2020 Cayuse Tempranillo Impulsivo En Chamberlin Vineyard Tempranillo

2020 Cayuse Tempranillo Impulsivo En Chamberlin Vineyard

Type of Wine	Washington Red
Varietal	Tempranillo : The world’s most popular and widely planted grape varietals often have a strong presence in their place of origin, where the terroir and climate are most suitable for growth and success. None may be more evident than that of Tempranillo. This Noble Grape is the 3rd most widely planted varietal in the world but is important to note that of the 236,000 hectares planted around the world, 202,000 are cultivated in Spain. Tempranillo is an ancient grape but very little is known of its history prior to the 19th century. While the earliest mention of Tempranillo is from 1807, there are various speculations of its true time and place of origin. Some believe the grape originated in southern France as a natural hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Others believe that Tempranillo was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. According to research conducted at UC Davis, Tempranillo likely originated in Northern Spain, possibly in the winegrowing regions of Rioja and Navarra, where it remains the primary grape variety. Tempranillo grapes hang in medium to large cylindrical clusters with sparse foliage which needs attention to adapting canopy needs in hotter regions. The pear-shaped, deep blue-black berries of Tempranillo arrive early to the vineyard, usually being harvested in late August to mid-September. The name Tempranillo quite possibly derived from temprano, which means early in Spanish and might be due to the grape’s early ripening. The varietal thrives in Mediterranean and Continental climates where the days are warm and dry and balanced by cool nights which help to ensure ample fruit and bright structure. Tempranillo easily adapts to the terroir of Spain and greatly prospers in Rioja, La Mancha and Ribera del Duero, where the terroir is composed of a myriad of differing soils and elements, including calcareous and ferrous deposits, clay, sand and alluvial materials. The vines willing set root in free draining gravelly-loam, sand and clay. Tempranillo showcases the terroir though the wine itself, displaying different characteristics which are dependent on location. Rioja and Navarra deliver pepper, red cherry and subtle cinnamon notes with ample structure. Ribera del Duero, Toro and Cigales are typically deeper, darker and more brooding with blackberry fruit flavors and intense tannins. The varietal’s ability to adapt to its elements is as immensely impressive as it is important to Spain’s winegrowing and winemaking industry. Words often found on Spanish labels include: Roble, Tinto, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. These aging terms inform whether the wine has spent little to no time in oak all the way up to 18-24 months with an additional four years of bottle aging. According to many proprietors, the more time spent in oak and aging, the better the quality. This is common practice in Rioja, Duero and La Mancha, where Tempranillo is the workhorse and also the shining star. Wines produced from the Tempranillo grape varietal range from rock star producers in Rioja (Benjamin Romeo Contador) to Ribera del Duero (Vega Sicilia) to quality value wines form La Mancha. Today, Tempranillo is cultivated in fifteen different countries around the world, including Mexico, South America (most notably Argentina) California and of course, Portugal. Tempranillo is one of the top varietals blended into Port wine from Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz. Full-bodied single-varietal examples are starting to gain traction in Dao and Alentejo where the grape is labeled as Aragonez.
Country	US : As one of the most prolific and innovative wine regions in the world, America is a joy to explore. Most wine connoisseurs will agree that the nation's finest and most compelling wines are being produced today, which means that we have front-row seats to one of the most inspirational stories in wine history. While other regions tend to focus on specific wine styles and have somewhat strict rules as to which varietals you could grow, areas like California have few such restrictions in place. As a result, creative visionaries behind America's most reputable estates have been able to develop compelling, unique, and innovative styles, with a level of terroir expression that rivals even France's largest giants.
Region	Washington : While California definitely owns the spotlight when it comes to excellent American wines, Washington winemakers should certainly not be underestimated. While their traditional focus was set firmly on refreshing, illustrious white wines, they've adopted French red varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, they've been achieving excellence in both categories and can compete with the world's most prestigious viticultural titans. Flavor-wise, you can expect a healthy amount of variety when it comes to Washington's finest wines. From acidic and fruity bottles that can shake you up from even the deepest slumber or sadness to rich and ripe powerhouses that command the respect of everyone in the room after as much as a single whiff. Juicy raspberries that gently tickle your tongue, deep and noble blackberries, intense cherries and earthen oak - these are the flavors that characterize this region, despite the presence of an entire orchestral symphony of other aromatic notes. A sampling of fine wine from Washington is a lot like being seduced, so why not uncork one of these bottles for a potential or existing partner? With a drink of this quality, those romantic sparks will turn into a fireworks display, as your emotions are laid bare and intensified, and you make a connection that can last a lifetime.
Subregion	Columbia Valley
Appellation	Walla Walla
Climat/Vineyard	En Chamberlin Vineyard

Producer	Cayuse Vineyards : The Domaine of Cayuse is located in the Stones of the Walla Walla Valley, where it is said “The Stones hold the secret.” Over the past twenty years, Christophe Baron has made it his mission to carve out food-friendly wines of incredible depth and character from the almost mythical plot of treasured, and now historic land. The young and impetuous, French Vigneron visited the little-known town of Walla Walla and fell in love with its seemingly useless stone covered farmland. There were many who doubted such a venture could turn bountiful. However, that is simply just what happened, silencing the nay-sayers; who are probably still trying to allocate some of his highly sought after wines. Cayuse produces 3,500 cases of a multitude of varieties; Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo and Viognier. The varietals hail from five different vineyards - Cailloux, Coccinelle, En Cerise, En Chamberlin, and Aramada. The vineyards and their locations are important to the identity of the wines themselves as their true fingerprints are in the minerality. Each wine is true to the unique terroir of the vineyards. Christophe says, “You want to taste the place.” So… do the stones hold the secret, as a brash, young visiting vigneron believed? Christophe probably deserves more credit himself for his farming methods: which is biodynamical, completely free of chemicals, pesticides and fungicides. His efforts at cultivating the land to develop healthier soil is astounding. But, then again, there is an allure in mythical stories.