Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Black cherry, black pepper and baking spice nose. The palate is smooth, juicy and red-fruited with a floral and clove oak edge. Good value.
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James Suckling
Aromas of cherries, pomegranate, rose petals, light spices and wet soil. Ripe and fruity with medium to full body, round tannins and a creamy texture. Straightforward and easy to drink, with a fruity finish. Vegan.
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Wine Enthusiast
This deep-ruby-colored wine has a bouquet of dark plums, blackberry and tobacco leaf. It is smooth on the palate, with velvety tannins and flavors of black cherry, purple fig, dark chocolate and Turkish delight that fade into a floral finish.
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.