Tondeluna Rioja Tinto 2023 – Fruity Young Tempranillo Red Wine
Tondeluna Rioja Tinto 2023 is a vibrant Spanish red wine from the heart of Rioja. This young red wine is crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes, reflecting the region’s renowned Rioja wine tradition. It boasts a bright ruby-red color with violet hues and an intensely fruity aroma that reveals classic Tempranillo notes of ripe berries and a hint of licorice. The palate offers a deep yet fresh structure – full-bodied and smooth, with gentle tannins and a persistent, flavorful finish.
Tasting Notes and Characteristics
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Color: Bright, youthful red with a purplish-violet rim, showcasing this Rioja wine’s vibrant youthfulness.
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Aroma: Bursting with red fruit (cherry, raspberry) and subtle licorice notes characteristic of Tempranillo.
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Palate: Medium to full-bodied Tempranillo wine with a smooth texture. Fresh berry flavors dominate, accented by a touch of spice.
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Finish: Pleasant and persistent, with a gentle tannin structure that leaves a lively, fruity impression.
Winemaking and Origin
Bodegas Vallemayor crafts Tondeluna Rioja 2023 with a focus on preserving fruit and freshness in this Tempranillo wine. The Tempranillo grapes come from the winery’s own estate vineyards (Pagos del Valle) in Rioja Alta, harvested in late September at optimal ripeness.
After picking, a short cold maceration (a couple of days) precedes fermentation to extract vibrant color and aroma. The must ferments in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (26–29 °C) to maintain fruity character. Importantly, Tondeluna Rioja 2023 sees no oak barrel aging. This unoaked young red wine (Joven style) is meant to showcase pure Tempranillo fruit. After about 15 days of gentle maceration, the wine is drawn off without pressing the skins, yielding a softer expression. The final cuvée is blended in January and clarified using natural pea protein and bentonite (an egg-free, vegan-friendly fining method). A cold stabilization ensures stability in the bottle, and the wine is bottled in small batches throughout the year to ensure freshness and vitality in every sip.
Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Tondeluna Rioja Tinto 2023’s fruity, approachable profile makes it a versatile Spanish red wine for dining. Serve it slightly cool (around 14–16 °C) to highlight its freshness. Excellent pairings include:
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Grilled or Roasted Meats: The wine’s bright fruit complements grilled lamb, pork tenderloin, or even roast chicken.
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Cured Meats & Charcuterie: Enjoy with Spanish chorizo, jamón ibérico, or salami – the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of cured meats.
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Cheeses: Try it with semi-cured cheeses like Manchego or a mild cheddar. The smooth tannins and fruity notes of this young Tempranillo wine balance creamy, salty flavors.
This elegant yet youthful Rioja is perfect for casual tapas or weekday dinners, bringing a taste of La Rioja’s heritage to the table. If you love Rioja wine, be sure to also explore our Tondeluna Rioja Crianza 2021 for an oak-aged twist on Tempranillo, or Dinastía del Castillo Rioja Red 2023 for another excellent young Rioja. You can find these and other Spanish red wine options in our red wines collection. Tondeluna Rioja Tinto 2023 stands out as an authentic, fruity young red wine (100% Tempranillo) that delivers Rioja’s vibrant character in every sip – an informative and elegant addition to any wine lover’s selection.
Tondeluna Rioja Tinto 2023 is a lively and expressive young red wine crafted entirely from Tempranillo grapes grown in Rioja Alta. It presents a vivid ruby-red hue with violet highlights, revealing its youthful character. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of fresh red fruits like cherry and raspberry, accompanied by subtle licorice notes. The palate is smooth, medium-bodied, and well-balanced, showcasing vibrant fruit flavors and a soft, persistent finish. This unoaked Rioja is ideal for everyday enjoyment and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheeses, and cured sausages. A perfect choice for fans of fresh, fruit-forward Spanish red wines.
