Codice Tempranillo

Ok, so we’ve been banging on for years about how Spanish reds are the place to play if you’re looking for almost unbeatable bang for your buck. Codice Tempranillo is next level. It’s made by the Eguren family, who are one of the most respected wine families in the region, and it’s a wine punching well, well above its weight.

Stephen Tanzer is one of the most respected wine critics in the US (and regular contributor to Forbes magazine) so the wine world sits up and takes notice when he scores a wine 90/100 (classed as “Outstanding” quality) AND picks it as one of his Best Value Reds of the Year!

He wasn’t the only one giving this wine the big thumbs up. Wine Spectator called this “Value-priced offering. It over-delivers in a big way.” Does it what! This label ain’t no flash in the pan with previous vintages having made Best Buy & Top Value mentions in the world’s leading publications Decanter, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

This is 100% Tempranillo (“temp-rah-knee-oh”) and this variety is to Spain what Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is to NZ, it’s the shining star on the world scene. Using fruit from vines quite possibly older than you (up to 70 years old) and from the hot central plains of Castile-La Mancha, aged just 6 months in oak. This is a benchmark example of why we love this style – medium to full bodied (and packing a punch at 14.5%!), loaded to the gunnels with juicy berry and cherry fruits and sweet vanilla flavours, silky smooth tannins and a touch of sweet spice.

The Egurens have been producing wine for five generations and by far this is their most successful wine. They’re in good hands with current head winemaker Marcos Eguren described by Wine Spectator as “one of Spain’s most heralded winemakers.”

And if you’re wondering what’s up with the word search on the front label, well Codice (pronounced “koh-dee-seh”)is the old Spanish word for laws, traditions and codes (códice). Crack the code, crack a bottle and pair with barbecued or grilled red meats like steak, lamb, pork, spicy chorizo sausages or cold cuts like spicy salami.

Please note – the bottle image shows a cork closure but the wine is screw cap closure.