W3 Wine School

Spanish Grapes

Tinta de Toro

Tempranillo

Tinta de Toro is the primary grape of the Toro region in Spain.

This Tempranillo clone, is a crucial part of the Toro region's winemaking identity, producing wines that are both rich and expressive.

Tinta de Toro grapes are the foundation of many of the best red wines produced in the Toro DO.

About Tinta de Toro

Key Characteristics of Tinta de Toro:

  • Blackish-blue grapes with thick skins, known for producing robust, full-bodied red wines with high concentration and deep fruit flavors of red and black fruit, along with floral and spicy aromas.

  • Red wines made with Tinta de Toro are known for their intensity, richness, and ability to age well.

  • Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and adapts well to the Toro climate.

  • While considered a strain of Tempranillo, Tinta de Toro has developed unique characteristics over time, making it a distinct variety.

Toro Aromas

Aromas of ripe red and black fruits is Toro's hallmark, with hints of herbs, licorice, anise, and minerals. Young Toro offers flavours of cherry, plum, tomato and dried fig.

Cherry
Red
Cherry
Cherry
Black
Cherry
Tomato
Tomato
Blackberry
Blackberry
Plum
Plum
Fig
Fig
Herbs
Herbs
Licorice
Licorice

Flavors from Maturation and Aging

Oak aging imparts sweet vanilla, coconut and spicy notes such as cloves and cinnamon.

Vanilla
Vanilla
Coconut
Coconut
Cloves
Cloves
Cinnamon
Cinnamon

Toro Profile

Medium acidity and moderate tannins make Toro wines tasty, easy to like and easy to pair with many types of food. The balance of fruit, spice, and earthy flavors makes Tempranillo a favorite for many.

SUGAR:Dry (3 g/l)
BODY:Medium
TANNINS:Medium
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:Medium
ALCOHOL:13-14 % ABV

Temperature
Serving Temperature:
15-16°C (59-61°F)
Reserva 16-18°C (61-64°F)

Toro Food Pairing

Toro is perfect with Lamb and Pork. It is also perfect with Filet Mignon, but lacks the tannins for a fat Beef.

Young Toro pairs well with both Spicy and Tomato based dishes.

Antipasti
Tapas
Ham
Ham
Salami
Chorizo
Chili
Chili
Pasta
Pasta
Pizza
Pizza
Lasagna
Lasagna
Hamburger
Hamburger
Chicken
Chicken
Rabbit
Rabbit
Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb

Excellent Pairings

Tapas. Olives. Cold Cuts. Chorizo.
Pizza. Spaghetti. Lasagna.
Casseroles. Tomato Based Meatballs.
Savory Stews. Moroccan Tagine.
Roasted Meat. Lamb. Pork. Poultry.
Red Pepper Dishes.
Tacos. Nachos. Burritos.

Spanish Specialities

Paella.
Chili con Carne.

If You Like Toro

You Might Also Like:

Cabernet Franc (France)
Chianti Classico (Italy)
Douro Tinto (Portugal)
GSM Wines (France)
Mencia (Spain)
Merlot (France)
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Italy)
Ribera del Duero (Spain)
Sangiovese (Italy)
Tempranillo (Spain)
Tinta de Toro (Spain)

The Ideal Glass for Toro

The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.

The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance.

The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste.


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