Tempranillo, A Spanish Wine Star To Discover

Resulting from a natural cross between a white grape variety of Ribera del Douero and a red grape variety of Aragon, Tempranillo is a red grape variety that matures early. This explains its name, which comes from the term temprano, which means “early” in Spanish.

Tempranillo can show cherry, plum and dried fruit flavours, and often some herbal and spicy notes.

Our selection of Tempranillo wines

Ribera del Duero Reserva by Hacienda Monasterio 2014

It is here where Spain’s most iconic reds, Vega Sicila and Peter Sisseck’s Pingus are made. Of course you may know, Pingus, is considered a “cult wine” and demands a very inaccessible 1000’s per bottle.

And then there is Hacienda Monasterio: the doyen of Ribera del Duero, a classic estate with a famed history also made by Mr. Sisseck in a more traditional style.

A superb vintage in the region has produced a great 2014 Reserva, a wine where they selected the best bunches from the estate, 80% Tempranillo and 20% cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged in barrel for 20 months, this textbook Reserva has both freshness and ripeness.

Drinking with opulence today, it will age effortlessly. A wine to enjoy today and in 10 years!

A wine that straddles stylistically the richest Napa Cabernets and the finest Bordeaux grand crus. A synthesis of old and new world winemaking.

Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Crianza by Bodega Classica 2016

Lopez de Haro’s Crianza fast became a staple around here since we started carry their wines over 6 and a half years ago. 

This is truly one of the jewels in our portfolio. A value hall-of-famer and client favourite each and every time a new vintage is released.

It will drink perfectly with great charcuterie, but this versatile classical Rioja Crianza will also pair fantastically with countless dishes. It’s juicy and delicious and definitely has enough structure to drink. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins; tart red berried fruit, laced with tobacco and dried herbs on the rounded finish.

90 points – James Suckling, July 2019
Best Buy – Peñín Guide 2020

Glorioso Rioja Crianza by Bodegas Palacio 2016

Bodegas Palacio is a truly rare breed, producing traditional wines of exceptional purity and complexity across their entire lineup. Few wineries in Rioja continue the kinds of classic practices that are still the norm here.

Today’s producer of the moment is crafting extraordinarily traditional, long-lived wines that are admired by all since 1894, and when it comes to sheer value, nothing else competes with their Glorioso Crianza label.

They are the embodiment of dedication and heritage, and it seems that every release, from today’s “Crianza” to their “Gran Reserva,” fortify our appreciation for wine as a whole.

If you love brilliantly crafted wines of refinement that consistently rank among the best in their respective categories, today’s 2016 will floor you!

The critics seem to agree

• 91 points – James Suckling, June 2019
• Best Buy – Peñín Guide 2020

With rich history, high-altitude vineyards, and ultra-traditional upbringing in the winery, La Rioja’s Bodegas Palacio’s Glorioso is certainly well deserving of it’s critical acclaim. 

Rioja Gran Reserva by Bodega Akutain 2004

This 2004 Bodega Akutain Rioja Gran Reserva is a one-stop master class in Rioja and a remarkable value for all who appreciate mature fine wines.

It is a lovely, offers a complex and utterly classic bouquet of plums, raspberries, cigar smoke, an impressively complex base of soil tones, cloves and toasted coconut. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and vibrant, with a great core of fruit, impeccable balance, lovely complexity and a very long, bright and classy finish. Just a great bottle of old school Rioja!

Where to find these Tempranillo wines in Canada?
→ Ribera del Duero Reserva by Hacienda Monasterio 2014
→ Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Crianza by Bodega Classica 2016
→ Glorioso Rioja Crianza by Bodegas Palacio 2016
→ Rioja Gran Reserva by Bodega Akutain 2004