Tinta de Toro

Tinta de Toro is a grape strain of the Spanish Tempranillo. Toro is a hot and humid region of Spain, so the grape ripens quite quickly and produces dark, full-bodied wines. The wine has to be made of at least 75% Tinta de Toro and can have Garnacha added to it, though most winemakers make it as a single varietal wine.

The history of Tinta de Toro dates back to Roman times. After the plague of phylloxera in the middle of the 19th century, the scenery of European vineyards was quite dark, with some grapevines going extinct. Fortunately for Tinta de Toro lovers, the grape’s survived.

While the region is generally warm, the grape is resistant to winter ice, with early maturation. The severe climate, alongside the dry and stone soils, provide a graceful strength and elegance to grapes. Did you know that Tinta de Toro was Christopher Columbus’ go-to wine during his trip to America?

These days, the grape Tinta de Toro has its own appellation, DO Toro. These Spanish red wines are loved for their intense ruby colour, delicate berry aromas, mild acidity and balance.

If you’d like to try the wine, buy Tinta de Toro at the ZYN retail liquor store in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or shop online at ZYN.ca!