Most Wine consumers are getting the hang of it when it comes to different names for different grapes like Syrah being called Shiraz in Australia or Pinot Gris (Gree) is the same grape called Pinot Grigio in Italy.
Tempranillo has more names than the artist PRINCE had when he was alive!! Between the countries of Spain and the regions within and Portugal, I lost track after about 16 names. Here is just a brief list:
When the wine comes from the Rioja region in the North they refer to it as just Tempranillo. They also age in 100% American Oak which gives a distinct bouquet to the Wine that us SOMMS can never miss on a blind tasting. When the wine is from Ribera Del Duero, Tempranillo is called “Tinot Fino”. In Portugal for the making of Porto or Wines of the Douro , “Tinta Roriz” and from Alentejo , Aragonez. Bottom line it is all “Tempranillo”
For me the wines from further south in such as the TORO region (Not Tuna Belly..that’s Sashimi Toro) the complexity of the wines can’t be touched. Here they call Tempranillo : Tinta De Toro.
One wine I love is such an amazing value sold exclusively at ABC Fine Wines and Spirits in the State Of Florida is called Sabor Real Joven. The rocky soil of this region and the climate produce big flavor bombs unlike any other area of Spain and really expresses the nuances I love about Tempranillo. At ABC we have the Tinto (Young) at $8.99… YES you read that correctly and the Crianza (Aged longer) $10.99. Both are amazing wines at amazing prices. The $8.99 Tinto comes from an estate with some 70+ Year old vines !!Dark ruby-colored, it offers up a bouquet of crushed rock, spice box, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied, sweetly-fruited, spicy, and plush. It is an outstanding value that over-delivers big-time.
So if you are searching for a wine that is plush and full of flavor at Under $10.00 this is “THE ONE” As I tell my guests the real value in wine is when you step out of the comfort zone of Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay. So many different palates would enjoy a wine like this. Everyday Price but doesn’t drink like an Everyday Wine. Order online as well at http://www.abcfws.com Grape-fully yours, Larry
Larry The Wine Guy 