Category Archives: Tempranillo

Three Fine Tempranillos

Posted on November 13, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Thanksgiving is a busy time for wine geeks, with Tempranillo Day on the second Thursday in the month (today!), Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the third Thursday, and, of course, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday. Here’s what I enjoyed for Tempranillo Day … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Food pairings: Freixenet’s Cava and other wine

Posted on August 20, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Recently I spent several days exploring Spain’s Cataluña winemaking region. I learned about the region’s famous Freixenet Cava as well as many other beautiful wines being produced there. (This post is Part IV about the visit; other posts’ links are … Continue reading →

Posted in Cava, Food, Restaurants, Spain, Tempranillo, Travel | 3 Comments

EXCELLENT: Two Ribera del Duero wines

Posted on July 20, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

I’ve enjoyed nearly every Spanish wine I’ve tried, and these two Tempranillos were just lovely. Wine has been made in the Ribera del Duero area for more than 2,000 years. Today, wines must be at least 75% Tempranillo in order … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Catalan cuisine: Cooking with “Chef Isma,” Ismael Prados Soto

Posted on June 8, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

What better way to learn about Catalan wines and cuisine than to experience a cooking class? As part of my tour of Cataluña, I did just that. Our guide and chef was the talented “Chef Isma,” Ismael Prados Soto. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberino, Cava, Food, Spain, Tastings, Tempranillo, Travel | 4 Comments

Winemakers’ Dinner, Columbia Gorge

Posted on September 24, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

One of the traditions of the Wine Bloggers Conference is the “mystery bus” jaunt. Bloggers bravely board buses, blindfolded. (Not really, just had to get in that alliteration.) All we know is that we are headed to a winery, where … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Ice Wine, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Tastings, Tempranillo, Travel, Uncategorized, Viognier, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers, Zinfandel | 17 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, AND elements 2006 Red Wine.

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec), 62% Napa County, 38% Sonoma County. 14.4% ABV. Around $17 but available for as little as $12.99. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Graciano, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Tempranillo | 1 Comment

RECOMMENDED: Giesta, 2009 Red Blend (Tinta Roriz [Tempranillo] 45%, Touriga Nacional 32%, Jaen 23%), Dão, Portugal. 13% ABV. $12.99 from www.wsjwine.com, $100.08/case of 12 from zagatwine.com.

Posted on January 4, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Wine clubs aren’t a bad way to try new wines if you’re in an out-of-the-mainstream location (as we are in Ocala, FL) where tastings don’t happen often, especially if you have a friend who will share the cost with you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Jaen, Portugal, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Crasto, 2009 Red Blend (35% Tinta Roriz [a.k.a. Tempranillo], 25% Tinta Barroca, 25% Touriga Franca, 15% Touriga Nacional), Duoro, Portugal. 14.5% ABV. Around $13.

Posted on January 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Made from Port grapes (yes, Tempranillo is a Port grape), this is a very interesting red wine. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this is a good choice. COLOR: Dark magenta-violet, with pink edges and clarity. NOSE: … Continue reading →

Posted in Portugal, Tempranillo, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Project Paso 2010 Red Blend, Don Sebastiani & Sons, Paso Robles. 22% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 9% Zinfandel, 8% Tempranillo, 7% Malbec, 4% Barbera, 2% Touriga Nacional. 13.8% ABV. $14, available for less than $10.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Y’know how red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon are dominated by the Cab most of the time? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just the way it is. I mean, if Robin Williams comes to your party, guess who’s going … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, California, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Enanzo Tempranillo 2009, Navarra, Spain. 13.5% ABV. Available for as little as $5.99.

Posted on October 30, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

First impression: Dark ruby red. Nice clarity. Great legs. Round molasses taste, yeast-roll finish. Second impression: More oak, more jammy, more pepper, less round. Third impression: Gentler, less spicy, tannic, leather. It really does have a lovely nose. This is … Continue reading →