McGuigan adds Tempranillo to Black Label range

Australia’s McGuigan Wines will add a Tempranillo to its Black Label range in the UK next month, at a time when it says European varieties, and Tempranillo in particular, are achieving increasing sales and popularity.

The Black Label Tempranillo joins a range of Black Label red, whites and rosé wine, including Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Riesling, as well as its recently-launched trio of Black Label sparkling wines.

The new Black Label Tempranillo is said to have “deep flavours of plum, cherry and blackcurrant, with a subtle vanilla undertone as well as integrated mocha and spice notes”, leading to a “lingering finish full of soft, ripe fruit with a lasting hint of spice”.

Chief winemaker, Neil McGuigan said: “Our McGuigan Black Label range is rich, generous and accessible – your everyday guide to Australia’s favourite wine varieties. The past year has seen Tempranillo become increasingly popular in the UK and it’s now hot on the heels of consumer favourites such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

“We’re immensely proud of the Black Label Tempranillo, which offers an approachable version of this fantastic wine for consumers looking to expand their palates.”

The producer is also increasing its plantings of Malbec, having released a Black Label Malbec in 2016. Speaking to the drinks business last year, McGuigan said he was planting as much of the variety as possible.

“We are totally committed to Malbec,” he said. “We are not just planting in one region but a couple of regions, all different terroirs, Australia can produce a very friendly, approachable style. It’s just been a phenomenal success.”

As of last year, McGuigan had 35 hectares of Malbec planted across Sunraysia, Barossa and the Limestone Coast, with plans to plant a further 30 hectares by 2019.

The Black Label Tempranillo will be available in the off-trade from November, at an RRP of £7.49.