Spain meets California in our Tinto Rey Tempranillo. Spicy old-world flavors play nicely with the bright juiciness of Dunnigan Hills fruit. Pair this California-style with a grilled lamb, spicy pulled pork or mussels in a rich garlicy tomato sauce.
93pts & Gold Medal - 2020 Sunset Magazine Wine Competition
The heritage of the three Tempranillo clones in our Matchbook vineyards is pure Spanish: Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Tinta de Toro. Those old-world vines grown in the Dunnigan Hills accentuate the best of both worlds. The rich aromatics are an enticing mix of barrel spice, vanilla and leather. Juicy flavors of plum and dark fruit are layered over earthy tobacco and dark chocolate notes that evolve and deepen with time in the glass. The firm tannins are balanced by luxurious, lingering flavors.
Vineyard Designation
Dunnigan Hills
Winemaker Notes
Our grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small, temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks. Specially selected yeast (Assmannshausen and ES488) was used on two of five tanks to enhance color and flavor extraction without harsh tannins. The other three tanks underwent a native fermentation, giving this wine complexity and richness. The tanks were pumped over two to three times a day until nearly dry, then pressed and aged in oak barrels for 29 months. We like to use an assortment of French, Hungarian and American Oak and only 22% new to avoid over-oaking.
Pairings
This versatile wine is a beautiful aperitif and stands up well to grilled lamb, spicy pulled pork or mussels in a rich garlicy tomato sauce.