Nepenthe Tempranillo

Nepenthe Tempranillo 2022 from Nepenthe in the Adelaide Hills is a rich, elegant, modern Tempranillo that balances vibrant berry fruit with savoury complexity – a cool‑climate take on the Spanish classic. The 2022 release shows lifted blueberry and violet aromatics, with flavours of raspberry and blueberry at the fore, supported by hints of dried herbs, sweet spice, leather and earthy notes that add depth without heaviness. The palate is medium‑plus in body, full of flavour but refined, with soft, well‑integrated tannins and a complex, savoury, long finish.

Fruit is drawn from Nepenthe’s estate Charleston vineyard, crushed and de‑stemmed, fermented in open tanks for about a week, then matured in French and American oak for around 10 months. That approach keeps the vibrant berry core intact while layering in gentle oak spice and Tempranillo’s signature savoury edge. Overall, Nepenthe Tempranillo 2022 feels like a polished, food‑friendly red that still offers plenty of character.

Nepenthe Tempranillo 2022 is a natural match for tapas, charcuterie, grilled lamb and sausages, and tomato‑based pasta dishes, where its berry fruit, herbs and leather notes dovetail with Mediterranean flavours. It also works well with pizza, roasted vegetables and semi‑hard cheeses, thanks to its medium weight and savoury, lingering finish. Serve it just below room temperature so the aromatics stay lifted and the tannins feel silky.