Toro is a Spanish wine region located in Castile and León, around the eponymous city in Zamora. The region mostly produces red wines from Tinta de Toro—the local variant of Tempranillo that is different from those cultivated in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
The grape produces excellent wines that are usually full-bodied, rich, potent, and concentrated. Compared to Rioja, red wines from Toro are darker, more tannic, and typically have higher alcohol content. They easily reach 15% ABV, but ideally, they would have around 13%.
The wines may slightly differ in character—depending on the age and the terroir—from slightly lighter, fruit-forward styles to intense examples that are typically associated with the region. They spend some time in oak and often have spice, toffee, or leather notes. Read more
Although Tinta de Toro reigns in the region, Garnacha is also common and mostly used in blends. White wines are also allowed and produced, but the region is primarily oriented towards reds and rosés. Depending on the age, the wines can be labeled as Crianza (aged for six months in oak), Reserva (minimum of twelve months in oak), and Gran Reserva (a minimum of eighteen months in oak).
As the wines can be quite versatile, they pair well with various dishes, including sausages, rice dishes, red meat, game, and mushrooms.
