Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Another terrific value is the 2015 Dehesa Gago. Made from 100% Tempranillo brought up all in concrete and stainless-steel tanks, it has a rounded, supple, elegant style to go with pretty notes of dried violets, black cherries, blueberries, and dried earth. This smoking value is impeccably balanced, has integrated acidity, and fine tannin. It way over-delivers and will keep for at least 2-4 years.
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.