Zonte’s Footsteps Splitting Hares Tempranillo Grenache 2021
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2022-2029
Share
A 65/35 blend of these two grapes of Spanish origin, this is an exuberant red which is cracking value. The team talk of splitting hairs in the search, by minute increments of the varieties in the blend, to get it right and to find the exact point “at which the juicy, fragrant Grenache just tames the savoury chewiness of the Tempranillo”. They describe the result as “a cheeky mezcla of red and blue fruit” (mezcla, not that my spellcheck is aware, is a Spanish word for a mix or blend, which includes music and art as well as cooking, and presumably wine).
This is fresh and youthful, intriguingly savoury, with dried herbs, animal hide notes, leather and bay leaves. It has balance and a supple texture through to silky but abundant tannins with some mocha and coffee bean notes on the palate showing good length and intensity. Suggestions that this be enjoyed with a good pasta are fine but for me, it is way above the standard of a basic pasta/pizza wine. Not to split those hares, but why not with a rabbit stew? A joy now and for at least 6 to 7 years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
