Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Termes is pure Tinta de Toro (aka Tempranillo) from a number of vineyards on sandy and stony soils aged in 30% new barrels for 12 to 15 months. There are some savory aromas mixing cured meat with the classical Tempranillo black raspberries, and some lactic and spice aromas (cola nut), with hints of granite and licorice. The palate shows good freshness within the ripe and powerful style of the zone; it has good balance between tannins, alcohol and acidity. This is the more drinkable of the three. Some 100,000 bottles produced per vintage.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Spain's remote, high elevation Spanish wine zone between the regions of Bierzo and Ribera del Duero produces intense, full-bodied reds made from Tempranillo, locally called Tinta de Toro. This local variant has adapted to the region’s climatic extremes and recognizing its potential, top producers from Ribera del Duero and Rioja have invested heavily in its vineyards.