Winemaker Notes
Heady smoke- and spice-accented dark berry and cherry aromas, with hints of game and violet emerging with air. Broad and fleshy on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering gently sweet blackberry and cherry flavors and repeating smokiness. Shows very good heft and power on the clinging finish, which features smooth tannins and a hint of peppery spices.
Two approaches work very well: Tempranillo’s ripe fruit naturally compliments the sweeter meatiness of pork and veal. On the other hand, Ribera del Duero produces very robust and tannic reds, usually showing a black fruit and mineral character that is a better match with rare beef than any California Cabernet or Zinfandel. For simple fare, aged hard cheeses like Manchego, Spanish almonds, Sevilla olives and crusty bread are rustic and classic accompaniments.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Bodegas Barco de Piedra Tempranillo is bold, juicy, and lasting. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers formidable aromas and flavors of black fruit, chalk, oak, and licorice. Enjoy it with a fiery sausage and mushroom pizza. (Tasted: May 27, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.
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.