Having been told this was an extremely versatile Tempranillo, I decided to put it to the test at our local library’s potluck dinner this week – and it’s true. Tasted beforehand, the wine began with sweet fruit flavors and cedar/baking spices on the nose and dark red fruit on the palate. Well-integrated tannins. Somewhat intense yet not heavy. Paired with a variety of foods, the fruit blossomed, but not the sweetness, speaking to an unobtrusive core of acidity. The label says the intensity is at level 8 out of 10 and the wine does intensify in the glass; try opening it a half-hour before dinner. Also, I have to mention that when I looked up the price, this is a great value wine, too.
FOOD PAIRINGS: I would say it did best with sauced meats, grains and pastas as well as many types of vegetable dishes. So yes: a very versatile wine, as claimed.
SUSTAINABILITY/ VINEYARD NOTES: “Sustainable Viticulture” printed on the label is illustrated by winery practices such as: maintaining its own water source on the property; vineyard sensors used for precision irrigation; specific cover crops planted between the vineyard rows to promote biodiversity.
WHO: Raimat Family Vineyards
WHAT: 100% tempranillo
WHERE: Costers del Segre DOC, Spain
HOW MUCH: $10-$14 (media sample)