This fall, we celebrate 45 years of Iberian grape varieties at Spencer Ranch. Our journey began in 1980, when my dad planted five little-known Portuguese grapes in our Amador County vineyard. He was inspired by his love of Portugal’s complex Ports and guided by his belief that the best wines come from varieties best suited to their environment. He was decades ahead of his time. Today, we farm seven heirloom Iberian varieties that thrive in our vineyard nestled in the Sierra Foothills. They may not be household names, but they produce vibrant, soulful wines that reflect both place and our family’s multi-generational commitment to making delicious wines from Iberian varieties.
To honor that legacy, we’re proud to share six releases that embody our family’s tradition of farming resilient Portuguese and Spanish grapes. Leading the lineup is our vibrant Verdelho (2024), a Double Gold winner at this year’s California State Fair, alongside the elegant and floral Iberian Rosé (2024), crafted from Touriga Nacional. They’re joined by the return of Iberian Red (2023), a modern revival of my dad’s classic Três Cachos blend; the distinctive and aromatic Trousseau (2023); the bold and violet-scented Touriga Nacional (2023); and our flagship Tempranillo Reserve (2022). Together, these six wines highlight both the versatility and enduring legacy of Iberian varieties in California soils.
Our 2024 Verdelho is a vibrant, refreshing white that balances zesty citrus with hints of tropical fruit, finishing crisp and clean on the palate. Grown in our Amador County vineyard and perfected through years of careful farming and diligent winemaking, this relatively unknown Portuguese variety shines with freshness and flavor. A Double Gold winner at this summer’s California State Fair. For white wine lovers seeking something bright, lively, and food-friendly, this is the perfect sipper and a versatile match for lighter fare. 340 CASES
Grown in our Amador County vineyard, Touriga Nacional thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing a rosé that’s as graceful as it is refreshing. Pale in color and crafted in a more restrained style to highlight Touriga’s delicate floral aromatics, this wine offers elegance, balance, and lively freshness with lower alcohol. Fun, delicious, and versatile, it’s just as at home on a sunny afternoon with friends as it is alongside Sunday football game. 150 CASES
What’s old is new again! Starting in 1988 my dad made a blend of Portuguese varieties he labeled Três Cachos. The last one we made was back in 2003. 20 years later we’re reintroducing a modern take on a St. Amant classic. The 2023 Iberian Red is a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Tempranillo. A delicious wine that showcases the aromatic complexity of Touriga with the savory ripe flavors and texture of Tempranillo. This wine is drinking well now but will show the benefits of a few years in the cellar. 143 CASES
Long before the hipsters rolled their jeans, grew their beards, and fell in love with Trousseau at the local natural wine bar, my dad planted the variety in our vineyard back in 1981. It’s beautiful as a fortified Port wine, but back in 2012 we began making a small amount as table wine. Don’t let the light color fool you though, this wine is incredibly complex and interesting. Very aromatic with distinctive cherry and spice notes. Firm tannins create a nice texture and delicious fruit balances out the wine. 163 CASES
A late-ripening, low-yielding, Portuguese variety, with exotic flavors, and Cabernet Sauvignon-like structure. Touriga Nacional has found a natural home in our Amador County vineyard where we’ve been growing it since 1981. Always a key component in our Port wines, but as a table wine it has distinctive violet aromatics, it’s full-bodied and delicious. Drinking well now but should age for at least 10 years. 147 CASES
This is our second release of our Tempranillo Reserve. Produced from our best vineyard block, our vision is to craft and create a Tempranillo of unparalleled excellence. The best grapes, the best barrels (44% new French oak) and the best blend (87% Tempranillo, 6.5% Touriga Nacional, 6.5% Souzão) all coming together in a wine of extraordinary quality and complexity. Our Tempranillo Reserve is a wine of bold character, full-bodied, with an astonishing depth of color, robust flavors, and enticing herbal aromatics. This wine will reward extended cellaring. 98 CASES
