Praise for Range Rider Red
from Zone 4 magazine

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT that wine grapes would grow at 3,450 feet just two degrees south of the Canadian border? Andy Sponseller and Connie Poten planted their first grapes in the Rattlesnake Valley near Missoula, Montana in 1997 and they have been producing first-class organically grown and produced wines since 2003.

The 2008 Range Rider Red is a blend of hybrid grapes bred to withstand the cold Rocky Mountain winters. The grapes include Marechal Foch, Frontenac, St. Croix and Leon Millet. Ruby colored and aromatic, the “Range Rider” Red gives the nose a burst of red fruit and tangy spice. The red fruit is echoed on the palate, accented by cola and hints of smoke. I was pleasantly surprised at the soft edges, medium body and glorious fruit that came through in such a young wine.

Surely, some of the low acid and fruit flavors came from the portion of the grapes that went through carbonic maceration. This process gives Beaujolais its fruity, soft character and it gives the Range Rider a “sip-ability” that will no doubt bring it public accolade in the months to come. It was an instant hit with me.

The label on the “Range Rider” shows a retro cowgirl on a pinto cow pony. The wine inside reflects her sunny smile and the supple strength of a Montana cowgirl. Folks who have pooh-poohed organic wines and have been skeptical of winemaking in the Rockies will have their heads swiveled around quite quickly by the “Range Rider.” Red. This beautiful wine has the versatility to match cedar plank salmon, grilled sausages or barbequed ribs. Look for it at local wine retailers in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Washington and Oregon. ($23) —Doug Badenoch, Wine Gallery, Bozeman, MT

Range Rider Red

We’ve blended our estate-grown Maréchal Foche, Frontenac and St. Croix grapes to make a zesty, dry Montana wine with a fresh berry nose and full-bodied taste.

Hand-picked whole clusters of grapes were packed tightly in tanks for two weeks—classic Burgundian carbonic maceration—to reduce acid and present complex fruit flavors.

Lightly oaked, Range Rider Red complements a wide range of food from spanakopita to BBQ.

Range Rider Red won the Bronze Medal at the 2006 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York State. Flathead Cherry Dry is the 2009 Bronze Medal winner at the National Women's Wine Competiton.

No added sulfites

$16/bottle
$192/case + shipping

To order please call or write:

(406) 549-8703 or
info@tenspoonvineyard.com

Ten Spoon Vineyard
4175 Rattlesnake Drive
Missoula, MT 59802