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PODCAST #5 Tempranillo
In Episode #5 ChrisO and JonM explore the Tempranillo grape from Spain and it’s two most prominent growing regions; Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
The wines we tried from Rioja:
Click on the picture for a link to the winery website
Marques de Ceceres Crianza 2004
MARQUÉS DE RISCAL RESERVA 2004
The wine we tried from Ribera del Duero:
Click on the picture for a link to the winery website
Emilio Moro 2001
More information about Rioja wine styles:
-Crianza (Generally from $6 to $20) is the wine of choice for most Riojans on a daily basis. It is the house red of nearly every restaurant in Spain, and often is paired with pinchos, the Riojan version of tapas. Excellent with food, Crianza is known for its strong Tempranillo character with overtones of cherry; Crianza evokes the vibrancy of country life and rustic fare.Aged in oak barrels at least 12 months with at least another year in the bottle.
-Reserva (Generally from $14 to $40) is known for its deep and complex flavor with hints of vanilla, cherries and wild berries. It is exceptional when paired with grilled food, or the typical foods of landlocked Rioja such as lamb or game. Requires 36 months aging between barrel and bottle, with at least 12 months in barrel.
-Gran Reserva (Generally from $18 up) is considered the greatest of Rioja designations and is made only in exceptional vintages. It is an amazingly deep wine, with a complex texture and bouquet meant to be savored by all the senses. Gran Reserva is known for its hints of cedar, cigar box and wild berries. It is known in Spain as a vino de meditación, a wine to drink before the fireplace while contemplating the mysteries of love, life and the sensual pleasures of food and wine. Requires 24 months aging in barrel and a further 36 months in bottle before release.
Links to more information:
Wikipedia entry about Rioja and its wines
Wikipedia entry about Ribers del Duero wines
Heidi, thanks for the Tempranillo suggestion!
Cheers, ChrisO
