The 2010 Tussock Jumper Tempranillo is sourced from grapes grown in the Vino de La Tierra de Castilla y Leon region of northern Spain. Vino de La Tierra is the Spanish equivalent to Vin de Pays (translates to “country wines”) wines from France and that designation indicates the wine does not conform to the rules of DO (Denominacion de Origen), the Spanish wine organization that sets rules and standards. Tussock Jumper is a line of 13 world wines, each grown, produced and bottled in their country of origin, giving you an authentic taste of each region for around ten bucks. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is a saturated black cherry red with a pale pink almost clear halo. The nose is blackberry, with a whiff of brewing coffee and menthol. This one starts out with strawberry and plum, a little raisin and then chocolate covered cherry. Nice and smooth with a bit of a rough edge to give the wine some character. The tannins are on the soft side and the acidity is well balanced. The finish is strong and long.
The Tussock Jumper Tempranillo is a solid, no excuses, ten buck wine. It is not homogenized for the American palate, it tastes like a young Spanish Tempranillo should. Bring to a BYOB Tapas joint or pair it with some cool funky cheese.
