Saying you like red wine is as basic as saying you like clothes. Points for honesty and not much else.
What kind, from where, made by whom? It’s a lot of minor and major details, to say the least, and it’s not surprising this expectation of a historical deep-dive can turn new drinkers off entirely. More pieces lately have been cropping up concerning this self-imposed barrier in the wine industry, from complicated labeling to stubborn marketing clinging to a very specific demographic. Fortunately for new wine drinkers, the Internet is the great equalizer.
This great guide over on Wine Folly offers up a detailed, yet brisk breakdown of Tempranillo, the Spanish red grape that’s defined the country’s wine scene. It’s a very robust variety that’s sometimes compared to smoke and leather, quite a jump from the fruitier cherry and raspberry notes of some pinot noir varieties. That’s right alongside breakdowns of the grape’s history, cultivation and long-standing appreciation in today’s stores. While I’m looking to buy more merlot, I’m excited to try Tempranillo soon.
Next chance you get to visit the grocery store, consider double-checking your red wine origins for Tempranillo. You might just find a fresh (or rather, dry) favorite.
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