Temprano!

Tempranillo derives its name from the Spanish word temprano which means early. Early in terms of ripening and as it turns out fairly early in terms of beginning to turn purple. The viticultural term for this phase in a wine grape's cycle is veraison. This is when the birds and pests begin to get very interested in the fruit. Prior to now grapes are just too sour and bitter. But the beginning of turning color marks the beginning of the softening of the grape skin and the beginning of accumulation of sugar. This week was the first hint of the Tempranillo turning color. The Syrah will be close behind and before we know it harvest will be upon us.