2006 Beronia Tempranillo Rioja

Apparently, the adage "boys will be boys" applies to the Spanish equivalent of good 'ol boys, just as it does to their fun-loving American counterparts. Allow to me explain. Four city dwellers from Madrid enjoyed the occasional hunting trip out in the country. Over a few bottles of wine, they discussed the possibility of making their own, if for no other reason than the fact that they might be able to save on booze. They decided to form Bodegas Beronia, and from there, the men went on to make some really tasty wine. This is their 2006 Tempranillo. It's a more traditional style of Tempranillo, with its mouthwatering acidity and subtle American oak barrel spice. However, the intense, juicy, plump, black cherry fruit and explosion of flavor in the mid palate speaks a bit to the modern interpretation of Rioja as well. Either way, this would make for an ideal accompaniment to any of your favorite grilled summer foods. It's a tremendous value for everyday drinking Rioja, easily the best I've seen in quite some time. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright medium red. Vibrant nose combines strawberry, cherry, smoky minerals and dried rose, with a hint of tobacco. Racy and gently sweet, with silky texture and lively red berry flavors that are unencumbered by tannins. Finishes with clean redcurrant and dried cherry character. This dry, zesty, almost weightless wine is very easy to drink." (Sept/Oct '09)