Tapena Tempranillo 2010

Tapena Tempranillo is like Spain's famous guitarists, bold yet graceful. This deep-purple wine has flavors and aromas of juicy red berries, black cherries, and a hint of chocolate that rises from the glass. The smooth finish is rounded with silky tannins. Tapena Tempranillo plays best with grilled lamb skewers, garlic prawns, and broiled salmon. Salud!

100% Tempranillo. Bottled by Unio Cellers del Noya (UCSA), a division of Freixenet, in Spain. Freixenet is a renowned producer and distributor of wines from wineries in Spain, Chile, Italy, France, and Argentina, and is known worldwide for its cava and sparkling wines. Tapena (tah-PAY-nyah) is the ideal complement for an evening of food and conversation among close friends. In Spain, going for tapas (TAH-paz) is the American equivalent of barhopping with an epicurean twist. At every taberna, tapas (small plates) are served communal style, each person is armed with a glass of wine and a fork. Pena (PAY-nyah) is slang for a group of close friends. Put the two together with Tapena, and everyone is speaking the same language! Travel across the heartland of Spain and you're bound to find yourself in a cozy bodega just off the plaza. The townsfolk are noisy, friendly, and welcoming. The tapas are fresh and local, as are the wines—probably served fresh from the barrels behind the bar. Tempranillo (temp-rah-Nee-yo) is Spain's indelible stamp on the world of wine. The heart of Tapena Tempranillo can be found at night in the winding, noisy, old streets of Madrid. Bars and penyas (clubs), filled to standing room only, serve local wines and tapas, and everyone has a fork.