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Cynthiana ~ Tempranillo

Cynthiana ~ Tempranillo Wine Details
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Description: Our blend of Cynthiana (Synth-ee-anna) and Tempranillo ( Temp-rah-nee-oh) is a luscious mix of two bold, full-bodied grapes. Tempranillo, the noble grape of Spain, and Cynthiana, the premiere native grape of America, come together to create a match made in the bottle. Our Cynthiana~Tempranillo wine presents a fruit-driven nose of black cherry, spicy strawberry and coffee aromas. Ripe flavors of dried fruit, vanilla, plum and chocolate round out this dry wine. Unfiltered. Sediment is normal.

Varietal Definition
Tempranillo:
The Tempranillo is to Rioja what Pinot Noir is to Burgundy. By far Spain's most noble indigenous grape it has similar characteristics to the Pinot - strawberries when young, earthy vegetal when mature - and it ages very well. It ripens early ('temprana' is the Spanish for 'early') is thick-skinned and gives good colour and extract but low alcohol and acidity. In Rioja it is blended with the more fiery Garnacha and a little Mazuelo and Graciano. It is grown throughout Spain but very much as a grape for blending as opposed to a straight varietal. Outside Spain the grape is quite prolific in Argentina and to a lesser extent in California.
Cynthiana:
Known to be identical to the Norton grape.This american hybrid grape is found mainly in the warmer regions of the southeast U.S. Taste and aroma characteristics of the light red wine are said to include coffee and spicy flavors.
Norton:
In 1835, Dr. Daniel Norton of Virginia developed this grape varietal that was originally known as the Virginia Seedling. Widely planted in the Midwest (where it is sometimes called Cynthiana), it has become a source of interest to East Coast vintners in recent years. It produces a dark, inky wine with flavors of plums and cherries. Horton Vineyards in Virginia is particularly interested in reviving the grape's reputation. In the South, look for Norton (or Cynthiana) from Moonrise Bay, Mountain Valley, Three Sisters, Tiger Mountain and Tennessee Valley.


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