An excellent example of the variety, we review the Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo from the Umpqua Valley of Oregon.
Tempranillo from the Abacela Estate Fault Line Vineyards in the Umpqua Valley of Oregon. The wine is aged in a combination of mostly neutral or very old French and American oak barrels (just 7% new). The wine has no residual sugar.
Sample submitted for review. The Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo has an SRP of $27 but is available for as low as $21.
We’ve long been fans of the wines of Abacela, who were the first winery in the Pacific Northwest to plant Tempranillo. They’ve really perfected the variety at this point so we always enjoy drinking their wines.
Today we’re checking out their “entry level” Fiesta Tempranillo, but there’s really nothing entry level tasting about it.
From the winery:
Tasting Notes: Our fruit-driven Fiesta Tempranillo is a fantastic representation of vintage and terroir. Bright garnet in color, this wine opens with aromas of red fruit, cherry, plum, and floral notes. This sleek and silky Tempranillo unfolds into flavors of black currant, blue fruit, with lush and velvety tannins. Enjoy with your favorite Spanish tapas.
90 Points, Vinous, “The 2022 Tempranillo Fiesta wafts up with a vibrant blend of crushed raspberries, shavings of tangerine and mint. This fruit-focused wine offers soft textures and depths of wild red berries lifted by a core of brisk acidity. It’s gently tannic with decent length and leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation that lingers.”
93 Points, Paul Gregutt, “The lush aromas bring blackberries and cocoa, sandalwood incense and plum highlights. Tart and tasty, the palate carries those same flavors, along with black cherry and a hint of cola. Just 7% of the barrels were new but they put a pleasing frame around the tannins. A superb value in a chillable red.”
90 Points, James Suckling, “On the nose, there are lovely aromas of bright wild raspberries, chalk, cherries and red licorice. The medium-bodied palate features bright acidity, a juicy red fruit flavor profile and lightly chewy tannins. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Vineyard Notes: Abacela’s Estate Fault Line Vineyards
Winemaker Notes: Andrew Wenzl
Production: 2,604 Cases Produced
Vintage: 2022
Varietal: Tempranillo
Appellation: Umpqua Valley
Harvest Date: 1, 2, 4, 5 October 2022
Sugar: 22.9° Brix
Acid: 6.9 grams/liter
pH: 3.52
Aging: French (48%), American (42%), 1% 2 Yr, 7% New, 20% 4 Yr, 72% Neutral
Bottling Date: 14 May 2024
Residual Sugar: nil13.5% Alcohol
The 2022 Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo begins with pleasing aromas of black cherry and other dark fruit, a little balsa wood, some vanilla, spice, mint and more. It’s a nice start.
Tasting the wine reveals similar flavors to the nose with plenty of pleasing oaky notes, which is a bit surprising since just 7% new barrels were used. Cola, licorice and a little leather also make an appearance. This is a very nice example of Tempranillo, just be sure to give it time to breathe
It ends dry, a bit grippy and long and was even a bit better on day 2 where it was smoother, more balanced and less oaky.
Looking for more of our favorite Tempranillo under $25? Browse our multi-page listing along with more information on this excellent variety!
You can also find more of our favorite wines from Oregon here.
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