2011 Bodega Hiriart Crianza

The Hiriart family settled in the Cigales region centuries ago, and created their first winery around 1750. The family was originally sheep farmers but learned winemaking and grape growing through trade in Bordeaux. The original caves were underground and the vessels were made from clay -- you can still visit these today. They were eventually replaced by concrete tanks, and fermentation now takes place in stainless steel.

Cigales is northwest of Madrid, and the Cigales wine region has its own D.O. (Denominación de Origen). The Hiriart Roble is 100% Tinta del País, the local name for the Tempranillo grape. It's aged in oak for a year, to mellow the tannins a bit, then in the bottle for a year before release. There are big fruit flavors with some spice and a little oak -- a full-bodied wine for any occasion.