Tempranillo
No blank looks, you know this one, I promise. How about if I say ‘Rioja’? With me now? Thought so. Tempranillo is the cornerstone of the now famed Spanish region, Rioja. And seeing as it’s so damn delicious, it’s really not a surprise. Tempranillo’s sidekick is Grenache; undeniably the Batman and Robin of the Wine World.
What am I getting?
As juicy as the gossip on the morning after a really good night out. Strawberry flavours are typical in this wine, and since it often spends time in oak don’t be surprised if there’s a hint of vanilla and tobacco spice to go with that. Essentially this is a savoury wine, and ‘leathery’ is an adjective often thrown around by critics – and if anyone says that they don’t enjoy the homely smell of a new leather bag/belt/insert appropriate accessory here, frankly I don’t believe you.
What can I drink it with?
Thanks to its savoury qualities Tempranillo wines work well with a lot of foods, particularly things in the Spanish stream such as roasted vegetables and cured meats. It also complements smoky flavours well, so a Rioja certainly wouldn’t go amiss at a good barbeque.
I want it!
Since this is a personal favourite, frankly your choice is inspired.
Let’s not go crazy…
The Guv'nor! (full, Spain) £8.99 per bottle
All out…
Rioja Gran Reserva 2007 Marqués de Riscal (full, Spain) £32.00 per bottle
What am I getting?
As juicy as the gossip on the morning after a really good night out. Strawberry flavours are typical in this wine, and since it often spends time in oak don’t be surprised if there’s a hint of vanilla and tobacco spice to go with that. Essentially this is a savoury wine, and ‘leathery’ is an adjective often thrown around by critics – and if anyone says that they don’t enjoy the homely smell of a new leather bag/belt/insert appropriate accessory here, frankly I don’t believe you.
What can I drink it with?
Thanks to its savoury qualities Tempranillo wines work well with a lot of foods, particularly things in the Spanish stream such as roasted vegetables and cured meats. It also complements smoky flavours well, so a Rioja certainly wouldn’t go amiss at a good barbeque.
I want it!
Since this is a personal favourite, frankly your choice is inspired.
Let’s not go crazy…
The Guv'nor! (full, Spain) £8.99 per bottle
All out…
Rioja Gran Reserva 2007 Marqués de Riscal (full, Spain) £32.00 per bottle
