Tempranillo Makes It Right

Wine geeks love to explore new regions or new styles, it's the definition of a wine geek, after all. We actively seek out the unique or esoteric, the rare, aged, and even the expensive in pursuit of an experience.

Paradoxically, sometimes the most humble of wines can be exactly what we need to re-energize our vinous pursuits. These wines forcefully remind us of an angle often forgotten, that of fun. 

Take for example, the picture of a Spanish tempranillo above. I bought it for a tasting, intrigued that the back label said it was un-oaked. Young too, what the Spaniards would call a "tempranillo joven". We pitted this wine against five others, from the United States, Oregon, Washington, and Spain.

Out of all the wines, it tasted the freshest, and friendliest. Plums, cherries, and black peppercorns mingled with sun-dried tomatoes. Acidity made this wine into a light, food-friendly drink. Flavors, clearly defined, of red fruit, dusty earth, and peppery spice. High-toned indeed. Perfect for sipping while you munch on some jamon iberico and patatas bravas, or other pintxos.

Thanks, tempranillo.

Beau Carufel