Spicy, Smooth & Earthy
Aromas of dried red fruits, dried herbs & dusty earth.
Flavors of dried red fruits, dried herbs & leather with a dusty mouth feel.
Rioja blends are based on Tempranillo but most often contain some Garnacha Tinta (aka Grenache), Mazuelo (aka Carignan) & Graciano.
Traditional Spanish Rioja blends are aged in American Oak adding flavors of dill, vanillin, sweet spice & sawdust.
They are labeled Joven, Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva, based upon how long they are aged.
Joven (aka Young) are generic wines that not have aging requirements and are really simple wines, often the basis for Sangria in Spain with Brandy added.
Crianzas are also easy drinking simple & fruity with limited aging requirements.
Reservas have longer oak aging, which adds earthiness & are both subtle & softer, often with pronounced aromas of American Oak with smoother integrated flavors.
Gran Reserva are only released in the best vintage years & have the longest oak aging. Their flavors are even more layered, smoother & complex.
Earthy Tempo™ style Tempranillo
Riojas are traditionally they are not released from the winery until they are ready to drink.
All must have an official DOCa seal a Guarantee of Origin.
Labels can also list the village or municipal area where they’re grown.
The classifications sometimes shown are; Vinedos Singulares (single vineyard), Vinos de Municipio (Villages/towns), Vinos de Zona (subregions/zones).
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Comes from...
Rioja-Spain with subregions Rioja Oriental, Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa.
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Earthy Parker™ style Pinot Noir
Valpolicella Ripasso (Italian)
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