Let’s talk about the back label first. Or rather, let’s not—because unless you have a jeweler’s loupe or the eyes of a teenage elf, you’re not reading it. I held it up to the light, tilted it sideways, and summoned the ancient magic of my phone’s zoom feature just to read it. I’m convinced it’s either a stealth eye exam or they just ran out of ink and thought, “Eh, good enough.” I discovered that this wine was Tempranillo and Garnacha, a classic Spanish combo that I normally associate with easy, breezy table reds. Spoiler alert: this was not that.
So I dove in. First taste and—bam—this thing came in swinging with a full body and solid dryness. This wasn’t your typical easygoing Spanish table red that politely disappears behind your food. No, this wine had opinions. Strong ones. A respectable punch of fruit jam, but not sweet like grandma’s preserves. . And surprisingly oaky for a Tempranillo/Garnacha blend. Seriously, it was giving “Spanish red takes a semester abroad in Napa” energy.
Now, was I expecting this bold flavor profile when I paired it with the random mishmash of office retreat leftovers gifted to me that I was blessed/cursed with? Nope. There I was, refilling my glass while mowing through pizza, buffalo wings, a rogue turkey wrap, and a surprisingly tasty Caesar salad. And somehow, this wine didn’t just survive—it thrived. Like the overachiever at a potluck who shows up with beef bourguignon when everyone else brought chips and dip.
Day 2? Even better—what little was left had dried out a bit more (probably in protest over being paired with turkey wraps), and I appreciated it more with each sip, which there were only a few of. Next time I’ll treat this wine with the respect it deserves and serve it with a roasted beast, hearty stew or at least something that wasn’t once wrapped in corporate cling film.
At $9.99, this one’s a keeper. Bold, flavorful, and versatile enough to tango with everything from wings to stew. Just give it a label font people can read next time, please.
Types of Grapes: Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta
ABV % / Fun Juice Level: 13.5%
Origin: Spain
Grocery Outlet Price: $9.99
