More Tempranillo Please!

  Monday--exhaustion from weekend adventures sinks in, you're unmotivated, yet the normal work week is just beginning.  Give yourself something to look forward to--give yourself wine!  There are plenty of fabulous wines here at Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines for under fifteen dollars that may get you looking forward to Mondays!

   Today I am trying one of these great wines under fifteen dollars which happens to be a Rioja.  Rioja is a D.O.C made up of three regions out of Spain.  This specific wine is 2005--Lorinon Rioja which is made up of 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo.  It is aged for fourteen months in American Oak which is known for its' rich coconut notes so it's no surprise that the nose is full of more of those coconut notes along with chili peppers and tobacco--yum!  Dense blackberries, spicy chili peppers and smoky tobacco are prevalent on the palate and will continue to open up the longer it sits.  The tannin structure is strong enough to keep experienced wine drinkers interested, yet soft enough to capture the hearts of beginning wine drinkers.  The finish is long and velvety with lingering blackberries and chili peppers.

  As for food, this Rioja would pair nicely with a variety of foods including pulled pork tacos, grilled lamb and mole.  Come on by Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines and pick up a bottle of this wine and remember to keep Mondays exciting by treating yourself!


  Ciao!
  Erin