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750ml
Bottle:
$33.94
$36.00
Savory aromas of subtle earthy berries, oranges, iron and hints of walnut, tobacco and mushrooms. Fine tannins with...
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Alion Ribera Del Duero 2012
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$110.38
2012 has to be one of the best recent vintages of Alión. This 2012 Alión is pure Tempranillo from vineyards...
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Cvne Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2012
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$85.79
The current release, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva checks in as a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Classic...
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$133.44
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$303.09
The 2012 Gran Reserva Especial Castillo Ygay is 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo sourced from La Plana vineyard,...
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Numanthia Termanthia 2012
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$198.95
Tarry blackberry and cheesy oak aromas are appropriate for a wine of this size and magnitude. In the mouth, this...
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Remirez De Ganuza Rioja Reserva 2012
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$80.45
Notes of mocha, spice and dark forest fruit berries on the nose. The palate is complex and refreshing with an opulent...
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Vega Sicilia Ribera Del Duero Unico 2012
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle:
$371.18
Berry, smoke, violet and sandalwood aromas follow through to a full, layered palate that shows super polished tannins...
Mavrodaphne Tempranillo Mencia 2012 750ml
In the Archaea region, high in the Northern Peloponnese mountains, the predominant grape varietal grown is the prized Mavrodaphne. Meaning 'Black Laurel', the Mavrodaphne grapes have extremely dark skins, and ripen slowly under the Greek sunshine, helped by the mineral rich soils the vines thrive in. This grape varietal is mostly used to produce the opaque, inky fortified wine of the same name, which is popular all over Greece and elsewhere in the world. This fortified wine allows the grapes to really show off their complex and fascinating flavors, which range from a rich marzipan to flavors of bitter chocolate, sweet coffee, dried figs and prunes, as well as plenty of jammy fruit notes.
Mavrodaphne is produced in a traditional method which involves leaving the grape juice exposed to the sun in large vats, before having its fermentation halted by the addition of various distillates taken from previous successful vintages. This mixture contains plenty of residual sugar, which gives the end result its characteristic sticky sweetness, and also helps with the next fermentation process, which typically takes place in large underground cellars. The final product is a heady drink, absolutely bursting with unusual, rich and sweet flavors and carried in a dark and slightly viscous Port-like liquid.
Mavrodaphne grapes are also used for the production of still red wines, but are generally blended with varietals such as Agiorgitiko or imported grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. Mavrodaphne grapes are excellent for mellowing more acidic varieties, and producing deliciously rounded wines, which have taken the international market by storm in recent decades.
Additional Information on Greek Wines
Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.