In the Pacific Northwest, the noble Spanish variety Tempranillo is practically becoming mainstream, thanks to producers such as Abacela, Reustle and Red Lily in the Umpqua Valley of Southern Oregon.
The Northwest’s first Tempranillo was planted in the Yakima Valley’s Red Willow Vineyards more than 20 years ago, and today it has spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, finding its way into Southern Oregon, the vast Columbia Valley and even Idaho’s Snake River Valley.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, the Tempranillo Advocates, Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) celebrates its sixth annual International Tempranillo Day. The group, formed by Abacela owner/founding winemaker Earl Jones, encourages wine lovers to open a bottle of Tempranillo and share their experiences online with the hashtag #TempranilloDay or #Tempranillo.
Here are several examples of Northwest Tempranillo we’ve tasted recently. Ask for them at your favorite wine shop or contact the wineries directly.
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