For An Ode To A State’s Most Favored Grape – Try Lost Draw Tempranillo

For An Ode To A State’s Most Favored Grape – Try Lost Draw Tempranillo

Tempranillo has become the signature red grape of Texas because it seems suited to the state’s scorching summers and limestone-heavy soils, whereas classic French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon (the most favored grape of both Bordeaux and Napa Valley) often struggle with the Texas’s intense heat and unpredictable weather.

Thick or Thin Skin

Some relate Tempranillo success in Texas to it’s thick- or relatively thick-skin. However, some wine specialist describe its skin as only moderately thick or moderately thin; you can take your pick.

Early Budding

Tempranillo means “the little early one” as it often buds earlier than other red varieties. The early budding of Tempranillo makes it susceptible to freeze damage and lost primary buds from the all-to-often late Spring freezes in Texas.

Neither of the above mentioned points would seem to make Tempranillo a slam dunk for the states most favored red wine grape, especially if you are a winegrower.

Heat tolerance

While Cabernet Sauvignon can bake, rapidly lose acidity, or ripen unevenly under intense, prolonged Texas sun, Tempranillo thrives. It develops deep, complex savory aromas and flavors with dominant red and dark berry notes depending on where it is grown. And, when given a strong dose of oak aging, it can be quite palate percolating in tannins.

Pairing with Local Cuisine 

Tempranillo is a bit more muted and rustic than big fruit Cabernet Sauvignon. Tempranillo sometimes needs a supporting cast found in blends with Mourvèdre, Granciano, Grenache and even Tannat to yield the best complexity. However, in Texas there have been some mighty fine Tempranillo wines made with 100% Tempranillo grapes (see below). As a result, Texas wines dominant in Tempranillo are generally food-friendly when paired with regional dishes like Texas barbecue, grilled and game meats, and Tex-Mex dishes.

Now we seem to be hitting on Tempranillo’s strong points.

Recovery from Spring Freezes

Cabernet Sauvignon relies heavily on its primary buds. Shoots emerging from Cabernet Sauvignon secondary buds are frequently vegetative (with no fruit) or carry very sparse, low-yielding clusters.

By comparison, Tempranillo’s secondary clusters, while still smaller than primaries, Tempranillo possesses a higher capacity for grape production from secondary buds. It has been observed that many Spanish and regional Iberian varieties like Tempranillo handle frost recovery well and take well to double-pruning with better latent or secondary cluster retention than classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.

More strong points for Tempranillo that makes you think that it actually wants to make a new home in Texas.

Now Let’s Taste

What I’m drinking tonight an excellent example of what a 100% Texas Tempranillo can be… Lost Draw Wines, 2022 Tempranillo (single vineyard designated Lost Draw Vineyards). I chose this wine because it is a Tempranillo wine that typifies a Texas style by exemplifying excellent wine craftsmanship, a distinct character, and overall wine quality.

The Lost Draw Vineyards Tempranillo features concentrated black cherry, ripe plum aromas and flavors with undertones of ripe fig, a balanced structure with a comfortable alcohol content (13.1%) and inviting tannins, and added spice notes brought by oak aging. It is a worthy wine to pair with fine dining with lamb, herbed roasts and grilled steaks, even spicy beef enchiladas or a gourmet burger.

Click link below to the video of Andy Timmons talking about his Texas wine experiences:

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Lost Draw Wines (formerly Lost Draw Cellars and Lost Draw Vineyards) is an integrated vineyard and winery specializing in 100% Texas-grown wines from the Texas High Plains and Texas Hill Country. The vineyard was started by high plains farmer cum grape grower Andy Timmons in the early 2000s. He joined forces with his nephew Andrew Sides, and family member Troy Ottmers and produced their first vintage for their Lost Draw Cellars label in 2012. They focus on sustainable growing practices viable on the semi-arid climate of the Texas High Plains.

Want to find this wine?

You can find this wine from Lost Draw Wines online store (click here). If you are in or around the Texas hill country, you can also get it along with their estate vineyard and winery experience in Johnson City, Texas, 1686 US Highway 290. Click here for more information.