Mesta Organic Tempranillo 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Juicy, Unoaked & Savoury

A vibrant, juicy Tempranillo that keeps things fresh and medium-bodied, with no oak weight. You’ll get expressive red berries first, then that distinctly Spanish lift of rosemary and a touch of liquorice. The palate is fresh and persistent, with a round texture and a satisfyingly dry finish that makes it ridiculously versatile at the table.

Highlights

• Certified organic + vegan-suitable
• Unoaked Tempranillo: red berry, rosemary and liquorice detail
• Round texture with a clean, satisfyingly dry finish
• Made for tapas, grilled meat and pasta nights
• 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby in the glass, with well-defined aromas of red berries, rosemary and a touch of liquorice. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied, with a round, velvety feel and excellent persistence through the finish. It lands satisfyingly dry, making it a brilliant food wine rather than a “sip-only” red.

Winemaking

This is made in an unoaked style to keep Tempranillo’s red-fruit character and herbal lift front and centre. The focus is on purity and freshness, so you get vibrancy and texture without heaviness.

Vineyard & Vintage

Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in central Spain, where warm days build flavour and cool nights help retain natural acidity. That day–night swing helps the wine stay juicy and fresh, even at medium body.

Why We Love It

It’s the kind of red you can open with almost anything—tapas, pasta, grilled meat, or a tray-bake—because it’s juicy and generous but still finishes dry and tidy. It also hits that sweet spot for weeknights: flavourful, no oak fuss, and very easy to pair.

Food Pairing

Tempranillo loves smoky, savoury flavours and anything with paprika, tomato, garlic and herbs.

Try matching this wine with →

• Spanish meatballs (albóndigas) — Find a Recipe
• Chorizo and chickpea stew — Find a Recipe
• Chargrilled lamb chops — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Tapas night at home—olives, roasted peppers, a platter situation—and a red that feels lively rather than heavy. Bonus: it’s great slightly chilled if the kitchen’s warm.

Cellaring

Drink now for juicy fruit and herbal lift, or over the next 2–4 years as it settles into a more savoury groove. Once opened, re-cork and keep in the fridge; aim to finish within 1–2 days.

Producer

Mesta (Fontana Bodegas & Viñedos) works with organically farmed vineyards in central Spain, including high-altitude sites that help preserve freshness. The range is known for clean, varietal wines that feel vibrant and food-friendly—especially in these unoaked styles.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this style, these are worth adding to your next mixed dozen:

• Same producer, floral, crisp rosé — Mesta Organic Tempranillo Rose 2023
• Same producer, fennel-and-pepper white — Mesta Organic Verdejo 2023
• An Aussie Tempranillo with cherry and cocoa notes — Mount Avoca Tempranillo 2021

FAQ

What does Mesta Organic Tempranillo taste like?

Red berries with a rosemary lift and a touch of liquorice. It’s vibrant and juicy, with a round texture and a satisfyingly dry finish.

Is it oaky?

No—this is an unoaked style, so it’s all about fruit purity, freshness and that herbal Tempranillo character rather than vanilla oak.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. It may taste juicy, but the finish is clean and satisfyingly dry.

Is it organic and vegan?

Yes. It’s certified organic and labelled vegan suitable.

What foods does it pair best with?

Tapas, grilled meats, tomato-based pasta, chorizo dishes, roast veg and paprika-forward flavours.

Should I chill it?

A light chill (10–15 minutes in the fridge) works beautifully, especially in warmer weather—it keeps the fruit bright and the finish snappy.

How long will it last after opening?

Re-cork and refrigerate; it’s best within 1–2 days while the fruit stays fresh.

Who will love it?

If you like medium-bodied reds that are juicy but still finish dry (and you enjoy a hint of herbs and liquorice), this is a weeknight-friendly Tempranillo you’ll reach for often.

(SKU: ME_TEM_CV)