de la terre 2019 Tempranillo Hawke's Bay
If you’re after more than a couple bottles and would like to order a case of 6, 12 or more, please send an email to info@boutiqueconnection.co.nz or click here.
Tempranillo is a relatively new variety for us.
As such, we didn’t try to force it into a particular style direction – I simply used basic ‘hands-off’ red winemaking methods so we could get a read on the structure and flavour of the fruit. The idea was to look at being more adventurous in future as our understanding of the fruit increased. Basically, I approached the winemaking as if I was making a soft, approachable Merlot.
It’s a very fleshy, fruity red with definitive Tempranillo varietal characters. The tannins are fleshy rather than structural. The fruit is ripe and luscious. A great food accompaniment – especially Mexican food and lamb.
About de la terre
De la terre winery absolutely, no doubt about it, offers one of the very best cellar door experiences you can find. The talented Tony and Kaye Prichard, are the beautiful people behind this unique boutique winery. Tony is the fantastic winemaker and Kaye is the Queen of the cellar door kitchen and ensures the admin gets done. Their dog Gracie is of course, head of the welcoming committee.
Situated in Hawkes Bay on the Napier-Taihape Road and only 20 minutes from the Taradale or Hastings scenic pastureland, sits de la terre, the only earth brick winery and cellar door in Hawkes Bay. Everything was built by Tony, and bearing in mind this man is a winemaker, not a builder, he has managed to craft a stunning, rustic space that pays incredible attention to detail.
Small volumes of high quality wines are produced by de la terre and when drinking their wine you can expect an emphasis on elegance, texture and balance. Their varieties include Viognier, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Syrah, Barbera, Montepulciano and Tannat. These grapes allow Tony to create a full range of styles from simple and complex white wines and unique red wines, to a Sauternes-style Noble Viognier and incredibly special Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs.
Tony is a true expert in traditional winemaking. Absolutely everything is done by hand, including, but not limited to, tending to the vines, harvesting, bottling and even labelling with their own handmade wooden label contraption. A truly one of a kind winery and must visit. Order a bottle of their beautiful Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs at their cellar door and you may be treated to a sabrage! (the opening of a bottle with a sabre).