Hooray for Tempranillo Day! #Wine

Nae to Temperance and Yea to #Tempranillo!

The Temperance movement of the 1800’s, which was an effort to prohibit the drinking of alcohol, is long gone!  Today, we can partake of a variety of alcoholic drinks, from rum, gin and whiskey to hard cider, beer and wine-wine like Tempranillo!  In fact, there are days set aside to celebrate many wines.  The second Thursday in November is annually observed as #InternationalTempranilloDay.

Tempranillo grapes have been around for many years, possibly since the 17th century. Tempranillo is a black grape variety native to Spain.   Its name is derived from the Spanish “temprano,” which means early, as this grape tend to ripen earlier than many other Spanish grapes.  Although native to Spain, the grape is also planted throughout South and Central America, Australia and other regions across the world.  The Tempranillo grape is the main grape used in Rioja.  Due to its neutral profile, it is often blended with other grape varieties like Grenache and Carignan, as well as Tinto Roriz and Aragonez in Portugal.  

The Wining Hour Selection:
We certainly enjoy this Spanish wine, and to celebrate #TempranilloDay, we chose a 2006 Castillo Roquero Tempranillo Reserva from Valdepenas Spain.  The wine was a medium ruby to the eye, and a smelled of ripe berries and vanilla.  Roquero Tempranillo was pretty smooth, with coconut, vanilla, mild spice and berries on the palate. The flavor opened quickly and was well-balanced.   We paired this wine with ribs. However, Tempranillo will pair well with most pork or lamb dishes, whether its chops, stewed or roasted. It can also be enjoyed alone.  It was interesting to learn that this particular Tempranillo was aged in oak barrels for 5 years, and is known by the name, Cencibel, to the locals.

Moreover, this wine was made by a female winemaker, Pamela Geddes, which is always of interest to me.  Castillo Roquero Tempranillo Reserva is a good, easy to drink table wine.

We also enjoyed this Tempranillo from Zinio Bodegas.  Zinio Bodegas is a cooperative of over 200 families in Rioja Spain. Together they work the 450 hectares, which is sub-divided into 21 different soul types. They practice sustainable farming and collaborate with the RiojaNatura project.  Pictured here is a 2011 Tempranillo Selección de Suelos from Bodegas Zinio. The nose is intense with aromas of black fruit with coffee and toffee. The palate is pleasing with mature fruit, blackberry and black currants.  Long and persistent finish very complex with great aging potential. 14.5% ABV.