A Taste of Tempranillo

October 17, 2008

Valley View Anna Maria Tempranillo 2005 [SEE A VIDEO] – Southern Oregon
The grapes for the 2005 Rogue Valley Tempranillo are from Valley View’s estate vineyard in the Applegate Valley and from Ellis vineyard in the Bear Creek Valley. This full-bodied wine is dense and rich with flavors of dried cherries and cola with fine tannins and a long finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage d’ Affinois with Garlic and Herbs served on Olive Oil Crostini Crackers

Conde de Siruela, Tinto Tempranillo 1005 – Burgos, Spain
Ruby red, clean with high medium layer. A clean, powerful, and complex wine with elegant aromas and lingering fruity fragrances and resinous nuances. Full-bodied, well balanced, overall highly harmonious. Produces complex, elegant sensations at the back of the nose, along with nuances characteristic of ageing and fruity flavors. Serve with roasted meats and strong cheeses.
Allyson’s Pairing: Penne and Three Cheeses with Bacon and Truffle Oil

Septima Tempranillo 2005 – Mendoza, Argentina
Today, Septima produces two types of wines: blends featuring Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon; and another made up of single grape varietals, including the Septima Tempranillo. The cellar also produces a sparkling wine. The grapes come from the upper Mendoza River and Uco Valley and were hand-harvested. The grapes are stainless steel fermented and then aged in American oak barrels for six months. Then, the best combination was sought after. Rich, spicy with hints of currant.
Allyson’s Pairing: Bruschetta with Roasted Eggplant, Peppers and Fennel, topped with Feta

Torres Coronas 2004 – Torres, Spain
Subtle cherry color with brick red overtones. Elegant aroma, showing a delicate balance between
varietal notes of forest fruits and licorice, and spicy hints of oak. Well rounded palate with smooth varietal tannins.
Allyson’s Pairing: Country-style Pork Pate served on Petite Toasts

Montecillo Crianza 2005 – Rioja, Spain
The Montecillo is typical of Crianzas. Its color is bright garnet with an effusive bouquet of ripe berries and sweet oak. In the mouth there is lots of flavor – cherries, cranberries, and roasted peppers. The oak flavors are somewhat muted and it finishes with soft tannins that are almost musty. Nice layers of flavor and lots of wine for the money.
Allyson’s Pairing: Roaring 40’s Blue Cheese drizzled with Italian Blackberry Honey, served on Original Waterthin Crackers

Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2005 – La Mancha, Spain
Clear and bright, deeply intense granite color. Great intensity, with aromas of preserved red fruit, yogurt, dried figs, vanilla, toffee and white chocolate. Creamy, robust, but not rough, and meaty. It unfolds in the mouth to create a full-bodied sensation which gives it character, leaving a fresh and clean aftertaste sensation. Very long and persistent.
Allyson’s Pairing: Annette’s Chocolates – Chocolate Truffle Bar