Walla Walla Wine Cellar

Tempranillo: It is considered by some to be the King of Spanish wines. Tempranillo produces some incredible, long lived, reds that are like nothing else. Tempranillo is the Major Grape in two of Spain’s most famous wine regions, Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which have long dominated as Spain’s most popular red wines. The grape tends to create sexy, full-bodied reds that can be packed with enough stuffing to live well over 20 years in age.

While this grape calls Spain home, other states and countries have been experimenting with the grape. Argentina, Washington, Oregon, and yes…California are all home to tempranillo plantings. It is one of Justin’s favorite red varieties and makes some truly amazing wines. In Walla Walla, wineries such as Seven Hills Winery, Cayuse and K Vintners have all worked with the grape and have been successful. We think it shows good potential in Washington. And Umpqua Valley in Oregon is producing some impressive juice too. Check out Abacela, for example. And here’s a great article from last winter on their Tempranillo.