The Rioja Region in Northern Spain has historically been the country’s major red wine region. Three-quarters of Rioja’s wines are red. The primary grape variety in Rioja is Tempranillo, but the government does allow three other red varieties to be used in the production of Rioja reds, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Most Rioja reds are a blend of at least two or more of these varietals.
What I enjoy about drinking wines from the old world is that they are not as fruit-forward as are the new world wines, and I found that to be the case with the 2010 Capo Viejo Rioja. This is a medium-bodied red, with soft tannins, and a wonderful earthiness. On the nose were cherries, earth, tobacco, and wood. The flavors were of tart cherries, a hint of tobacco, and a wonderful earthiness that transcends one back to Spain. This is an easy to drink Tempranillo, and would pair well with grilled lamb chops.

Jon