Bodegas Bilbainas Viña Zaco Tempranillo 2010

Had to open a red wine with pasta and homemade tomato sauce this week and there just happened to be a new sample bottle, on the table, of Tempranillo from Spain that I had just received.  Usually when I receive samples, they are racked until I feel the time is right or the meal is right for pairing before I open them.  This time it was only about one hour before opening a Viña Zaco Tempranillo 2010 ($15).
Tempranillo, a red grape native to Spain and the primary grape variety used in the Rioja Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC), produces wines typically characterized by their deep purple color, fruity notes of dark, ripe berries, and smoky components of vanilla, tobacco and leather, which are generally present due to the wine being aged in oak barrels.

Zaco is not constrained by the rules of the traditional aging process. It is neither a Crianza nor a Reserva. Zaco is simply ready when award-winning international winemaker Diego Pinilla believes the wine is reaching its full potential. Every year Diego will identify the perfect moment to bottle Zaco.

-Crianza red wines are aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak. Crianza whites and rosés must be aged for at least 1 year with at least 6 months in oak.

-Reserva red wines are aged for at least 3 years with at least 1 year in oak. Reserva whites and rosés must be aged for at least 2 years with at least 6 months in oak.

The 2010 vintage matured in 50% French oak and 50% American oak for 9 months.
The color was a dark cherry red with aromas of plum, red cherries and hints of vanilla and some cinnamon.  Flavors of ripe cherry, plum, spice, toast and smoke in the mouth with a super long finish with just a touch of spice. An excellent wine for pasta and sauce. Other foods that will pair well would be tapas, grilled chicken and BBQ meats.  I would also recommend just sipping or chilling out with a few bites of light cheeses.

Suggested retail price on this new release is $15.  Past vintages can be found at $10 or less, making this an outstanding value.