Zonte’s Footstep Madrugador Tempranillo 2022

So many questions here. What is Zonte’s Footstep?  It’s a long story. What does Magrugador mean? It’s Galician for ‘early riser.’ They grow Tempranillo on the Fleurieu Peninsula? Not only does the Spanish grape variety grow on the Peninsula, but it’s thriving. This is a confident, well-made expression of the variety with a touch of Iberian-style savouriness to boot. Attractive, bright, deep purple-black cherry hues. Dark spiced aromas with plums and dark-cherry fruits, earth, briar and a touch of leather. Very inviting. Palate is fine-boned and balanced with dry, dusty tannins in place providing the kind of structure that elevates the grape’s fruit and spice. A gentle savouriness and good length seals it as a serious wine.