Martin Codax 'Ergo' Tempranillo - $13.99

Wine Details

Price: $13.99
Producer: Martin Codax
Region: Rioja
Varietal: Tempranillo
Container Size: 750 ML
Flavors: cherry, flowers, peppery, red berry, strawberry
  • Red Wine
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Expert Ratings

Ratings   Vintage Source Flavors
Tanzer - 87 Details: ($12) Bright red. Fresh red berry aromas are peppery and straightforward, with a hint of dried flowers adding complexity. Light and juicy, with fresh strawberry and cherry preserve flavors, very light tannins, and a crisp, refreshing finish. Serve this tasty Rioja lightly chilled. 2005 Tanzer cherry, flowers, peppery, red berry, strawberry
WineAndSpirits - 87 Details: A modern Rioja with cool, tart cherry flavors and good tannic cut, this finishes clean and focused. Ready for tapas, particularly morcilla and white beans. 2005 WineAndSpirits tart cherry
WineSpectator - 85 Details: Fresh cherry and light herbal and earthy flavors show through firm but fine-grained tannins in this fresh red. Has enough structure for food. Drink now through 2010. 10,000 cases made. –TM 2005 WineSpectator cherry, earthy, herbal

Food Pairings

Category Pairing
Cheese Sharp Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Soft Pungent Cheese
Red Meat Beef Stew, Ham, Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison, Spicy Sausage
Poultry & Eggs Coq Au Vin, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey
Vegetables Artichokes, White Aspargus with Mustard Vinagrette, Beans, Green, Beans, White, Carrots
Fruits & Nuts Dates, Figs & Raisins
Vegetables Mushrooms
Fruits & Nuts Almonds, Hazelnuts
Vegetables Roasted Sweet Peppers, Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Swiss chard or Kale, Tomato, Gazpacho, Vegetable Gratin or Stew
Herbs & Spices Cilantro, Coriander, Cinnamon, Cumin, Saffron
Cheese Aged Cheddar

Wine Terms

Name Value
Rioja (ree OH hah)—This region in north-central Spain makes the country’s most popular red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Rosado (rose) and white wines are also produced here. Traditionally red Rioja was aged for many years in small barrels made from American oak; this produced wines that were pale, gentle, and lacking in fruitiness. Current trends have been away from only oak aging and the wines are now much fresher tasting. In addition, the introduction of French oak barrels has contributed to its distinctive vanilla quality. The Rioja region is divided into three zones, the most well known being Rioja Alta. Alta-based wines tend to be firmer and leaner in style. Rioja Alavesa produces delicate, perfumed reds. Both Alavesa- and Alta-based wines are blended with wines from the third region, Rioja Baja, a somewhat warmer area that produces heavier grapes. The label of a Rioja will reveal much about the characteristics of its contents. Sin crianza Riojas receive no oak aging and are released young; they are Beaujolais-like, fruity and fresh. Some wines are aged for two years in oak or bottles; these are labeled crianza and, while still fresh and fruity, begin take on the famous oakiness. Wines aged for three years, at least one year in a barrel, are labeled reserva. These are often the most enjoyable of all Riojas. The most expensive wines are aged for five years or more, earning the status of gran reserva. The youngest Riojas pair well with seafood, spicy sausages, and Spanish-style bean dishes. The mature reds should be eaten with game, stews, and cheese.
Spain This mountainous country possesses more vineyard land than any other country on earth, and ranks third in wine production after France and Italy. Spain is best known for its red Riojas and its Sherries, however other wines and regions are quickly gaining notoriety. Like France, Spain divides wine into categories; table wine at the bottom level and quality wine at the top, with a large emphasis on geographical origin. VdM (Vino de Mesa) is a basic table wine. VC (Vino Comarcal) wines are a level up. VdlT (Vino de la Tierra) refers to one of the country’s 25 distinct regions, and each wine possesses a local character. At the top level, only about fifty wines are considered DO (Denominacion de Origen). These wines come from the best-known regions and are the equivalent of France’s Appellation Contrôlée. DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) is reserved for wines that adhere to the most stringent regulations. So far, Rioja is the only wine to gain the Calificada classification.
Tempranillo This Spanish grape gives wines deep color, low acidity and only moderate alcohol content. In recent years the Ribera del Duero region has been producing wonderful wines featuring this grape; in older, more traditional regions such as Rioja, the grape is blended with others.

Tasting Notes

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