Celebrate Tempranillo Day on November 8 with A Variety of Organic Tempranillo Wines
We’re celebrating International Tempranillo Day with 8 Great Organic Tempranillo Wines from Valencia and Ribera del Duero. According to the Tapas Society, organized the first International Tempranillo Day in 2011,
“Tempranillo, indigenous to Spain and used in the great Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines, is planted in 500,000 acres of the world’s vineyards, making it the fourth most planted wine grape, and that would be enough to celebrate.”
From Wine Enthusiast, here are 5 things that you may not know about the beautiful native Spanish grape that produces our fabulous organic Tempranillo wines:
- It’s very, very old. Tempranillo is indigenous to Spain and dates back to before the time of Christ. It’s been grown on the Iberian Peninsula since the Phoenicians settled it in 1100 B.C.
- It’s an early bird. Tempranillo is derived from the word temprano, which in Spanish means “early.” Among red varieties in Spain, it’s considered an early ripener.
- It has many monikers. Tempranillo goes by more than a dozen different names around the world, depending on where it’s cultivated. It’s called 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.
- It’s cloned. There are about 500 clones of Tempranillo in Spain alone; Tinto Fino and Tinta de Toro are the best-known.
- It has a white mutant. Although rare, albino Tempranillo does exist in Rioja. It’s an approved wine grape; it yields a citrusy, rather simple wine akin to Viognier in weight, flavor and overall style.
Organic Tempranillo Wines from Across Spain
Bodegas Iranzo
Located in the Utiel-Requena DO region near Valencia, Bodegas Iranzo produces the Oldest Estate Bottled Wines in Spain, with the first recorded written evidence of the vineyard estate Cañada Honda, owned by the Iranzo Perez–Duque family dating back to 1335 as granted by King Pedro I of Castilla.
Traditional artisan organic wine making craft passed on for family generations combined with organic agriculture on lime-crusted sandy soils within a National Reserve Park = superb Spanish organic wines.
VERTVS Organic Tempranillo Wines
VERTVS Organic Tempranillo Crianza – Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of rose petals, tobacco, dried figs, almond joy bar, and sesame with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a cheery roasted almonds and saffron finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak.-Tastings.com
VERTVS Vintage Organic Tempranillo – Balanced, with fresh aromas of rich dark and red summer fruits and notes of green olive, leather and light baking spice. Soft mouthfeel, with flavors ofripe blackberry, tart cherry, sage, and damp earth. Finishes fresh and lively.Santé Magazine
VERTVS Organic Cabernet-Tempranillo Blend – Earth, rubber, leafy notes, spice and plum aromas carry the nose on this 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. The mouthfeel is full and tomatoey, with snappy acidity pushing minty, herbal flavors of red plum, currant and raspberry. Wine Enthusiast Selected 2013 “TEN Must-Try Wines Under $10”
Spartico No Sulfites Added Organic Cabernet-Tempranillo Blend – Granulated berry and plum aromas are slightly reduced and come with an animal note on this blend. A flush, weighty palate is well balanced, while flavors of dark plum and cassis finish tannic and a bit rubbery. Wine Enthusiast
Tarantas Spanish Organic Tempranillo Wines
“Wine with Body and Soul from the Heart of Spain.” The Tarantas brand name and label were inspired by the free-flowing, open art form of Flamenco song and dance of the same name, celebrated in Southeast Spain. Pure wine capturing the essence of Spain in every glass.
Tarantas Organic Tempranillo Crianza – Bright ruby black color. Aromas of ripe forest berries, freshly tilled earth, fine leather, and roasted nuts with a round, lively, fruity medium-full body and a seamless, complex, long bramble, tar, cured meats, and black pepper finish with well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak. A superb tempranillo worthy of a fine meal. Tastings.com 93 points
Tarantas No Sulfites Added Organic Tempranillo – Spicy berry fruit aromas are straightforward and pretty good. This wine feels firm and centered, with plum, berry and cherry flavors. A deep finish offers residual berry notes and peppery spice. Wine Enthusiast
Bodegas Familiares Matarromera Organic Tempranillo Wines
Bodegas Familiares Matarromera, producing some of the world’s finest Spanish organic wines, is found deep in the heart of the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Its facilities are partially buried in the north hillside of the Duero Valley with beautiful views of the entire valley of the municipal district of Valbuena de Duero in Valladolid.
Granza Organic Tempranillo – D.O. Ribera del Duero Some earth and smoked-meat character highlighting the dark fruit. Medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. James Suckling 90 points
Granza Tinta de Toro – D.O. Toro – This Tempranillo clone has smaller berries and thicker skins, providing the wine with a full, tannic structure. This has an assertive, brash core of fleshy dark berries and plums. The palate has punchy, convincing blackberry flavor. Dense, fleshy and really delicious. James Suckling 93 points
All of these unique Organic Tempranillo Wines are Made with 100% Organic Grapes, with Spartico and Tarantas Tempranillo Certified Organic with No Sulfites Added. All are Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. Available at fine retailers and restaurants across the country.
I know what I will be doing on the 8th!