If you are a fan of big red wines such as Syrah, Cabernet or Zinfandel, the best value in the market for the money right now is Tempranillo. Tempranillo is a black grape native to Spain, grown throughout the world and known by more than 50 other names. The best Tempranillo has the capacity to age on a par with the best Cabernet. Tempranillo, meaning “little early one,” comes from the Spanish “temprano,” or “early,” due to the grape’s tendency to ripen a few weeks to a full month sooner than other black grapes. In reality, Tempranillo doesn’t bloom early or late – rather, it has a short growing cycle suited to a hot climate. Tempranillo, much like Cabernet, is often blended with other grapes for color, balance and complexity. It’s blended with Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano in the Rioja region of Spain, Cabernet and Merlot in the Ribera del Duero, Priorat and Montsant regions of Spain. Recently, a wave of young Spanish winemakers liberated Tempranillo from excessive oak aging and began crafting wines with a more fresh and fruity character. When young, Tempranillo often carries flavors of raspberry, orange rind, black cherries, cloves, bay leaves and white and black pepper. When mature, flavors of cigar wrap, mushroom, cedar, leather, tea leaves, roses, tomatoes and cherries are found abundantly. Young Tempranillo may appear deep purple to black with a hint of ruby red at the rim of the glass. After long-term aging in a bottle, the wine will look very similar to a Bordeaux or Napa Cabernet of a similar age, with a garnet color in the heart of the glass and a brown to orange tint at the rim. The best wines made from Tempranillo are from the Rioja region, where the grape has been planted since the 2nd century. Rioja Gran Reserva, made only in exceptional years, has an aging potential of 50 to 100 years. When looking for Spanish Tempranillo, look out for some of these terms found on the labels: Crianza, aged 2 years (1 in barrel); Reserva, aged 3 years (1 in barrel); and Grand Reserva, aged 5 years before release (minimum 2 years in barrel). In California, Tempranillo is grown in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara and in the Napa Valley; and many wineries have been experimenting with Tempranillo for decades. Interested parties have founded an organization to promote the emerging grape (see www.tapasociety.org for more info). Look for Paso Robles’ Four Vines Winery bottling of Tempranillo under the name “Loco.” David Corey of Core Wine Company in the Santa Maria Valley produces a series of Tempranillo called “C3.” Both these wines are excellent values. Ted Glennon, is the Wine Director of oENOlogy, a modern wine tasting room at the Hotel Del Coronado. www.hoteldel.com www.enowinerooms.com Family Wine Makers in Del Mar! March 15th, 3pm-6pm, Del Mar Fairgrounds, $40 per person. Do not miss this. 200 of California’s best wineries, only $40! WOW! This wine-tasting has always been one of the biggest in the state, this year it will also be a consumer tasting! Go out and drink local! familywinemakers.org/tastings