By Robert Giles

Spanish wine is sometimes overlooked when deciding on a strong wine to pair with food. So often their red wines, made predominantly of tempranillo, are overshadowed by the inescapable popularity of cabernet sauvignon.

It may not be a first thought to everyone, but tempranillo wines from Spain have a rich character and can be just the wine to complement a hearty meal.

While the tempranillo grape is thick skinned and suited for cooler, high-altitude farming, it can also thrive in warmer temperatures as well.

There are two main areas in Spain where the grape is grown: the Rioja region and the Ribera del Duero.

From both regions, you will get a tannic red wine that can show flavors of red and black berries, vanilla, plum, tobacco, and leather. Differences in oak aging allow for subtle variations in flavor between the two regions. Rioja tends to use American oak giving rich vanilla notes to their wines while the Ribera often opts for French oak which gives a more subtle spice note to the wine.

The Rioja region ranges from high elevation and cool climate of the Rioja Alta to the dry and warm climate of the Rioja Oriental. Rioja Alta wines will be the most readily available in this area and tend to be full of bright fruit flavor. Depending on how long the wine has been aged it will be labeled as crianza, reserva, or gran reserva in order from least to most aging. While this will give an indication of the amount of oak aging on the wine it is not necessarily an indication of quality. A well-made crianza wine can be just as robust and full flavored as a heavily oaked gran reserva.

Montecillo Crianza is a great example of the younger, less-aged tempranillo wine. Full of lightly dried red cherry, dried herbs, and light tobacco flavors, this wine is a great introduction to the world of tempranillo. This is a zesty tannic red wine full of vigor that pairs well with grilled meats and spicy paella.

Marques de Caceres Reserva shows the beginnings of what longer oak aging can produce. The darker fruit flavors of black cherry and plum are balanced with notes of cocoa and vanilla from the oak. Hints of tobacco and licorice round out this wine that can easily complement cured meats, salty cheeses or beef empanadas.

Beronia Gran Reserva is a richly aged wine that blends the strong fruit of the tempranillo grape with the subtle complexities of long oak aging. Notes of ripe black plum, nutmeg, clove, cedar, and cacao are combined with soft, silky tannins that have you reaching for another sip. Pair this with a rich stew, roast, or grilled steak.

Wines from the Ribera del Duero are not as frequently found in this area but we do have one winery available to us. Arzuaga makes tempranillo in a crianza, reserva and reserva especial. These wines are aged mostly in French oak and show stronger flavors of baking spices and rich dark fruit flavors. When putting together hearty dinners or special get-togethers, consider these wines.

Spain is in a fantastic position right now as one of the hidden gems in the wine world.

Of the old world, European options for wine, Spain is a great value and often overlooked. If you love tannic, red wines like cabernet then I highly suggest you give these wines a try.

If you would like to try some of Spain’s other fantastic wines, feel free to ask one of our wine specialists and they can help get you started. Cheers!!