Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
The polished texture carries complex yet harmonious flavors of plum, toast, licorice and mineral in this elegant red. Spice and floral notes linger on the long, gentle finish. Very focused and fresh.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Crianza has a lovely, rounded dark plum and balsamic-tinged bouquet that unfurls with hints of wild heather and crushed violets. The palate is medium-bodied with orange peel, tart red cherries and a hint of dark chocolate, the finish nicely composed and showing impressive persistency and focus. Recommended. Drink now-2017.
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Wine & Spirits
Despite the significant tannins, which create a dense barrier to the fruit, this wine grows increasingly more approachable with time in the glass. Wait long enough and it becomes silky and smooth, beginning to evidence its fruitier side. Decant this in the morning to serve with a dinner of braised lamb.
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.