Quick-Sip: Red Duero Blend

Rívola (2006)
Abadía Retuerta
Tempranillo | Cabernet Sauvignon
Duero Valley, Spain

Appearance: Clear, bright, ruby red with a clear rim. The intensity is bordering between med+ and deep.

Nose: Clean with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, vanilla, and red fruit jam. Medium intensity, very ripe.

Palate: Dry with medium tannin, alcohol, and acidity. Med+ body with a good finish. Flavors of Raspberry, almond, currant, red fruit, and baking spice.

This wine has got pretty decent structure for the $12 price tag. It's labeled as "Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León" so would fall into the "country wine" classification rather than a DOC. The next step below this in the hierarchy would be "table wine," sold predominantly only in the area/country it is produced. I think this wine would pair well with gamy meats and sharp or blue-veined cheeses.

Cheers!