Tempranillo: Discover Box Set

Tempranillo is Spain's premier black grape variety and is grown widely throughout its northern and central vineyards. It is the principal grape of Rioja but in other DO's it is often referred to by its local name, for example, Tinto de Toro in Toro.

Fermented on its own it can produce a fresh strawberry-scented Joven (young) wine. It also plays a key role in more concentrated age-worthy oaked blends. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon are now making an appearance in these blends, but the traditional varieties are Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Carinena (Mazuelo).

The wines in our Tempranillo: Discover Box Set have been selected to walk you through some different styles of Tempranillo from various DO's (Denominación de Origen) and to showcase the effects of oak ageing.

The Ambiente Tempranillo: Discover Box Set comprises:

Los Corazas, Tempranillo Rosado, Rioja DOCa (vg) 2022 - Castilla (ABV 12%)

Garnacha (Grenache) is in fact the most widely used grape in the production of Spanish roses. This however is typical of a Riojan rose made from Viura (Rioja's premium white grape) and Tempranillo. Despite its strong pink colour, it is dry, fresh and fruity on the palate.

Pairing: Fish and seafood

Mitarte Carbonica 2022 – Rioja Alavesa (ABV 13.5%)

This is possibly not a style of Rioja Tinto that you will be familiar with. However, this style is becoming increasingly popular in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja and a firm favourite of ours. These young fruity wines are made using the same technique as Beaujolais, semi-carbonic maceration. The method extracts colour from the grapes but little tannin resulting in wines that are incredibly soft and full of fruit.. The wine is classed as Joven (young) having not had any oak maturation and is made to be drunk young.

Pairing: Tapas, rice, white meat and pasta

Tempranillo: 80%, Garnacha: 15%, Viura: 5%

Montetoro 8 2016 – Toro (ABV 14.5%)

Toro DO has a similar climate to its neighbouring DO of Ribera Del Duero. Predominately made from Tempranillo, the reds are full bodied with intense fruit flavours and high alcohol levels, a result of high daytime temperatures, sunny conditions and often low yielding bush vines. This is a powerful wine on the nose and the palate but smooth and perfectly balanced. 12 months in oaks gives the wine plenty of characteristic cocoa and vanilla.

Pairing: Beef, lamb and game

Tinto de Toro: 100%

Navajas Crianza 2018 - Rioja Alta (ABV 14%)

Bodegas Navajas is a family owned winery situated in Rioja Alta. Made from hand harvested Tempranillo this Crianza is a fruit packed Rioja aged for 15 months in American oak. It has an enticing nose packed with red fruit. oak and subtle spices. On the palate it delivers intense fruits of the forest flavours and rich vanilla on its long finish.

Pairing: Roasts, chargrilled chops, Ibérico cured meats and mature cheese.

Tempranillo: 100%

Finca Constancia "Entree Lunas" 2020 - Tierra de Castilla (vg)(o) (ABV 14%)

Calatayud is a small DO located to the South of the Ebro river in the North East of Spain. It has a warm Continental climate with low rainfall where, although not the principle grape of the DO, Tempranillo thrives. The Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend adds cassis to the palate to compliment the red fruits of the Tempranillo, backed up with a lovely spice from the oak maturation.

Pairing: Beef, pasta and poultry

Puerta Vieja Tempranillo 2021 - Rioja (ABV 13.5%)

A deep red cherry colour, the intense red fruit flavours take centre stage. It has a light spice and notes of toast from its brief ageing in oak barrels.

Pairing: Beef, lamb and game

Tempranillo: 100%