Tempranillo Wines

It would be an extreme waste of time to visit Spain and not try a wine (or several) with a heavy representation of Tempranillo. The grape’s name comes from the Spanish word temprano, which means “early.” It earned this name by consistently ripening sooner than most other Spanish varietals. In 2015, Tempranillo took third place on the list of the most widely planted varietals, and 88% of that representation was achieved in Spain, cementing its reputation as their “noble grape.”

Tempranillo is considerably less aromatic than varietals like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, but this only makes it stand out as an incredibly versatile, neutral option. It sees a ton of use in many blends across the globe and often helps bring the barrel’s signature flavor to the forefront. Every flavor brought by a blend that involves this magical grape gets accentuated and built up, giving these blends an impact that is very hard to match. Still, it holds a unique identity by combining the soft, juicy overtone of strawberries with a delicate, earthy plum baseline.

Spain is, without a doubt, the place to be when it comes to Tempranillo blends. These vintages have demonstrated an excellent aging capacity and will liven up any social event and add a touch of sweet Spanish magic to any meal you choose to pair them with. Tempranillo is a Spanish classic and should find its place in every wine geek’s collection.

2006 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva - 750 ml

$35.95 - 750 ml
"The red flagship 2006 Vina Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Médoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo... It always matures in used American oak barriques for some s..." Read More

95

RP

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2004 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva - 750 ml

$42.99 - 750 ml
"The 2004 Vina Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Vina Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after s..." Read More

94

RP

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2016 Pingus Flor de Pingus - 1.5L

$199.00 - 1.5L
"...this shows amazing perfume that should bloom with a year in bottle. This has all the signals to become one of the greatest vintages of Flor de Pingus... Robert Parker Wine Advocate..." Read More

93-95

RP

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2016 Pingus - 750 ml

$1,079.00 - 750 ml
"...It has all the baby fat and is tender and primary, but you can sense the harmony and subtleness, the freshness and elegance it should develop, as the Ribera perfume is already incipient there. I couldn't help but think of the 1996, one o..." Read More

98-100

RP

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2012 Milenico Ribero del Duero Valdepila - 750 ml

$24.95 - 750 ml
"In the early 1990s, Milenico began to replant vineyards in Valdepila, where the well-ventilated, south-facing slopes were once covered in vines. In 2012, they produced a wine that’s vertical in structure, austere, refined and elegant—th..." Read More

94

W&S

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2012 El Coto Rioja Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva - 750 ml

$26.99 - 750 ml
"This dark, relatively tight-knit Rioja proves that the Gran Reserva category doesn't just indicate the supremely well-aged, relaxed and reposeful style of Rioja, but can also serve to draw drinkers' attention to outstanding wines of density..." Read More

97

DEC

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2016 Antidoto Cepas Viejas Ribera del Duero - 750 ml

$18.95 - 750 ml
"...resulted in a lively, fresh and spicy red with very fine tannins and great balance. This is a great entry-level red, in line with the change they started in 2014. Here, they pressed the wine before it finished fermenting, and the end of ..." Read More

93

RP

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