Tempranillo, the third most planted variety in the world, is also one of the most food friendly wines on the planet because of its range of styles and savory profile. In order to make the pairing experience one of the best, though, select a prestigious, high-quality wine. From where? Look no further than a Tinta del Pais, the word for Tempranillo in DO Ribera del Duero. It’s a favorite choice of those who compare it to a more nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon. I look forward to hearing your opinion.
Try a glass of Tinta del Pais with a cup of cheesy onion soup, vegetable pizza, traditional lasagna, mom’s signature casserole, juicy burgers still sizzling from the grill, roasted meats (lamb, please!), herbed polenta and aged cheeses. And don’t forget to complement your favorite tacos, tapas or Jamon Iberico de Bellota, the cured ham that is considered Spain’s signature dish with this delicious variety. You have other ideas? Let’s hear them!
Photo Credit: www.riberaruedawine.com
DO Ribera del Duero
Separated from maritime influences by a circle of mountains, vineyards of the Ribera del Duero are found on the highest portion of the Meseta – some vineyards are planted as high as 850 meters. Soils range from sand and clay close to the river to marl and limestone on the slopes.
The high altitude offers cool night temperatures although during the day, temperatures may be extremely hot. Fortunately, the Tempranillo grape that comprises 95% of the plantings, thrives in this climate. Their full-bodied wines are ripe and structured with resounding depth and complexity.
Consistently sunny days and diurnal temperatures of Ribera del Duero result in Tempranillo grapes that ripen with high levels of color from dark cherry to deep purple in their skins. Further, ripe fruit, vanilla and spice aromas and bright acidity are retained throughout the growing process. The variety develops a very thick skin and wines from the region offer more powerful tannins than those cultivated in Rioja. Wines may now be aged in French, American and at times Eastern European oak, a change from tradition.
When an ancient mosaic of Bacchus was discovered, it was determined that wines have been produced in the region for over 2000 years. In 1982, DO Ribera Del Duero was founded with nine participating wineries; now there are more than 300.
Styles of Tempranillo
What about the range of styles of Tempranillo? When you’re in your local wine shop, note the labels. If the Tempranillo is a Crianza, it spent more than one year in the barrel. A Reserva indicates that the wine aged for more than one year in the barrel and more than two years in the bottle and a Gran Reserva means that the wine spent more than two years in the barrel and more than three years in the bottle. A Tempranillo designated as Cosecha is a wine that doesn’t adhere to the determined ageing specifications but often meets or exceeds classification requirements. A wine classified as Joven falls into the Cosecha category. It’s unoaked, released young and meant to be sipped as soon as possible.
Wines from Dominio Fournier
My latest discoveries are two wines of 100% Tinta del Pais sent to me as samples from Dominio Fournier, a winery that has been producing wines for over 60 years. Elegance, structure and power are just a few words to describe the wines that are meticulously produced by hand with an eye towards detail. These limited production wines honor Spanish winemaking traditions and the authentic character of the region.
Photo Credit: Dominio Fournier
Dominio Fournier is located in Berlanga de Roa (Burgos) and their vineyards of La Finca El Pinar are situated between the towns of La Horra and Roa de Duero. They consist of 80 hectares, 50 of which are an average age of 30-70 years. With each sip of high quality Fournier Crianza 2016 and Fournier Reserva 2014, I explored distinctive elements that complemented so many of my favorite dishes.
The vineyard parcels at Dominio Fournier are on a fluvial terrace at the edge of the Duero river that is found along the edge of the property, forming a natural border. The poor soils are covered by large pebbles that protect the area from searing heat.
The 2016 vintage year ended with one of the longest harvests on record in the DO Ribera del Duero. The first wine tasted, Dominio Fournier 2016 Crianza ($30) boasted aromas and flavors of black cherries, mint chocolate, earth, herbs, anise and wood. Youthful and elegant on the balanced palate, bright acidity and soft tannins lifted the elements of this easy drinking wine. The Crianza wines spent at least 12 months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels. Complement a glass with an abundant Spanish cheese, charcuterie and fruit plate with friends by the pool.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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