Vina Zaco Tempranillo

Vina Zaco Tempranillo is a 100% Tempranillo red wine from Rioja Alta, Spain, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from a single vineyard that earned the coveted Viñedo Singular distinction — the first in Haro to receive this qualification from the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin — this bottling has earned scores of 93/100 for its 2020 vintage and Gold at The Global Masters for the 2019 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Rioja Alta, Spain  |  100% Tempranillo  |  Producer: Bodegas Bilbaínas

Production & Heritage

Bodegas Bilbaínas, based in the historic wine town of Haro in Rioja Alta, produces Viña Zaco from a singular hillside vineyard situated along a meander of the Ebro River. The deep, sandy soils studded with alluvial pebbles give the fruit a distinctive mineral-driven character that separates it from other Rioja Tempranillos. The grapes undergo cold pre-maceration followed by fermentation at a controlled 75°F (24°C) with approximately two weeks of skin contact, then spend six to twelve months in new American oak — a flexible aging approach that avoids adhering to the rigid Crianza or Reserva classification protocols, allowing the winemaker to prioritize the vineyard's expression over bureaucratic timelines.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Perfumed floral notes — violets and lilacs — emerge first, followed by ripe black cherry and licorice. Swirling draws out toasty oak, a whiff of bacon, and subtle tobacco leaf beneath a layer of dried herbs.

Taste: The entry is generous and fruit-forward, with ripe dark berry and black cherry arriving immediately on the palate. Mid-palate, spicy licorice and cinnamon build alongside a creamy vanilla character from the American oak. The body is robust and structured, with round, well-integrated tannins that give the wine real grip without harshness.

Finish: Medium-to-long, with lingering balsamic nuances, a thread of sweet spice, and a final echo of violets. The tannins hold steady through the close, leaving a dry, satisfying resolution.

How to Drink Viña Zaco

This wine shows best at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time; a brief decant opens the floral aromatics considerably. It also stands up well as the red wine base in several classic preparations:

• Sangria: The ripe fruit and spice profile practically builds the cocktail's backbone — add citrus, brandy, and a touch of sweetness.
• Kalimotxo: A Basque Country classic that pairs equal parts red wine and cola; Viña Zaco's robust tannins and dark fruit keep it from tasting diluted.
• Mulled Wine: The existing cinnamon and licorice notes complement traditional mulling spices naturally, requiring less added sweetener.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats or roasted vegetables where a reliable, expressive Rioja is needed
• Introducing someone to Spanish Tempranillo with a wine that balances oak influence and fruit purity
• Building a case of everyday Rioja that punches well above its weight class
• Pairing alongside a Spanish charcuterie board at a dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Viña Zaco taste like? Viña Zaco delivers ripe black cherry and dark berry fruit layered with licorice, vanilla, and cinnamon spice, all framed by round tannins and floral violet notes. The American oak aging adds a creamy, toasty quality without overwhelming the fruit.

How does Viña Zaco compare to Marqués de Cáceres Crianza? Both are 100% Tempranillo Riojas at similar price points, but Viña Zaco relies on new American oak for a spicier, more overtly toasty profile, while Marqués de Cáceres Crianza uses a mix of American and French oak for a slightly more restrained character. Viña Zaco also benefits from its Viñedo Singular vineyard designation, emphasizing single-site terroir rather than blended regional fruit.

Is Viña Zaco good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its generous fruit, balanced tannins, and aromatic complexity make it a satisfying wine to drink by itself, especially with a brief decant at cellar temperature.

Where is Viña Zaco made? Viña Zaco is produced by Bodegas Bilbaínas in Haro, a town in the Rioja Alta sub-region of northern Spain. The grapes come from a hillside vineyard along a meander of the Ebro River, on deep sandy soils with alluvial pebbles.

What foods pair well with Viña Zaco? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky oak and spice; chorizo and Manchego highlight its fruit and round tannins; slow-braised short ribs mirror its robust body; roasted red pepper dishes echo its balsamic nuances; and aged hard cheeses like Idiazábal draw out the toasty vanilla finish.

What sizes does Viña Zaco come in? Viña Zaco Tempranillo is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Viña Zaco worth the price? Viña Zaco positions as an entry-level to mid-range Rioja that consistently scores 92–93 points across recent vintages, placing it among the strongest values in the category for wines carrying a single-vineyard pedigree.

Why Viña Zaco?

The Viñedo Singular designation is the headline: this was the first vineyard in Haro to earn that recognition from the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, a classification that certifies exceptional terroir and viticultural practices at the individual plot level. That distinction, paired with a run of 92–93 point scores from 2017 through 2020 and Gold recognition at The Global Masters, demonstrates vintage-to-vintage reliability that many entry-level Riojas cannot match. The sandy, pebble-strewn soils along the Ebro give the wine a textural and aromatic profile that stands apart from the clay-dominant Riojas found elsewhere in the appellation. For drinkers who want single-vineyard specificity without a Reserva or Gran Reserva price tag, Viña Zaco fills that gap convincingly.