This tasting will compare different priced wines, from about $7 to $24. It also compares Tempranillo wines from Rioja and Toro Spain, as well as the Yakima Valley, Washington. I can’t wait to learn about the differences in these wines.

Rioja is known for its Tempranillo based blended wines. The wines are historically classified based on how long they have been aged (especially in oak). In 2017 changes were made to labeling laws, and place (or Terrior) is becoming more important.

Toro is known for its Tempranillo varietal wines. It is labeled as Tinta del Toro, which is a slight variant of Tempranillo, but basically the same thing. I found that it has a thicker skin, and of course skin is where tannin is found. Therefore, these wines may have more tannins. Toro is a warmer region than Rioja, which creates heavier, fuller-bodied, more jammy wines.

Tonight, we are enjoying three Tempranillos including:

1. 2022 MonteToro 5. The wine comes from the Bodegas Ramon Ramos Toro and was purchased at WineStyles for $24.00. Aged in oak for 6 months and an additional year in the bottle. Vines are between 30-50 years old and from high-elevation vineyards. The wine has a dark inky violet color. The nose is fruity and complex. Oak is subtle and in the background.
2. 2018 Lucia Victoria Rioja Reserva. A $8.99 bottle of wine from Costco. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for either 24 or 30 months and an additional 6 months in the bottle. Comes from the Rioja Alta region. High altitude vineyard with chalk and limestone soils. According to the Reverse Wine Snob, it has aromas of blackberry, vanilla, leather, and balsamic along with notes of licorice, mint, cola, and cedar. He gave it a “Bulk Buy” rating.
3. 2021 Two Mountain Winery Tempranillo. We purchased the wine from Winestyles for around $21.00. The wine comes from the Yakima Valley, Washington, and has 13.9% alcohol. It has aromas of fresh hemlock, toasted pine nuts, dried tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, and coriander dust. Tastes of dark huckleberry, sage, and freshly rolled cigar. It has soft tannins, acid, and a touch of subtle oak.

Next week we will taste two Rose’ wines.