Bodegas Cepa 21 Ribera Del Duero Malabrigo 2009 750ml

Winery: Bodegas Cepa 21

Varietal: Tempranillo

Without any doubt, the flagship grape varietal of Spain is the Tempranillo. This fine grape varietal has since been grown in several other countries around the world, and continues to be respected and admired for its deep ruby red color, its strong tannins, and the complex and delicious flavors it carries so well. Plum, vanilla, leather, tobacco and herb are just some of the characteristic flavors found in this black skinned grape varietal, and its power and fullness of features makes it a common grape for use in blended wines of exceptional quality. Tempranillo grapes thrive best in regions with a combination of bright, hot sunshine, and cooling breezes, where they can ripen fully and then be aged in oak barrels to mellow, become more rounded and allow their fascinating nature to come forward.

Region: Castilla Y Leon

From the beautifully robust, boisterous and spicy red Tempranillo wines of the west, to the fruity, aromatic white Verdejo wines from the Rueda, Castilla y Leon is a Spanish wine region with something to please everyone. The region itself is a particularly fascinating one for European wine fans, as it dates back several centuries and is, in many ways, the defining region of Spain for the country's viticultural identity. Dry, arid soils and baking heat produce wines of a unique character, coming from grapes which have to struggle to attain the moisture they require in order to ripen. The flavors of Castilla y Leon are big, bold and seductive, and packed full of all the passion and history only a country like Spain can provide.

Country: Spain

From the deep and intense Rioja wines, or the dry and refreshing Ruedas, from Tempranillos to Verdejos, the range and quality of Spanish wines is always going to impress and fascinate. With several thousand years of traditions and expertise leading the way, Spanish wineries are currently producing some of the most flavorful and interesting wines to come out of Europe, striving to overcome the reputation problems the country suffered in the mid to late twentieth century. Despite being one of the largest producers of wine in the world, with billions of bottles being filled each year, Spanish wine producers are more interested in quality over quantity than ever before. The results of this are some truly world class wines rivaling even the finest produce of France in regards to balance, character and flavor, gaining new fans and enthusiasts every day.