November
13th was International Tempranillo Day! Who knew wine vartietals have their own day? By luck we just happened to have sampled a
Tempranillo this month: 2010 Montebuena Cuvee KPF Rioja.
First, surprisingly not many
people are familiar with the very old Spanish grape Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Tinta de Toro in Toro, Ull
de Llebre in Catalonia, Cencibel in La Mancha and Tinto Roriz in Portugal.
Grown in the Iberian Peninsula it dates as far back as 1100BC. Tempranillo is a
red grape, but a rare white mutant does exist in Rioja. I am going to have to keep an eye for the
white variety.
Back to the 2010 Montebuena
Rioja. It is 100% Tempranillo fermented
in 100% American Oak. Dark garnet red, a bit earthy and drying on the nose. The
palate it is a little sour grapes, unbalanced heavy on the acidity, soft on tannins,
making it coarse and rustic. There is no
real complexity in flavor, no fruit, lite peppery short finish. Seemed really
tight, might need to open up and relax. Other reviews commented on how it was
better on day 2, now I wish I had some day old to try.
Varietal: Tempranillo
Producer/Importer:
Montebuena Cuvee KPF Roija
Region: Spain
Vintage: 2010
Price: $9.99
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): Deep purplish red-garnet
Smell
(bouquet, aroma): Dry and earthy
Taste
(acidity, balance, body): Dry, bit sour-acidic, pepper, fairly simple,
short, course finish, tight-needed to open up more?
Winemaker’s notes: Brilliant deep ruby red color, fruity aroma.
Montebuena Red has a spicy vanilla bouquet and is smooth and fruity in the
mouth with some well-integrated secondary nuances, full-flavored and a
persistent pleasant finish. Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes, which are
hand harvested from the Montebuena vineyard.
Overall rating
(1-10): 8.5
Date consumed: November
12, 2014
Comments: Twist
cap.
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