100% Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain.
Sample submitted for review. SRP of $10 and available widely for around $8.
From the bottle:
"Grapes: Tempranillo
Tasting: Aromas of ripe red fruit with spices and vanilla. Perfumed, soft and fresh.
Food Pairing: Pasta, poultry and fresh light cheeses, grilled chicken, small bites (light cheese, grilled vegetables)
Serve at: 61-63°F
13.5% Alcohol"
Today's wine comes from Rioja, Spain an area that has strict standards for winemaking and labeling. This wine is classified as a "Young Wine" which means it has less than a year in oak and a short time in the bottle. The next step up, Crianza, must have both one year in oak and one year in the bottle but don't let only 4 months in American oak fool you into thinking you're getting an inferior wine. This short oak treatment makes for a very approachable wine with light tannins and more fruit, which really lets the Tempranillo grape shine. The importers of this wine, Pernod Ricard, believe Tempranillo could be Spain's signature grape much like New Zealand has Sauvignon Blanc or Argentina has Malbec, and I think they're right. I love a good Tempranillo.
The 2010 Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo begins with a very nice aroma of black cherry, blackberry, strawberry, spice and a little vanilla. The wine tastes medium to full bodied with light tannins. Dark red fruit and spice carryover from the bouquet when tasting plus a bit of added smoked meat. This one is very easy to drink and will pair with lots of foods. The pleasing finish is dry, smooth and has good length. A definite crowd pleaser -- a wine that is easy to drink but still has some complexity. Very good and at only $8, worthy of a Bulk Buy!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating:8.3
