Pepper Tree Alternate Series Tempranillo 2023 - 1 Bottles

Pepper Trees Alternate Series champions lesser-known international varieties that are well suited to the Australian climate. The 2023 Tempranillo comes from the Wrattonbully vineyard and brings the character of this Spanish variety into a distinctly South Australian setting.

Vineyards and Vintage Conditions

Wrattonbully is part of the Limestone Coast wine zone, with ancient beach ridges and dunes creating Terra Rossa clay loam soils over limestone. The elevated landscape also benefits from cold air drainage, helping reduce frost risk during the growing season.

The 2023 growing season transitioned from a cool and wet spring into warmer, drier conditions before cooling again as vintage progressed. The slower ripening period encouraged gradual flavour development, resulting in fruit with good balance and complexity.

Winemaking

The grapes were picked at ripeness during the cool of the night and cold soaked for three days before fermentation. Fermentation took place in static fermenters with twice-daily pumpovers for tannin and fruit extraction. After pressing, the wine was matured in a combination of seasoned oak and stainless steel before being blended and prepared for bottling. The finished wine also sees restrained French oak, adding structure and subtle savoury complexity.

Tasting Notes

Appearance Crimson to deep red in colour.

Aroma Fragrant aromas of dark cherry, plum and clove lead into hints of dried herbs, spice and savoury character.

Palate Plush yet restrained, with red and black fruit alongside a subtle herbal undertone. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while French oak contributes delicate vanilla and cedar notes.

Finish Long and persistent, with fruit, spice, herbal notes and fine tannins carrying through the finish.

Food Pairing

A natural match for barbecued meats, grilled lamb, roast pork, chorizo, tapas and slow-cooked dishes. Its savoury character also works particularly well with smoky and spiced foods.

Why Youll Love This Wine

This is Tempranillo with plenty of character without feeling heavy. Dark cherry, plum and red and black fruit meet dried herbs, clove, vanilla and cedar, while fine tannins give the wine structure and length.

WinePilot The 2023 vintage received 93 points from WinePilot, with the review highlighting its crimsondeep red colour, cherry, spice, dried herb and leather notes, fine tannins and very good length.