My husband and I were off to attend an event at a winery we had not been to before. It was not in an area we thought would have a winery. It was a beautiful drive on winding country roads; then we saw it. We had arrived at Matchbook Winery. Seemingly out of nowhere, emerged a stunning winery with a tasting room to match. It was magical.
Matchbook Winery owners, John and Lane Giguiere, are no novices when it comes to viticulture and winemaking. As the former founders of R.H. Phillips Winery, with the recognized Toasted Head label they know their way around a vineyard. After selling R.H. Phillips Winery in the early 2000’s, they decided to buy a new piece of land to establish a new vineyard with a varied and different focus. They discovered the ideal location in the Dunnigan Hills area of Northern California. So in 2004, Matchbook Winery was born.
Matchbook Winery Tempranillo
Matchbook Winery is ideally located to grow and craft fine wines. The Dunnigan Hills property has similar characteristics to the great wine regions of Spain. Following the purchase of the land, the vintners acquired vine cuttings from Ribera del Duero and Graciano, the traditional grape varietals from the Spanish Rioja region that are used to blend and craft a luscious Tempranillo.
Besides their stunning Tempranillo, Matchbook has nine different wine varietals under 6 different labels. These various wines all come from their Dunnigan Hills property. All are worth a try. In fact, you may be hearing more about a few of their wines in the future along with a fun piece of information about their label.
This is what the winemaker has to say about their Matchbook Winery Tempranillo:
“The Tempranillo and Graciano vines grown in our Matchbook Vineyard in the Dunnigan Hills are from cuttings imported from the Pesquera region of Spain. While the traditional flavors of earth, leather and spice are evident from these old-world varietals, the Matchbook Tempranillo shows its California upbringing in the expansive aromas of blackberry and vanilla. Rich flavors of espresso mingle with dark chocolate and ripe cherry. Matchbook Tempranillo is big, bold and intense. The wine is luscious and layered with a good firm finish. Pair with a grilled New York strip steak or fillet.”
Matchbook Wines can be found on wine.com, amazon.com, on their website and in fine wine shops and restaurants throughout the U.S. Just ask for it.
As we whiled away the early evening, with a glass of wine in hand, we were mesmerized by the beauty of this location. We talked about bringing some friends for a picnic or coming to a few of their events. What I do know is, I’ll be back for the wine and to relax on their well-appointed veranda.
Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed “Matchbook Winery Tempranillo,” check out Twisted River Winery Primitivo, Fields Family Wines Tempranillo, and Radio Boca Tempranillo.
P.S.: Check out a few of my favorite wine tools and resources below. 🙂