Desperately seeking taste/pairing advise

[kjgolemb]

I received a wonderful gift of several bottles of Lar de Barros Crianza Red Wine (vintage 2001)from Spain. The only things I can discern from the bottle is that the wine is made with tempranillo grapes and it also indicates "Ribera del Guadiana" and I'm not sure if that means the wine is red cherry with very lively purple tones. I'm hoping that I can find out what other wine it might be similar to to determine if it is suitable for inclusion in a Thanksgiving feast. Any and all insight is greatly appreciated!

[wondersofwine]

Firts KJ, welcome to the board.

This is from thewinedoctor.com (full credit to that source):

Spain has a similar classification system to France and Italy, with all classified wine regions regulated under the Denominación de Origen (DO) system. Red wines are often labelled as Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. In Rioja and the Ribera del Duero, Crianza wines are two years old, with at least twelve months spent in cask (elsewhere the oak ageing may legally be restricted to just six months). Reservas are three years old (at least one year in cask), Gran Reservas five years old (two in cask, three in bottle).

If you are familiar with Rioja wines in general, the Crianza is just at a higher level of aging and sees more exposure to oak barrels. I would be more likely to pair it with beef or lamb than with turkey but you could have it available and let the diners choose. Or sample one bottle ahead of time (since you received several bottles) and see what you think.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 11-14-2006).]

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board. The bodega's Website is http://www.lardebarros.com/ingles/tintosI.htm and includes notes on food pairings. I've not had a Tempranillo with traditional Thanksgiving fare but it might work quite well. Suggest you open one of those bottles before the holiday meal and try it with Mexican food to get an idea of what to expect. Looks like its had 12 months in oak, so it should be in good shape. The '01 Crianzas I've had have been excellent.

[dananne]

I'll echo Hotwine, and add that Tempranillo can make a great wine for Thanksgiving.

[Jackie]

Your Crianza should be nice with turkey, especially the dark meat. It would also work well with roasted lamb or pork, as well as grilled or roasted duck, pheasant or other game birds, and stew of any kind.

Also try with Manchego or Cabrales Cheese, paella, ratatouille, ribs, roast beef or roast chicken.

Lots of good choices. Enjoy!

[This message has been edited by Jackie (edited 11-16-2006).]