The Aragonez
Grape
Also known as Tempranillo in Spain, Aragonez is widely cultivated in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. It produces full-bodied, complex wines with a rich bouquet of berries, plums, and herbs, complemented by aging in oak, which imparts vanilla and tobacco nuances. Aragonez contributes structure and aging potential to blends and is increasingly celebrated as a single-varietal wine.
Aragonez
Grape History
Aragonez, also known as Tempranillo in Spain, is a red wine grape variety that has a rich history and is highly esteemed in the world of winemaking. This grape is believed to have originated in Spain, specifically in the Rioja region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It later made its way to Portugal, where it is known as Aragonez or Tinta Roriz, and is a key component in some of Portugal's most famous wines.
One interesting fact about Aragonez is that it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world, with plantings in regions such as Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and the United States. Its versatility and ability to thrive in various climates have contributed to its popularity among winemakers.
Aragonez is known for producing wines that are full-bodied, with rich fruit flavors, and a good structure. It is often used as a blending grape, where it can add depth and complexity to a wine blend. In Portugal, Aragonez is a key component in the production of Douro red wines, where it is blended with other Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca. In Spain, it is a major grape in the regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, producing bold and age-worthy wines.
In terms of future projections, Aragonez is expected to continue to be a popular grape variety for winemakers around the world. Its ability to adapt to different growing conditions and produce high-quality wines make it a valuable asset in the wine industry. As consumers become more interested in unique and lesser-known grape varieties, Aragonez is likely to gain even more recognition and appreciation in the coming years.
Overall, Aragonez is a versatile and reliable grape variety with a long history and a promising future in the world of winemaking. Its presence in both Spain and Portugal, as well as its growing popularity in other wine-producing countries, solidifies its status as a grape worth knowing and exploring.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel