Wine Review: Monte Valonga 2008 Tempranillo

Based on my "Think while you drink" tasting class, let's review a Monte Valonga 2008 Tempranillo...

*What is it? ~ “Forehead”

Winery: Monte Valonga
Vintage: 2008
Varietal: Tempranillo
Country: Spain
Region: Valle del Cinca

*Sight or Appearance ~ “Eyes”
Brightness: Bright
Intensity: Medium
Color: Ruby
Rim Variation: Yes
Viscosity: Medium

*Aroma ~ “Nose”
Condition: Clean
Intensity: Med (-)
Aroma/Bouquet: Youthful
Fruit: Ripe black cherry, dried cranberries, a little bit of caramel
Earth: N/A
Wood: N/A
Other: Floral (Rose Petals)

*Palate ~ “Mouth”
Sweetness Level: Off Dry
Body: Light
Fruit: Black Cherry, Dried Strawberries, sour prunes
Earth: N/A
Wood: N/A
Tannins: Low
Complexity: Medium (-)

Conclusion ~ “Finish”
Alcohol: Medium (+)
Acidity: Medium (+)
Length: Short

DWE Notes: Nice packaging, but unfortunately, that’s about all I like about the wine. The wine is drinkable, but I would not recommend it to my friends nor would I buy this a second time. For a wine priced at $12.99, I expect more. I think it better suited in the $6.99 or lower category. I’d give it 81 out of 100 points. In my opinion, there are other Tempranillo’s on the market that I would purchase for a lot less money. Instead, I recommend Berberana 2005 Tempranillo available at Whole Foods or Pago 2006 Tempranillo available at Twisted Vine in Fullerton