Wine lovers are experiencing the Tapena way of life - friends, food and good wine! And with the growing success of Tapena comes the much welcomed reviews by members of the press and our own Tapena fans. Please send your own thoughts to info@freixenetusa.com.
86 points
Garnacha (aka Grenache) is a grape that does well in parts of Spain and Southern France. Known for its ripe cherry-berry flavors, it is a malleable grape, made in light, fruity styles as well as richer styles with more depth. This Garnacha is on the lighter end of the scale with bright raspberry and cherry aromas backed by sweet spices. The light flavors are clean and fresh supported by substantial tannins leading to a short finish.
- Gerald D. Boyd, winereviewonline.com, Mar 4, 2008
Food & Wine's Best Bargains of 2007 - Rated #6
"A lively red full of bright wild strawberry flavor"
- Ray
Isle, Food & Wine Magazine, December 2007
Click here to download full article
25 Best Wines for Summer -Pair With: Anything Slathered with Barbecue Sauce
"Spain’s Ferrer family (which also owns Spanish sparkling wine producer
Freixenet) sources grapes from the up-and-coming Tierra de Castilla region,
southeast of Madrid, for this juicy red. Full of wild strawberry and raspberry
notes, it’s a great by-the-case purchase."
- Ray Isle, Food & Wine, June 2007
88 points
"Zesty and clean Spanish Grenache with lively black raspberry fruit; a charmer.”
- Anthony Dias BLUE Reviews, Patterson's Beverage Journal, Feb/March 2007
“A new brand, Tapena captures the fun, flair and flavor of Spanish wine - all at a drink-me-now price. Garnacha (also called Grenache) is peppery, zesty and loaded with raspberry fruit freshness. Pair with paella, mushroom risotto or simple grilled sausages.”
- Tasting Notes by Leslie Sbrocco, epicurious.com, April 2007
87 points
“These are two youthful, fruit forward and flavorful wines that have been produced for early consumption. …The 2005 Garnacha is dark ruby garnet with fresh aromas of black cherry and crushed raspberries. On the palate it is soft and round with good fruit flavors and ripe tannins on the finish. Both wines would pair nicely with tapas and other light fare.”
- Michael Flynn and Mike Potashnik, Iwinereview.com, April 2007
"…The paella is lively, colorful and intensely flavored enough to match with this year's Tapeña Garnacha, a powerhouse of spice and fruit from central Spain..."
- "Paella, Tapena Garnacha a power couple", Jolene Thym, Oakland Tribune, April 18, 2007
4 Glasses – Excellent
“Tapena garnacha is deep cherry red in color with a hint of purple tones. The wine has wonderful aromas of mature red berry fruit that are typical of the best garnachas. In the mouth, it is rich and well-structured, with flavors of blackberries, cherry, strawberries, and hints of leather, vanilla and sweet oak. Perfectly combined with sweet and pleasant tannins, this garnacha exhibits a long, silky and balanced finish reminiscent of Rhone-style wines.”
- The Vine Times, April 2007
Tapena Tempranillo Wine Reviews
90 points
Tempranillo is Spain's workhorse red and a nice horse this one is. From Rioja to Ribera del Duero, Tempranillo is the grape that delivers the goods. Tapeña Tempranillo is in the lighter, earlier drinking style, but it offers all of the fresh berry aromas and flavors attributable to this versatile grape. Textured with ripe dark cherry flavors, firm refined tannins and good length through the finish, this is a Tempranillo that pairs well with a wide range of dishes from meats to fish stew.
- Gerald D. Boyd, winereviewonline.com, Mar 4, 2008
89 points
"The color is a nice bright royal red with garnet and a tinge of youthful purple. The aroma has a faint redwood character with black berries and red orange. The taste includes all the qualities of the aroma, with the nicest balance of lush juicy fruit and structure."
- "Sweeping roundup culls gems, surprises", Mark Tarbell, The Arizona Republic
“For the 2005 Tempranillo, Suberviola draws out the lush red fruit flavors associated with the variety, while keeping the tannins in check. The wine is a lush mouthful of red cherries and spice.”
- "Cheap, Red and Very Good!", Gerald D. Boyd, winereviewonline.com, 2/15/07
87 points
“These are two youthful, fruit forward and flavorful wines that have been produced for early consumption. The 2005 Tempranillo is light-bodied with a purple ruby color and pure black cherry kirsh aromas. On the palate it displays more black cherry fruit with notes of black pepper and spice and a short smooth finish. … Both wines would pair nicely with tapas and other light fare.”
- Michael Flynn and Mike Potashnik, Iwinereview.com, April 2007
3 Glasses - Well Recommended
“A great value-priced [2005] Tempranillo with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and vanilla. Tapeña tempranillo is an easy-drinking red with plenty of bright cherry flavors with hints of vanilla, oak, spice and chocolate.”
- The Vine Times, April 2007
Tapena Verdejo Wine Reviews
89 points
Verdejo is a nearly forgotten Spanish white grape that yields a refreshing wine that smacks of fresh peaches, similar to Albariño, another tasty Spanish white wine. The aromatics are peachy, with subtle hints of ginger ale, while the flavors are bright and crisp, more like nectarines than peaches. It finishes with crisp mouthwatering acidity, an ideal match for a wide variety of foods from tapas to grilled fish.
- Gerald D. Boyd, winereviewonline.com, Mar 4, 2008
Consumer Reviews
"Several weeks ago I purchased a bottle of your Tempranillo wine after sampling it at a wine tasting event at one of our local wine distributors. It is by far my favorite wine of all time - so rich and complex, fruity and spicy, and satisfying. Since then I've turned others on to this wonderful wine and no one has been disappointed in it. I stock up on it regularly now. Thank you so much for making such a delicious nectar of the gods for us mortals to enjoy."
- Karen from MA
"I am writing to let you know that I recently tried two of your wines from Tapena. I tried these wines with trepidation as I am not familiar with Spanish wines. These wines are wonderful, I am especially fond of the Garnacha (which I have since found out is Grenache). It is a very fruity wine with a bit of spiciness to it. A wine of substance. I think we found our new favorite."
- Brad from NJ
"I recently enjoyed a bottle of your Tempranillo at a friend's house. After experiencing this wonderful wine I ran out to stock up (and who could resist at a such a great value!). My husband and I usually stick with the American wines, but after trying this lovely Spanish wine, we're eager to start exploring, starting with your Garnacha. Many thanks for getting us on the Spanish wine wagon!"
- Dorothy from TX
