2009 Rio Grande Carinena, Spain Tempranillo

About This Wine

You may not know it by name, but you may know Tempranillo.

For decades, this dark-skinned winegrape has provided the backbone to some of Spain’s most acclaimed wines, particularly from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. Its name means “little early one,” a reference to the variety’s tendency to ripen earlier than its traditional blending partner, Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache).

Tempranillo is considered an Old World grape, but many Spanish vintners — including those at Rio Grande — now are taking a New World approach with it as we proceed in the second decade of the 21st century. They’re now including the grape’s name on the bottle label, finally giving Tempranillo its due.

The 2009 Rio Grande Tempranillo is a very food-friendly wine, pairing nicely with everything from simple tapas to elaborate pork dishes. With its enticing fruit and mild earth aromas and flavors, it’s a wine you’ll want to get to know better.

About Tempranillo

Its aromas and flavors often combine elements of berryish fruit, herbaceousness, and an earthy-leathery minerality. Rarely bottled as a stand-alone varietal, but frequently used as the base variety in blends.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:Tempranillo and Other Red Varieties
• Grape Source:Carinena Growing Region of Spain
• Aromas & Flavors:Cherry, Strawberry, Plum and a Subtle Earth Note
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2013
• Food Pairing Suggestionpork dishes, or tapas.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe