Tempranillo/Tinto Fino
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Bodegas Amézola de la Mora was established in the mid-19th century. Restored in the early 1980s by the flamboyant Iñigo Amézola de la Mora, this estate is extremely unusual (for Rioja) in that it owns all of its vines. The 65 hecatres of vineyards, planted with Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano, benefit from a high altitude and cooler climate, and yield elegant, classic wines packed full of harmonious red berry and vanilla flavours.
We have enhanced our much-loved Rioja Crianza in 2014 with a dash of rich Reserva wine for added structure and depth. The nose is full of comfortingly familiar notes of sweet vanilla, while the palate brims with dark berry fruits and hints of peppery spice.
We have enhanced our much-loved Rioja Crianza in 2014 with a dash of rich Reserva wine for added structure and depth. The nose is full of comfortingly familiar notes of sweet vanilla, while the palate brims with dark berry fruits and hints of peppery spice.
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This old family firm has been revitalised by the arrival of Alvaro Palacios, who has already made his name, starting from scratch, with his extraordinary Priorat wines. He has since returned to the family property in Rioja Baja, and in a very short space of time, has decreased production by 60 percent and increased quality by a far higher factor.
This wine is made using carbonic maceration method and subsequently aged for 5 months in wooden vats and French oak barrels. Once bottled, the wine is fresh and fruity, with red berry fruit and ripe damson. This is a wonderful example of youthful Rioja.
This wine is made using carbonic maceration method and subsequently aged for 5 months in wooden vats and French oak barrels. Once bottled, the wine is fresh and fruity, with red berry fruit and ripe damson. This is a wonderful example of youthful Rioja.
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Arlanza lies between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This is Berry Bros. & Rudd’s first wine from the region and we thank our friends the Aragón family at Cillar de Silos for the introduction – the indefatigable Oscar Aragón is the winemaking consultant at Hacienda del Carmen.
The wonderful fresh strawberry aroma of young Tempranillo soars from every glass, unencumbered by oak and dialled up to 11 by a dose of carbonic maceration (the technique synonymous with the juicy, tannin-light wines of Beaujolais). On the palate, this shows a crisp acidity indicative of the deceptively lofty vineyards of Arlanza DOP, which lies between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This is BBR’s first wine from Arlanza and we thank our friends the Aragón family at Cillar de Silos for the introduction – the indefatigable Oscar Aragón is the winemaking consultant at Hacienda del Carmen.
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer
The wonderful fresh strawberry aroma of young Tempranillo soars from every glass, unencumbered by oak and dialled up to 11 by a dose of carbonic maceration (the technique synonymous with the juicy, tannin-light wines of Beaujolais). On the palate, this shows a crisp acidity indicative of the deceptively lofty vineyards of Arlanza DOP, which lies between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This is BBR’s first wine from Arlanza and we thank our friends the Aragón family at Cillar de Silos for the introduction – the indefatigable Oscar Aragón is the winemaking consultant at Hacienda del Carmen.
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer
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This is instantly seductive, with notes of cedar, wood smoke and punnet-loads of ripe, plummy fruit. This is a blend of Garnacha (88 percent) and Tempranillo, grown in a single vineyard on the slopes Mount Yerga. Twelve months in French oak – half of it new – contribute to its voluptuous mouth-feel, while the effects of altitude, as well as the deft timing of the 2014 harvest, ensure it remains fresh and lithe. A great match for all manner of meat dishes, but rabbit paella would be top of my list.
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Alejandro Fernandez, the magus of Pesquera, has demonstrated that high quality vines can indeed be located in La Mancha. No need to tilt at windmills; enjoy instead ripe creamy fruit and a full-bodied well-structured palate.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The bad-lands of La Mancha are arid and forbidding in the extreme, whatever the season. Here we find the widely-planted Airén variety, a complete stranger to quality, and lots and lots of bulk wine. Here we prove that the noble Tempranillo can work in such a forbidding environment. The alchemy has involved meticulous husbandry in the winery, eighteen months in new American barrels and a dash of genius.
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Cillar de Silos make bold, exuberant wines of which this is a fine example. Aromas of dark fruit, spice and mocha; the influence of French oak overt but not excessive. On the palate yet more dark fruit and smooth, soft tannins characteristic of a hot vintage. This being Ribera del Duero, however, there’s also a line of medium-high acidity running throughout which contributes to a long, moreish finish.
Will Heslop, Buying Team
Will Heslop, Buying Team
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This 2012 Crianza is really impressive. Dense and rich, exuding sweet, dark fruit, it is a serious wine with notable, ripe tannins and good structure from 13 months in French oak. A lovely, perfumed nose and a herbal twist on the palate adds complexity and the finish is long and rewarding. This is a fine example of how serious a Crianza can get. Try with: lamb dishes – from rich, slow-roast shoulder to delicate cutlets.
Catriona Felstead MW - Wine Buyer, June 2017
Catriona Felstead MW - Wine Buyer, June 2017
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This delicious red Vermouth is made from 100 percent Tempranillo by the energetic Oscar Aragón of Cillar de Silos. It is one of the most unusual Vermouths we have come across, with an absolutely glorious note of lavender that transcends the more classic bitter herbs. This would be an excellent base for a mouth-watering Negroni or would add an unusual twist to a classic Martini- but it is also superb on its own over ice- summer in a glass.
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The 2010 Señorío de Amézola Reserva has a developed nose with aromas of meat broth and tea leaves, very tasty (if that's possible!). It's a classical blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano matured in oak barrel for two years. The palate is polished and reveals very tasty flavors, fine, chalky tannins and good length. A textbook Rioja Reserva. 30,000 bottles produced.
Luis Gutierrez - The Wine Advocate #226, 31st Aug 2016
Luis Gutierrez - The Wine Advocate #226, 31st Aug 2016
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Beautifully scented, this wine has bright red cherry aromas alongside a fresh beetroot character. Vibrant and refreshing, it has lovely concentration with crunchy red fruit, hedgerow and earthy notes alongside fine, yet pert, tannins. This is a fascinating wine which clearly displays the delicate and individual character of the Mencía grape. Drink now to 2019.
Catriona Felstead MW - Wine Buyer, June 2017
Catriona Felstead MW - Wine Buyer, June 2017
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Finca Allende, the estate created by brother and sister team Mercedes and Miguel Angel de Gregorio, is located in the hill town of Briones in the Rioja Alta. “Allende” can be roughly translated as “further”; its philosophy is to go further and further towards creating the perfect Rioja. This has been done by marrying the old and the new, by embracing the traditional grape varieties but then treating them to new French oak.
This is a really special “modern” Rioja, in that the wine is aged in French oak, instead of the more accepted American oak. This is only possible when the fruit is of outstanding quality. That is the Allende hallmark. The wine is superbly velvety, with notes of tobacco and cedar.
This is a really special “modern” Rioja, in that the wine is aged in French oak, instead of the more accepted American oak. This is only possible when the fruit is of outstanding quality. That is the Allende hallmark. The wine is superbly velvety, with notes of tobacco and cedar.
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For me this is the sweet spot of La Rioja Alta’s range. Exhibiting aromas of spiced plums, damson and sweet spice with hints of Asian spice and vanillin on the nose. Succulent brambly fruit sits at the core of the palate which is medium bodied. Ripe, integrated tannins hold the framework for the layers of sweet cherry and strawberry fruit, savoury notes of leather and cured meat, entwined with a gentle spiciness. Texturally pleasing, a gentle creaminess coats the palate courtesy of American oak maturation, which is wonderfully balanced by a complementing acidity; maintaining freshness and balance through to the long finish. Wonderfully produced with lots going on, you can buy with confidence here with the quality assurance coming from one of Rioja’s most famed and adorned bodegas. Delicious to enjoy now but will continue to evolve and develop further complexity over the coming 7+ years, drinking from 2018 – 2024+.
Chris Lamb - Private Account Manager
Chris Lamb - Private Account Manager
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Ruby-colored with orange tints, the Gran Reserva called 2006 Solar Amézola Gran Reserva has an evolved, tertiary nose with aromas of brick dust, paprika, smoke, leather and cherries in liqueur. It comes from a vintage that feels quite ripe, round and polished and has fine-grained tannins and just enough acidity.
Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate. 30th April 2015.
Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate. 30th April 2015.
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Generous notes of cherry, raspberry, clove and tea. Pure and fine, with gentle tannins and texture which builds gently across the palate. The 2012 feels ‘light on its feet’ and silky with a lovely flow throughout. This is the most refined, discreet offering from Artadi.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
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Cillar de Silos’s flagship wine, the Torresilo rarely disappoints, yet the 2014 is a particularly fascinating wine. The cooler weather of an ‘Atlantic’ vintage has brought real finesse and a beautiful depth of flavour along with the signature 2014 lavender perfume. The 60- to 120-year-old vines provide good concentration, tempered by 16 months in new French oak. This may technically be of Reserva status but it is a stunning, top level Ribera del Duero wine. Try with: braised lamb, venison or rich roast pork.
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Ribeira Sacra is one of the most exciting regions to emerge from Spain in recent years. Situated in the north-eastern corner in Galicia, the area is remote, the landscape arid and mountainous. Dominio do Bibei's Javier Domínguez is producing modern wines with beautiful definition and verve, using traditional grape varieties. The vineyards are steeply terraced with little topsoil – the old vines working hard to survive amongst the rocky terrain of slate/schist. These are thoughtful wines, which not only please but also challenge the senses through their extraordinary purity and detail.
A 100 percent Mencía farmed on step slate and granite slopes, this has been aged in foudre for seven months; crushed raspberry, black tea and cassis are all evidenced. The palate shows cool fruit, but no lack of concentration, not to mention very finely etched tannins.
A 100 percent Mencía farmed on step slate and granite slopes, this has been aged in foudre for seven months; crushed raspberry, black tea and cassis are all evidenced. The palate shows cool fruit, but no lack of concentration, not to mention very finely etched tannins.
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Bodegas la Horra is Roda’s new-ish project in Ribera del Duero, the vineyard located in the eponymous village in the heart of the DO. No expense has been spared in the winery and the vineyard sites were only identified after nearly five years of research. Intellectually the idea is to demonstrate the differing facets of Tempranillo in these two famous DOs. A fascinating project.
Corimbo I is all Tempranillo (known locally as Tinta del País), sourced from plots in the villages of Horra and Roa. The wine has been aged for 16 months in 80 percent French and 20 percent American oak, the French emphasis reflecting the house philosophy. Heady yet elegant, rich yet finely poised, this wine combines a generous fruit character with refined tannins and firm acidity, the latter as a result of the altitude of the vines.
Corimbo I is all Tempranillo (known locally as Tinta del País), sourced from plots in the villages of Horra and Roa. The wine has been aged for 16 months in 80 percent French and 20 percent American oak, the French emphasis reflecting the house philosophy. Heady yet elegant, rich yet finely poised, this wine combines a generous fruit character with refined tannins and firm acidity, the latter as a result of the altitude of the vines.
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The elements could not have been kinder throughout the growing season and the vines developed beautifully. The ripening process was slow and steady and the fruit achieved an optimal level of ripeness come harvest-time. Such a wonderful alignment of nature’s potentially fickle components gave the perfect starting point from which, with careful management and attention to detail, a wine of great poise and personality could be created. The final blend is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from vines with an average age of 40 years. The ageing took place in 4-year old American oak barrels and it was racked every six months until bottling in June 2006.
The finished wine is a ruby-red which fades to a brick-like orange at the rim, classic Rioja. The nose is intense but fresh and vibrant, with delicate balsamic, spice, red fruit notes and a hint of mocha. The palate is round and structured with sweet tannins and a long-lasting finish to savour.
Nick Stewart - Fine Wine Team
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Vega Sicilia’s owners, the Álvarez family, bought Bodegas Pintia in 1996, attracted to the galet-strewn terroir in the north Spanish wine region of Toro, the rich clay subsoils and the familiar altitude. Toro’s main point of difference to Ribera del Duero is the ambient temperature, which can blaze in the height of summer. The challenge here is to match concentration with elegance, a challenge met by Bodegas Pintia with no shortage of aplomb.
With a rich nose of sweet blackcurrant and cherry fruit, lined with perfumed menthol and spice, the wine has a dense, powerful palate, with the same concentrated fruit but a superb savoury element and hints of tar, all swept along into an excellently fresh, fruit-filled finish.
With a rich nose of sweet blackcurrant and cherry fruit, lined with perfumed menthol and spice, the wine has a dense, powerful palate, with the same concentrated fruit but a superb savoury element and hints of tar, all swept along into an excellently fresh, fruit-filled finish.
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Pagos Viejos is a wondrous concoction produced from the oldest vines within three of the great vineyards of Artadi; El Carretil, La Poza de Ballesteros and Valdeginés. Dark and brooding in style, it has plenty of spice on the nose which mingles gently alongside the ripe yet fresh fruit. The tannins are chunky and encompassing, providing a sturdy frame for the multi-layered blueberry, red cherry and raspberry fruit. The finish is very long and seamless, this will age beautifully.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager
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La Poza de Ballesteros, the second of the three single vineyard sites faces Valdeginés in the San Ginés Valley, its west exposition engendering a wine with a different character, firmer, denser and with more stentorian tannins.
Biurco is a vineyard that we have enjoyed visiting over the years; it has a tranquillity and beauty and, predominately west-facing, is particularly attractive in the evening. The soil is homogenised clay and limestone, and the wine is marked by the charm of its aromas; violets, truffles and dark chocolate to name but three. If its stablemate Valdeparasio is linear, this wine is more fleshy and noted for both the sweetness of fruit on the palate and the power on the finish with layers of sumptuous ripe red cherry, fresh strawberry and vanilla new oak. Drink 2018-2029
Biurco is a vineyard that we have enjoyed visiting over the years; it has a tranquillity and beauty and, predominately west-facing, is particularly attractive in the evening. The soil is homogenised clay and limestone, and the wine is marked by the charm of its aromas; violets, truffles and dark chocolate to name but three. If its stablemate Valdeparasio is linear, this wine is more fleshy and noted for both the sweetness of fruit on the palate and the power on the finish with layers of sumptuous ripe red cherry, fresh strawberry and vanilla new oak. Drink 2018-2029
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Visiting la Poza and Valdegines, each on the gentle slopes of a valley, with differing aspects and orientations, one can clearly see how Artadi are in the vanguard of the Parcellaire movement in Spain, that is to say the identification of specific plots to give specific character to the wines. La Poza gets afternoon sun and is harvested a week earlier than Valdegines. Its pure clay/limestone soils give wines of power and structure; the 2011 has a nose of eucalypt, soy and black tea, and a ripe fruit character on the palate, nicely supported by the finely-chiselled tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
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Bodega Contador was founded as recently as 1995, but has already become one of Rioja’s most respected wineries – thanks to its superb terroir and the brilliant winemaking skill of proprietor Benjamin Romeo. His first vintages (2004 and ’05) both garnered 100 points from the Wine Advocate. Benjamin’s winemaking is relatively modern and the results are extraordinary.
Benjamin’s muse is the most feminine and complex of his range. It’s the only wine which he fits into the traditional classification system, with 24 months of wood ageing and a further 36 months in bottle, entitling it to Gran Reserva status. The blend includes Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, each weaving subtle flavour and nuance into the ensemble. The wine is richly structured. Distinctive savoury notes are juxtaposed with the berry fruit. Liquorice, fig and pot-pourri underwrite the latent complexity.
Benjamin’s muse is the most feminine and complex of his range. It’s the only wine which he fits into the traditional classification system, with 24 months of wood ageing and a further 36 months in bottle, entitling it to Gran Reserva status. The blend includes Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, each weaving subtle flavour and nuance into the ensemble. The wine is richly structured. Distinctive savoury notes are juxtaposed with the berry fruit. Liquorice, fig and pot-pourri underwrite the latent complexity.
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The Cueva is all Tempranillo and is sourced from seven different vineyards, all of which have either sandy clay or calcareous clay soils. Aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak, the 2011 has a powerful nose of ripe blackberry and soft spice; the ripeness is also evident on the palate, which is powerful yet has finely integrated tannins and a hint of balsam on the finish, as one often finds with high quality Tempranillo.
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
Nicholas Stewart - Fine Wine Team
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Judicious fruit selection and attention to detail in the winery have negated any problems arising from a challenging growing season, which culminated in the old meteorological one-two of too little, then too much rain. The perfumed Graciano constitues around 10% of this blend, and must take some credit for a nose rich in black fruit, floral aromas and sweet spice. Equally assertive (and delicious) on the palate, this will continue to gain in complexity and finesse over the next several years.
Will Heslop - Buying Department
Will Heslop - Buying Department
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Following the exceptional 2010, the 2011 Altos de Lanzaga was the top of the range until Las Beatas arrived and stole the show. Still you should not overlook this exceptional cuvée from four plots of old, head-pruned vines in the village of Lanciego at 500-600 meters altitude, which are worked biodynamically. The wine fermented in 3,000-kilo oak vats with wild yeasts for 20 days and matured in 1,500 and 225-liter oak barrels for 18 months.
It is a little reticent, very young and a little closed, subtle and a little shy. The palate shows very good flavors of red berries and flowers, plus a great balance between alcohol and acidity that give the wine length and persistence. 2,530 bottles produced.
Telmo Rodriguez and Pablo Eguzkiza work about 18 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Lanciego and Labastida and produce some 45,000 bottles of Rioja per year. Their single-vineyard Las Beatas, in its second vintage, is even better than the debut 2011. As I decided last year after tasting the first vintage of this magnificent vineyard, located not so far from Remelluri, Rodríguez's family winery, I went to see the vines after a colossal snow storm.
You can sense the terroir walking up the terraced plots, you see that place has to produce a special wine. They have some small parcels of old vineyards and are replanting the rest.
94+/100 Luis Gutierrez, eRobertParker.com #218 Apr 2015
It is a little reticent, very young and a little closed, subtle and a little shy. The palate shows very good flavors of red berries and flowers, plus a great balance between alcohol and acidity that give the wine length and persistence. 2,530 bottles produced.
Telmo Rodriguez and Pablo Eguzkiza work about 18 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Lanciego and Labastida and produce some 45,000 bottles of Rioja per year. Their single-vineyard Las Beatas, in its second vintage, is even better than the debut 2011. As I decided last year after tasting the first vintage of this magnificent vineyard, located not so far from Remelluri, Rodríguez's family winery, I went to see the vines after a colossal snow storm.
You can sense the terroir walking up the terraced plots, you see that place has to produce a special wine. They have some small parcels of old vineyards and are replanting the rest.
94+/100 Luis Gutierrez, eRobertParker.com #218 Apr 2015
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‘Powerful’ and ‘dense’ appear repeatedly in my tasting note. Afternoon and evening sun produce more ripeness at La Poza, a sense of exuberance which is tempered by fine acidity and floral characters. Mouthfilling tannins, but supple enough to make this approachable in five years or so. Generous with good ageing potential.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.
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A high quality red wine grape that is grown all over Spain except in the hot South - it is known as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Cencibel in La Mancha and Valdepenas and Ull de Llebre in Catalonia. Its spiritual home is in Rioja and Navarra where it constitutes around 70% of most red blends.
Tempranillo-based wines tend to have a spicy, herbal, tobacco-like character accompanied by ripe strawberry and red cherry fruits. It produces fresh, vibrantly fruit driven "jovenes" meant for drinking young. However Tempranillo really comes into its own when oak aged, as with the top Riojas where its flavours seem to harmonise perfectly with both French and American oak, producing rich, powerful and concentrated wines which can be extraordinarily long-lived.
In Ribera del Duero it generally sees less oak - the exception being Vega Sicilia where it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and then aged for an astonishing 7 years in oak and is unquestionably one of the world`s greatest wines.