2024 Billy Button ‘The Alluring’ Tempranillo
As the noble red grape of Spain’s north, particularly the Rioja region, Tempranillo has gradually been planted in Australian regions with varying results. It is a grape well suited to cool climates and Jo’s mission to focus on alternative varietals combined with the success the variety has already achieved in the region made it a no-brainer for Jo to include Tempranillo in her line-up. The result is an intriguing dry red wine that loves good food.
Say 'tem-prah-nee-oh'
Production Notes
Composed of an assortment of different clones sourced from the Greenacre and Nicholson vineyards in Porepunkah and Merriang South. A variety of techniques were used for fermentation including inclusion of whole berry and crushed fruit, along with some cold soak and extended maceration. Most ferments were gently plunged twice daily and pressed out after reaching sugar dryness. A smaller percentage of parcels were worked a little harder and left for extended maceration. Individual parcels were kept separate and matured in Flexcube for 12 months. The wine was then blended, filtered and bottled in July 2025.
Vintage Snapshot
A sustained period of warm days and cool nights provided uniform ripening conditions.
Tasting Notes
An elegant style - aromas of lively red fruits underpinned by a gentle savouriness evoking charcuterie and smoked meats. The palate is lighter in style and packed with the same red fruits. Textural and juicy with a fresh, tangy acidity and fine graphite-like tannins that carry to a lingering finish.
Optimal Drinking Window – 2027 to 2036
Bright and juicy now, however will benefit with an additional short maturation if you can wait.
Reviews
"Offers a different tack on tempranillo: restrained, structured, savoury. Fits in with a more European approach, one where the wine is made with food matching in mind. Dark berries and plums, dried fruits, wild herbs, red licorice, earth, leather and spice meld nicely against some pretty sturdy tannins. Finishes on a vibrant, peppery, cherry pip dry note. As the Spanish might say, a gastronomic wine. Should age well." Awarded 94 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 10 February 2026