Tempranillo Torres Style

One thing I have discovered that I am sure of during this journey into wine exploration: I LOVE Spanish wine. I was intrigued by it when I began to get serious about my education in wine and I continue to be enthralled by its flavor, body and adaptability. Perhaps it has to do with my affinity for the foods which crave the bravely fruity, yet mysteriously spicy and leather like wines I discover on a continuing basis.
At first, we all check out wine from Spain because of its enticing price point (most fall in the 10 dollar range and several top level choices can be had for under 30) but the journey can be difficult with many of the labels sporting the old world names, the Spanish language and the unfamiliar grape names. Miguel Torres is a world wide respected wine maker and his wines are an excellent start to a discovery of good Spanish wine. Sangre de Toro, his ordinary table version of Grenache is the most balanced and consistent wine we sell at Foodstop. Someday I will write a blog about that wine (its one of our top sellers), but today I'm writing about Torres' new entry. Banking on the name of Sangre de Toro, they have released a Tempranillo under that label. Tempranillo is the master grape of Spain and one of the giants in the wine industry. Very resilient and maleable in the hands of a good winemaker, Tempranillo (Temp*Rah*Nee*Oh)can develop well aged,blended or on its own. This particular bottle is quite simple; about 20% of it is aged in American oak and it is blended with unaged grapes. The result was a fruity, slightly structured red wine that was delicious upon first opening but then, as the oxygen opened it up, it became a full, jammy sweet wine...not my taste. I never seem to like the real fruity-smooth wines, like beaujolais, so I didn't finish the bottle. But I realize that there are people who like a relaxed red wine that is sweet and easy on the mouth. Ah well, I can't love 'em all!

Celeste

Last night I revisted an old aquaintance: Celeste from Torres. A red wine from the region of Ribera del Duero, Celeste is a standout in the Spanish section of Foodstop with its silver and blue label featuring a celestial (!) map of the Little Dipper constellation. This wine has a lot going for it, and it should at 25.00 a pop. But I have an affinity for Spanish Wine so my palette is open to all comers.
Celeste is earthy, with a hint of dark berry to the nose, but you really have to search for it. I had the sensation of smelling berries mixed with earth in my hands, and that was not unpleasant. The taste is long and satisfying. The best I could describe it is heavy on wood and toast with a creamy vanilla finish. This wine would, as all good Spanish wines would, rise to the occaision with roast lamb or pork, but would also do well with a beef stew or pot roast.
....and it was pretty damn good by itself last night.