What to drink when in a Spanish eatery? Tempranillo of course!😍Today is International Tempranillo Day and here’s two bottles to put on your list! 🍷🍷 If you like the structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but a lighter style like a Pinot Noir or Grenache, these two Tempranillo produced by Familia Fernández Rivera pairs great with Spanish tapas! 🇪🇸 @familiafernandezrivera When founder, Alejandro Fernandez purchased the land in Pesquera del Duero in 1972, there was only one winery in the region. Alejandro’s approach was to emphasize the wonderful fruit intensity that high-altitude vineyards were capable of making. They did so by planting vineyards on the banks of the Duero River (also known ‘Duoro’ once it reaches Portugal). Soils here are credited with adding complexity and character to Ribera del Duero wines. Tempranillo, in particular, is the trademark grape of all four wineries under the Familia Fernández Rivera umbrella. Since the first Tinto Pesquera wine was released in 1975, Alejandro Fernandez helped established Ribera del Duero as one of Spain’s (and the world’s) top wine regions. The winery is now run by his granddaughters. Now let’s about the wine and food pairing!⬇️ 🍷Ruby-red with violet undertones, both wines are nicely aromatic with black cherry and spicy chocolate overtones. After breathing for 30 minutes, fresh berry aromas comes bursting on the nose.👃On the palate, it tastes fresh, fruity, rich with balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins. 👅 We enjoyed the wines young, but it definitely has aging potential. If you’re in Costa Mesa and catching a show @segerstromarts enjoy dinner @vaca_costamesa beforehand. The restaurant is a mix of tapas and family-style dishes with a chic contemporary vibe. Here are my favorites to pair with Tempranillo: 1️⃣ Canelon de Pollo Ahumado: snoked chicken cannelloni, foie gras sauce, sherry reduction🐔 ⭐️ My favorite! ⭐️ 2️⃣ Vieiras a la Plancha: seared scallops, cauliflower, pickled raisins, red mojo 3️⃣ Cachetes de Puerco Rioja: braised pork cheeks, butternut squash, crispy pig ears, pomegranate molasses 🐖 💡 Fun fact: the chef and managing partner, Amar Santana, was the finalist on @bravotopchef