Thursday, October 1, 2015

Viña Zaco 2012 Tempranillo, Rioja


Spain’s flagship wine comes from La Rioja in the northeast part of the country. This much sought after wine has a tradition that reaches back 2,000 years.

Mashing Up Tradition And Innovation

Tempranillo wines are a favorite of ours. The wine is more accessible than heavy Cabernet.The tannins are round and smooth and it goes down oh so easily. When it comes from Rioja, it has bright colors and a bit of spice.
Wines from Rioja haven’t captured as much of the American market as wineries would like. And then there are the elusive Millennials, who it seems are pursued by all winemakers seeking to crack the code.
Vina Zaco has impressive taste, but the screw closure (I think this is the first Rioja I’ve had with one) and the contemporary graphic design of the label are innovative.

Drinkability and Value

Vina Zaco is produced by Bodegas Bilbainas and is named after one of the top vineyards in the Rioja Alta region. The “cascajo,” clay filled  gravelly soil, is ideal for Tempranillo as is the climate that benefits from Atlantic breezes.
The wine is soft on front end, but rallies to an rousing, earthy finish. There are flavor notes of black cherries and herbs. There is a nice toastiness that comes from eight to 12 months in oak barrels.
At about $12, this is a great value. It will pair well with tapas, grilled vegetables and light fare.
Full Disclosure: We received this bottle as a marketing sample.

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