Zonte’s Footstep 'Blackberry Patch' Cabernet 2018

Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano ("early"), a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes. In the last 100 years it has been planted in Mexico, New Zealand, South America, USA, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.

In Australia

Tempranillo is now grown in many Australian wine regions including McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and in Western Australia. There are now over 200 Australian wineries making wine from this variety.

Characteristics

Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb.

Mr Riggs, Penny's Hill, Woop Woop, Zonte’s Footstep

We often joke that there must be more than one Ben Riggs, that no one winemaker could have his hands in such a range of premium McLaren Vale wineries. And yet, after thorough research (we asked) he has not cloned himself.

With 14 years making wine at Wirra Wirra alone, Ben's experience totals a quarter century of producing notable wines, including Penny's Hill, Tatiarra, and Cazal Viel in France. But his real love for McLaren Vale remains, and along with Tony Parkinson, he has crafted successful brands like Woop Woop and his own Mr. Riggs.

With such a broad portfolio, Ben picks up awards with regularity. Twice named Bushing King (for making the best wine at the McLaren Vale Wine Show), and winning the first two Great Australian Shiraz Challenges. His wines have also won best in show at the Sydney International Top 100 (1991 Wirra Wirra "Angelus").