Reillys Dry Land Tempranillo 2018

Reillys Wines, a proudly South Australian owned and operated winery since 1993 which specialise in producing premium red and white wines sourced from our estate vineyards in the Clare Valley.

The name Reillys stems from our rich history dating back to 1856 when Irish shoemaker Hugh Reilly settled in the township of Mintaro, building his home 'Reilly's Cottage' from the local slate.

Justin & Julie Ardill With a background in pharmacy and medicine, owner and winemaker Justin Ardill saw an opportunity to indulge his passion for wine by purchasing a small parcel of 12 acres of vineyards in Watervale in 1993. Along with these vineyards, he and wife Julie purchased a humble cottage to be their cellar door and winery on the main street of Mintaro known simply as Reilly’s Cottage. 

It is this building and its 1856 owner Hugh Reilly that inspired the wine label ‘Reillys Wines’. Beginning in 1994 with 10T of fruit, their first wines were created. Of this, 3.6T of Old Bushvine Grenache was crushed, open fermented and basket pressed by hand by Justin and Julie on the verandah of Reillys Cottage. The first vintage yielded 300 dozen of each of Riesling, Shiraz and Old Bushvine Grenache.

Originating in Spain, Tempranillo can be a challenging grape, classically ripening early in the vintage, with its’ name being derived from the Spanish temprano meaning ‘early’.

It requires a cool climate to allow development of the naturally low acidity, with a balance of a warm climate to ripen the fruit, darken the skins and increase the natural sugars. The Continental climate offered in the Clare Valley provides the warm days and cool nights needed for these vines to flourish assisted by the limestone soil profile.

A gentle touch in the winery with prolonged cold soaking, open fermentation, hand plunging and gentle pressing allows the fruit flavours to shine and are enhanced by careful French oak maturation.

The sixth vintage release continues in the style of its award-winning predecessors with the characteristic flavour profiles of plum, dark berries and stewed cherries that are layered with vanilla toffee, mocha and tobacco flavours from the oak maturation. Soft tannins and lingering finish complete this delicate, fruit-driven wine.

This versatile wine complements a range of foods including Spanish style tapas, Mexican style tacos and can also work well with richer style slow-cooked dishes.

Enjoy now or cellar until 2028.

Alcohol Level : 14%

Awards

GOLD MEDAL @ 2018 Clare Valley Wine Show

GOLD MEDAL @ 2018 RASQ Mediterranean Challenge

GOLD MEDAL @ 2018 Australian Small Winemakers Show