Zonte’s Footstep 'Blackberry Patch' Cabernet 2018
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Region
Southern Fleurieu, SA
Variety
Tempranillo
Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker
Ben Riggs
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.
A trot down the road from McLaren Vale, the Southern Fleurieu is a relative newcomer as a wine region. Keep in mind we're comparing to some of the old regions in South Australia – vines were planted here as early as 1853, and it wasn't until bushfires in the late 19th century that most were wiped out. it is re-emerging as a great region, with a fantastic Mediterranean climate and great soil. Like The Vale, complexity and elegance feature in its wines.
History
Buxton Laurie is the first bloke on record for planting vines in the region (1853, Port Elliot). 4000 vines were producing 1,500 gallons of wine every year until the bushfires hit and destroyed the vines. Today, wineries and vineyards are active in several areas – Currency Creek, Kangaroo Island and the notable Langhorne Creek. Grenache, Viognier and Pinot Gris are starting to pop up amongst the familiar Aussie reds and whites grown in the region, showcasing the wide variety of climates and excellent
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").
Cabernet Sauvignon is unmistakably one of the world's most recognised red wine varieties. It is produced in most major wine growing regions across the world, from the banks of the Gironde in France to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, to the valleys of California where it overtook the Zinfandel variety on it's rise to glory. Since the late 1800s Australia has definitely proven itself in the world of the humble 'Cab Sauv'. Speaking locally, I turn the page on my desk copy of Halliday's 'Wine Atlas of Australia & New Zealand', to read: 'Whichever yardstick one adopts, Coonawarra produces most of Australia's great Cabernet Sauvignon.'
