In the most northwesterly corner of Rioja, the flatter land starts rising up into soaring mountains. It's here you'll find the start of the Rioja Alta vineyards – a fine enclave of Spain’s greatest region. There extra altitude freshens as well as ripens grapes slowly to full flavoured perfection. Since most Riojas blend grapes from across the region you almost never see Rioja Alta on labels. In fact, there are only two villages permitted to add it. In one you'll find Juan Antonio Leza’s family winery, the cellar behind Castillo de Epifania. Every grape comes from their sleepy Rioja Alta village. Full of silky dark fruit and strawberry, with a kiss of oak, this red has a delicious 'drink me' style, lovely on its own or with tasty tapas.

A subtle rendition of this popular Spanish variety, showing enticing aromas of red fruits, with a savoury edge. Nicely svelte palate of bright fruit, soft tannins and bright acidity on the finish. Light and smooth and the perfect accompaniment for anything char-grilled.

This Adelaide Hills Tempranillo was selected from a single vineyard in Macclesfield in the southern hills. It was handcrafted to produce a wine portraying the uniquely high elevation, red earth, crisp mornings and the warmth of autumn colours. Brooding dark fruits with ripe plums are integrated with a mild oak spice and hints of wild mint. A perfect accompaniment to a grazing platter on an mild Autumn afternoon.

Tempranillo is one of Spain’s most elegant and food-friendly wines. A VC exclusive, McW Alternis Tempranillo, from Gundagai in NSW is a celebration of youth with vibrant aromas of violets and red summer berries while generous dark cherry, pomegranate and blackcurrant flavours enliven the palate.

The one hundred year flood rose field blend was made from varieties salvaged from the high part of the vineyard (the island) during the 2017 flood. Lifted aromatic pomegrantate and rose petal notes enhance a palate of wild cherry and rhubard. A hint of residual sugar adds generosity to the mouthfeel

The grapes used to craft Bremerton Tempranillo/Graciano were fermented in open top vessels and matured in French as well as American oak barriques. The resulting wine shows a lively red colour, with hints of purple highlighting the edges. This enticing red blend offers a vibrant bouquet and juicy palate filled with dark rose, berry, spice and floral characters. These lush elements are supported by the structural acid as well as natural and elegant tannins, to culminate in a delightful and lingering finale. Crafted to age gracefully over time, this wonderful blend tastes amazing with Spanish cuisine as well as sheep milk cheeses.

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.