Barco de Piedra Tempranillo 2008 Front Label
Barco de Piedra Tempranillo 2008 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

This garnet-red colored expression of Tinto del Pais (aka Tempranillo) is aged for 5 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak. Aromas of spice-box, white pepper, plum, and black cherry carry through to the palate where they are enhanced by earthy and herbaceous undertones with a medium to long finish. This rich and well-balanced wine can be enjoyed now or in the next couple of years with hearty meats or stews or strong cheeses.

Professional Ratings

  • 90
    The 2008 Barco de Piedra is 100% Tempranillo aged for 5 months in French and American oak. A glass-staining opaque purple, it offers up an enticing bouquet cedar, spice box, violets, cassis, and black cherry. This is followed by a rich, flavorful, firm wine that will evolve for 1-2 years. This lengthy bargain will drink well through 2015. It is what over-delivering is all about.
Barco de Piedra

Barco de Piedra

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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.

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Ribera del Duero, Spanish wine region, is located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back more than 2000 years, it was in the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries call Ribera del Duero home, including some of Spain’s most iconic names.

Notable Facts Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types, give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. Rich and full-bodied, the spice, dark fruit and smoky flavors in a bold Ribera del Duero will pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food and tomato-based sauces.

MATVM08BDP2_2008 Item# 102533