Delicioso Tempranillo

Delicioso Tempranillo is a red wine from Esplanda, labeled Massachusetts in the United States. The grape is Tempranillo, which is more closely tied to Spain's Rioja and Ribera del Duero than to New England, so this bottle will probably taste different from a Spanish one. The listing doesn't give a vintage, alcohol level or oak treatment, so what follows describes how Tempranillo usually behaves rather than a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a medium-bodied red led by red and dark cherry, plum and dried fig. Tempranillo is often described as having leather, tobacco, dried herb or tomato-leaf notes alongside the fruit. Tannins are typically moderate and a little grippy, and acidity runs medium to fresh. That makes the wine feel balanced at the table rather than heavy. Wines from cooler growing regions tend to be brighter and lighter than the warm-climate Spanish benchmarks, with more tart cherry and less jammy richness. If oak has been used, it would show as vanilla, cedar or light spice. The finish on most Tempranillo is medium in length and a little savory. The acidity and moderate tannin suit foods with some fat and salt. Good matches include grilled sausages and chorizo, roast pork, lamb chops with rosemary, and mushroom dishes. Manchego, aged Gouda and other firm, nutty cheeses work well, as do tomato-based pastas and paella-style rice dishes. Smoked paprika, cumin and grilled peppers sit comfortably with this grape. Very spicy dishes tend to make the tannins feel sharper, and delicate fish can be overwhelmed. Serve it slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C). About twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets a room-temperature bottle there. Warmer than that, the alcohol and tannin come forward and the fruit goes flat. A short decant of 20 to 30 minutes, or simply pouring it into large glasses and letting it open up, will soften the tannins and bring out the aromatics. A standard red wine glass with a generous bowl is the right choice. Plan on enjoying it within a few years of purchase, as the fresh fruit is the main attraction. Nothing in the details suggests it is built for long cellaring.