Tinta de Toro

Red

(Tinta de Toro pronunciation: TEEN-ta del Tohr-ow )



Tinta de Toro is a Spanish grape variety grown in the region of Toro in central Spain. This variety is a strand of Tempranillo that dates back to the Roman times around the 2nd century B.C. Some of the vines around today are hundreds of years old having survived the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. This strong, dark-skinned grape grows in compact bunches of medium sized berries. Due to the extreme climate conditions, the vines grow low to the ground and yield less fruit, however the fruit formed is full of flavor and character.

Tinta de Toro wines are full-bodied, mildly acidic, and have an intense ruby color. The wines aroma consists of berries, and the taste resembles dark fruit, black cherry, cassis fruit, smoke, and black pepper. A key tasting characteristic of Tinta de Toro is the powerful tannic flavor that come from the thick dark skins of the grapes. The best Tinta de Toro wines hold a balanced place between the oak, tannins, and fruit flavors. Wines that have extra degrees of oak and tannins can become overbearing and sometimes unappealing.

To be a Tinta de Toro wine, it must be at least 75 percent Tinta de Toro, sometimes blended with small amounts of Grenache when permitted. The wine usually ages for 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels. The best food pairings with Tinta de Toro are robust meals. Some examples of food pairings are pastas with red sauce, polenta, pizza, and Mexican dishes.

Many of our customer ask is Tinta de Toro sweet wine. The answer is no. Our wine club only features dry wines. Find Tinta de Toro and similar wines in our International Wine of the Month Club.