is sometimes described as the perfect marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir. It goes very well with a variety of different meals - lamb, steak, wild game, and even chocolate. Think you might enjoy sampling some of Texas' best Tempranillo wines? Try some of the wines below.

Fall Creek Vineyards. Fall Creek Vineyards is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 80 miles from Austin. In addition to Tempranillo, they grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and many other wine grapes in their vineyards. Be sure to try Fall Creek Vineyards 2008 Tempranillo (about $30.00), which has aromas of violets and cherries, followed by flavors that include plum and vanilla. For more information on this Texas winery and its Tempranillo and other wines, click here.

Alamosa Wine Cellars. Alamosa Wine Cellars is another Texas Hill Country winery, set apart by its dedication to producing only warm climate varietals. They also have a breathtaking wine tasting room, where you can sit by their stone fireplace and sample their wines. Their 2004 El Guapo ($18.00) is a Tempranillo that has aromas of roses and junipers and flavors of chocolate and blueberries. Pair this Texas wine with your heartiest steak entrée. For more information on this Texas winery and their wines, click here.

Inwood Estates Vineyards. Located in Dallas, Texas, this winery is dedicated solely to producing Tempranillo wines. Their 2007 Cornelious Tempranillo (retailing for about $40.00 per bottle) is an outstanding wine, aged in oak barrels, a velvety red wine with aromas of herbs and berries and flavors that include black cherries and plum. They also have an outstanding Tempranillo-Cabernet blend. For more information on this Dallas, Texas winery and its wines, click here.

Haak Vineyards and Winery. This Texas vineyard has the first and only winery in Galveston County. Their 2008 Tempranillo is an outstanding example of this fine red wine, with aromas that include cinnamon and violets and flavors of blackberries and dark plums. This is the perfect red wine to serve with an excellent grilled steak. This Texas winery also has many other outstanding red, as well as white, wines. For more information on this Galveston County winery and their wines, click here.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.fcv.com
http://alamosawinecellars.com/
http://inwoodwines.com/
http://haakwine.com/