Dana Campbell Vineyards: Varietals ~

Tempranillo – we have just over 2.25 acres of this hearty grape planted
Tempranillo is Spain’s exemplary, indigenous “Noble Grape” -- a “classic” quality grape variety, responsible for making some of Spain’s best wines. “Tempranillo” is named after the Spanish word “Temprano”, or “early”, as this grape ripens sooner than other traditional varietals in Spain.  Many think that Tempranillo originated in northern Spain and is found throughout northern and central Spain, in northern and southeast Portugal, and in southern France. Tempranillo grapes provide a deeply colored, dry, long-lived wine. It’s a thick-skinned black grape used to make full-bodied red wines.  In Portugal, Tempranillo is often made into Port.

Malbec – our smallest acreage at just 1.5 acres planted, but our strongest vine
Unknown, underappreciated, ignored... that was the attitude toward this red grape from western France called Malbec, literally translated into “bad smell”. Over the last 25 years, this hardy grape has thrived in South America while declining in esteem in Europe. Today, Malbec has found a new home in Argentina and Chile. Malbec is one of the six grape varieties approved for making red wines in the Bordeaux region of France.  In Bordeaux, Malbec is often blended with other wines. It is a thin skinned grape that needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature.  Some of the best Malbecs can be described as dry, flavorful, mouth-filling and sumptuous.  In South America, Malbec achieves ripeness and richness, deep and dark in color, almost inky sometimes, with plenty of soft, velvety tannins and fruited flavors.

Viognier – is currently our only white, with just over 2.25 acres planted
Viognier, pronounced Vee-own-yay, is a white wine with a crisp clean taste giving Chardonnay a run for its money. Found in the northern Rhone area of France, the Viognier grape was grown to be mixed with other types of white grapes to bring extra character to more popular wines.  The Viognier grape vines produce fewer grapes, pound for pound. The grapes must be picked at peak ripeness to produce the best wine and to display its unique aroma and flavor character and is best when served while still young. Viognier is a white wine with character. It has just a touch of natural fruity sweetness but is actually quite dry. It has a rich deep color and a fruitful flavor with a spicy peach-apricot taste and relatively high alcohol content with low acidity. Viognier has a powerfully rich and complex aroma.