Notes from the Winemaker:
The quintessential red wine grape from Spain, Tempranillo (temp-rah-NEE-yo), the little early one, adapts well to varied growing conditions. We think of this Tempranillo as Pinot Noir in blue jeans.
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby red colour with violet-blue undertones characteristic of young red wines. This is a classic Tempranillo, showing intense flavors of earth, plums and violets over a hint of orange peel. It is full and luscious in the palate, rich in ripe fruits and fine tannins, with a great balance and lingering finish.
Food Pairings
Tapeña Tempranillo is truly a food-friendly wine pairing well with a broad spectrum of dishes. Try it with paella, grilled lamb skewers, garlic prawns and broiled salmon.
Accolades
Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast, July 2012
Gold Medal – 2011 Monterey Wine Competition
Analysis
Appellation: Tierra de Castilla, Spain
Composition: 100% Tempranillo
Acidity: 3.3 g/L
Alcohol: 14%
Vintage: 2011
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My thoughts:
I was surprised at the deep deep red of this wine as I poured it. So dark I couldn’t see my fingers wrapped around the opposite side of the glass. I took a deep sniff and was greeted with a strong yet pleasant blend of super ripe grapes, spices, plums and a slight hint of citrus. The first sip brought…hang on…the first couple of sips….wait a minute…the first half a glass had strong notes of freshly picked fruits with a hint of…give me a second…what is that?! I can’t quite figure out what that lingering flavor is in the finish. But it has a very flavorful finish that lingers without being overpowering.
I initially paired this with penne in a homemade summer vegetable sauce. Freshly picked zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, summer squash, fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil with a touch of cane sugar. When I finished off the bottle I found it also paired well with some Tangy Zangy Twisties – Sour Wild Fruit Gummy candy. Judge all you want. I love gummy candy.
On a scale of “this tastes like piss” to “oops, I just drank the whole bottle” I would give this a “It still bothers me that I can’t quite pinpoint those last couple of flavors, but this is quite tasty and easy to drink. A little bold for the beginning red wine drinker, but for someone who is rapidly learning to love reds, a definite try.” Would I buy it again? I’d pick up another bottle.
Final Grade: A-