Tempranillo, 2017. Don Garrido El Vaquera

The Don Garrido el Vaquero wine facility is one of the largest estates in La Mancha covering over 200,000 acres. It consists of 640 estates and castles in Central Spain. The most planted varietal here is Spain's own, Tempranillo. The vineyards are situated between 2,000 and 3,500 feet above sea level.

In spite of the sheer size of this operation, the grapes are still harvested by hand and brought to the winery in 36 pound containers within two hours. The scale of an operation and its cost is unimaginable, but the proof is in the product.

Tempranillo is the king of Spanish red wines and the most important red varietal in Spain. Historically, Spain is in its finest moment with regard to wine-making. This is because Spain has developed modern wine-making concepts, vineyard techniques, and facilities, while preserving the essence of their traditional regions and grapes. These unique soils Spain that have been producing wine for more than 2,500 years. The grapes are given a one day cold soak to concentrate the flavors. An eight day fermentation allows the brighter, cleaner fruit expression to come to the front and avoid heavy tannins. All this is done under strict temperature control and in an air tight environment.

The result is a masterful selection with all the blackberries and raspberries we've come to expect enhanced by oak aging and offer toffee and vanilla in the mix. Pairing with roast lamb, duck confit roast pork would be heavenly.

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