Wine Club August 2025 | 2023 Tempranillo

As you know, most of our grapes come from long time relationships with growers on the Western Slope of Colorado, specifically Palisade in the Grand Valley. However, we do have some relationships with growers in California that supply us with less familiar varietals not grown in our state. One in particular is St. Amant out of Lodi.

Last summer we got to go out and visit St. Amant, toured their winery and taste through their wines, which was great as some of us have not been back there for many years! In a typical vintage we will get different Portuguese varietals from them to make our Port – grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cao, Alvarelhao. But every once in a while, when there is a little extra for us, we will get some of St. Amant’s Tempranillo. We of course always continue to make Colorado grown Tempranillo from our friends at Avant Vineyards, but this American Tempranillo is a wonderful treat that we only make on certain vintages.

This Tempranillo is much more robust than years prior. The extraction and fermentation lasted for several weeks, giving immense power, tannin, and body to the wine. Fruit flavors are dark and bold, boasting rich flavors of black plum and crushed blackberries. Coming into the tasting room you will notice this vintage is a little further on the list, being more heavy than the typical medium bodied expression this wine would carry. We’re happy to share this vintage for August’s Wine of the Month, and its a welcome to heavier wines as we move out of Summer. Pair this Tempranillo with a classically prepared steak off the grill, or alongside whipped cheese spreads and roasted red peppers.

Cheers!

From The Balistreri Family

Natural Wine from Balistreri Vineyards

All Balistreri Wines are made naturally with indigenous yeast, no sulfites added, and no fining or filtering. You won’t get a headache with these wines.

Try the 2023 Tempranillo