Pagos de Tahola 2020
Classic Movie Pairing
Baby Doll (1956)Since Tempranillo grapes ripen early and make a vibrant and fruit-forward wine at a young age, enjoy it with young Carroll Baker’s first leading performance. She’s a revelation in this controversial Tennessee Williams adaptation, depicting a young woman married off while still a teenager to a failed businessman (Karl Malden) and who openly flirts with rival factory supervisor Eli Wallach (in his screen debut). Just as the wine gets mellower over time, Baby Doll has only increased in estimation since the days of the Hollywood Production Code.
The Wine
Rioja is Spain’s most famous region, loved for its perfectly mature, barrel-aged reds. But it’s also known for juicy smooth, fruit-forward reds like this classic from Ruth Chavarri (below), the second generation of her family to produce wine here. Showcasing Rioja’s officially ‘Very Good’ 2020 vintage, Ruth’s tinto release won a silver medal from France’s prestigious Gilbert & Gaillard guide. Look out for a perfect balance of acidity, ripe tannins and deliciously deep, fruity flavor—all hallmarks of fine young Rioja. Enjoy alongside Spanish-inspired classics like lamb or paella.
The Grape
Tempranillo makes some of Spain’s (and the world’s) greatest reds. From the word temprano (‘early’), it ripens before most other red grapes, especially in warm, sunny climates. Dark and thick skinned, it’s made to be barrel aged—typically in American oak (for a vanilla-rich complexity), though some winemakers prefer more subtly spicy French barrels. Either way— the longer the aging, the more mellow the wine.
The Region
A 19-mile valley bordering the Sierra Cantabria mountains and the mighty rivers Ebro and Oja (‘Rio Oja’), Rioja has been producing wine since Roman times. But it was only in the late 1800s that the Rioja wine we know and love began to emerge. The catalyst: the arrival of winemakers from Bordeaux, who helped introduced the art of barrel aging. Today, it’s Spain’s premier wine region.
With Food
A 19-mile valley bordering the Sierra Cantabria mountains and the mighty rivers Ebro and Oja (‘Rio Oja’), Rioja has been producing wine since Roman times. But it was only in the late 1800s that the Rioja wine we know and love began to emerge. The catalyst: the arrival of winemakers from Bordeaux, who helped introduced the art of barrel aging. Today, it’s Spain’s premier wine region.
What's Not to Love?
TCM Wine Club brings the magic of movies and wine together - all delivered right to your door. Your first case includes 12 delicious wines from around the world expertly paired with the classic films you love on TCM. Plus, enjoy our 3 BONUS CLASSIC MOVIE WINES!