This excellent Shiraz Grenache Tempranillo is a complex and vibrant wine displaying a deep crimson hue. The bouquet exhibits savoury and ripe berry fruit fragrances, while the rich and full flavoured palate ends in a textural tannin finish.

Altos R, a boutique winery in the heart of the best terroir in Rioja, achieve an excellent balance of traditional vineyard methods combined with the latest developments in technology, allowing them to create a great range of unique modern wines. Their Crianza style (aged for at least two years) Tempranillo offers a powerful and complex nose, with notes of fresh fruits, spices, balsamic and toasted oak all perfectly integrated. The palate is structured, round, and balanced, making it an ideal companion to red meats or an assortment of cheeses.

Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill's climate is well-suited to produce one of the great red grapes of the world, tempranillo. Taking a cue from Spanish joven styles of young & fresh tempranillo, Quarry Hill's expression is fresh and bright-fruited, but guided in by the chewy skin tannin characteristic of the grape variety. The versatility of the wine means its not just for tapas or other Spanish foods, it also goes great with any grilled dishes or roast pork.

Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.

Sourced from three vineyards at Leasingham in the Clare Valley this wine is a unique blend of three varieties originating from Spain - Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Grenache. That is why we call it 'The Spaniard'.

A medium bodied, well balanced drop, with notes of plum and berries. Serafino Tempranillo is bright, fresh and elegant - great for a wintery night in!

Crafted in typical Mr Mick style, this wine has subtle French oak, smooth tannins, distinctive varietal characters of strawberries and red cherries, a hint of spice and a long lingering finish.

Upon much deliberation, our overall masked winner revealed a style and character that provided us with a fairly clear cut insight into the modern day advances of a region etched in history and tradition. Cosme Palacio consistently produces one of our favourite Riojas that always offers incredible value for money. Produced predominantly from Tempranillo grown in cool, relatively high altitude sites, this is modern Rioja that's bright and ready to go thanks to a touch of bottle age. It's medium bodied with fine tannins and juicy in the mouth. Black fruits dominate the flavour profile with some delicate cedar and earthy notes adding complexity to a delicious example from this much loved region.