Tempranillo tide is rising in Australia.However, there’s a certain something in the wines that come from the homeland of Spain. Tempranillo is an integral part of the wines from Rioja, however this nearby larger region: Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León. Vino de la Tierra is one rung down on the ladder from DO status. The bottle shot is shown with cork (for the Euro market), however this import is under screwcap. There’s also 5% Shiraz..and either 10% Cabernet or 10% Merlot depending upon which tech sheet you read. Exclusive to Dan Murphy’s.

Marqués De Riscal, 1860, Tempranillo, Spain, 2015

Juicy nose: dark cherry, blueberry, blackberry, meaty mushroom, a scent of polished wood before the sweet oak kicks in. There’s some grip from simple tannins before the dark fruits take effect. Those fruit flavours do finish quickly and leave a smoky and steely character in their stead. Slight hint of heat too with the stated alcohol level. Unfortunately probably not the best example of good value imported Spanish tempranillo.

 RRP: $15.99

Alc: 14.5%

Wine sample courtesy of Pinnacle Drinks and Dialogue PR