Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo

Tempranillo may be Spain’s most famous red grape, but in McLaren Vale it takes on a character all of its own. Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo combines the variety’s naturally savoury personality with the generous fruit and sunshine that define this celebrated South Australian region. The result is a wine that feels both familiar and distinctive. Aromas of dark cherry, ripe plum and wild berries rise from the glass, accompanied by hints of sweet spice, dried herbs and a subtle earthy complexity. On the palate, it is supple and inviting, offering layers of juicy red and black fruit supported by fine tannins and gentle oak influence. There is plenty of richness, but also a freshness that keeps the wine balanced and incredibly drinkable. Smooth, versatile and full of character, this is a modern Australian take on Tempranillo that works just as well with food as it does on its own.

Producer – Hancock & Hancock

The Hancock & Hancock range is the passion project of Chris Hancock MW (Hon), one of Australia’s most respected wine figures. Chris has worked with the Oatley family since the 1970s and was involved in multiple vintages of Penfolds Grange before helping build the Oatley wine business. His connection with McLaren Vale stretches back to 1962, when he first worked a vintage in the region as a student winemaker. The Hancock & Hancock wines are inspired by this lifelong relationship with McLaren Vale and focus on expressing the region’s unique character through carefully selected vineyard sites and sustainable farming practices.

Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo, Terroir & Winemaking

The fruit comes from vineyards in McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s premier regions for Mediterranean grape varieties. Warm days encourage full ripening, while cooling influences from the nearby Southern Ocean help preserve freshness and balance. The grapes are destemmed into small open fermenters and gently plunged twice daily to extract colour and flavour without excessive tannin. After around ten days on skins, the wine is pressed and completes malolactic fermentation before spending twelve months in older oak barrels. The final blend comprises 87.9% Tempranillo, 6.9% Grenache and 5.2% Touriga, adding extra layers of spice, fragrance and complexity.

Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo, Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red in colour. Aromas of dark cherry, plum and wild berries are layered with hints of sweet spice, dried herbs and subtle earthy notes. The palate is smooth and medium- to full-bodied, showing generous fruit, supple tannins and a long, savoury finish with touches of liquorice and gentle oak spice.

Hancock & Hancock Tempranillo, food pairing suggestion: Spanish lamb meatballs in smoky tomato sauce.

Vintages shown are for illustration purposes only