Ninety percent of the Tempranillo grape plantings in the world are in Spain. Increasing quality and good value have propelled Spanish Tempranillo all over the world. The best-known producing region is Rioja in the north-central part of the country.
The 2011 Torres Ibéricos Crianza, Rioja is an excellent example of good value Rioja. It has glorious forward, open fruit, in the mouth (like a bowl of raspberries). A hint of oak and a pleasant finish. It will pair well with lamb or goat as well as the usual repertoire of the more popular red meats. Try it with red sauce pasta dishes as well.
The wine should be widely available around town for between $10-$12. However, there is one catch. The producer, Miguel Torres, is in the middle of a label design change. You are more likely to come across the old design (above) at the present time. However, this will be replaced with the new design below with future supplies.
