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Wine Details
Price:
$25.00 per bottle
Description:
Our Tempranillo is made in a typical Rioja style, with a minimum of two years aging in neutral oak barrels. As in Spain, we blend our Tempranillo with the other Rioja varietals of Graciano, Carineña, Garnacha and (what the Spaniards consider an "experimental" component) Cabernet Sauvignon. Cedar, leather, earth and tobacco notes dominate the aromatic profile of the 2000 Tempranillo while subsequent layers of clove, pepper, and dried fruit begin to surface after a little breathing time. On the palate those same characteristics expressed in the nose make themselves known on the tongue, albeit in a different order. However, the dried fruit aroma character morphs into a lush, ripe fruit character on the mid palate. The integrated acid-tannin structure lasts from beginning to end, gently tapering off in a long, slow finish. Try this wine with a fine Basque meal. This Tempranillo, with good acidity and tannin structure, is made to age. Feel free to drink it now, but if you can resist, lay a few bottles down in the cellar to try after five or ten years.
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Varietal Definition
Tempranillo:
The Tempranillo is to Rioja what Pinot Noir is to Burgundy. By far Spain's most noble indigenous grape it has similar characteristics to the Pinot - strawberries when young, earthy vegetal when mature - and it ages very well. It ripens early ('temprana' is the Spanish for 'early') is thick-skinned and gives good colour and extract but low alcohol and acidity. In Rioja it is blended with the more fiery Garnacha and a little Mazuelo and Graciano. It is grown throughout Spain but very much as a grape for blending as opposed to a straight varietal. Outside Spain the grape is quite prolific in Argentina and to a lesser extent in California.
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Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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