The recent fascination with alternative grape varieties is generating a heightened level excitement in the Australian Wine Industry. One grape variety that leads the way is Tempranillo. While its origins lie in Spain with over 40,000ha planted, it is emerging as a potential grape variety suited to the Limestone Coast. The climatic conditions of Spain’s greatest Tempranillo appellations are very similar to that of Wrattonbully.

While Tempranillo is a relatively new variety to many Australian viticulturists and winemakers, it has been successfully grown in Wrattonbully for the past decade by a handful of enthusiasts. Like many unfamiliar/new grape varieties, one of the keys to mastering the growing and making of varieties such as Tempranillo is through trial and error. Next month the Limestone Coast Wine Industry Council in conjunction with the Yalumba Nursery and Wrattonbully Wine Industry Association will provide a unique opportunity to take a look at this alternative variety from bunch to bottle.