Mas Buscados Tempranillo is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV red wine blending 80% Tempranillo with 20% Petit Verdot from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Scoring 90 points from Sam Kim at Wine Orbit, this oak-aged blend draws its character from dry-grown bush vines and a meticulous free-run-only winemaking approach. Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Castilla-La Mancha, Spain | 9 Months Oak Aged | Blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Petit Verdot Production & Heritage The name "Mas Buscados" translates roughly to "Most Wanted," and the wine is sourced from three growers — all named Paco — who farm dry-grown bush vine vineyards across Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. These old-method vineyards receive no irrigation, forcing roots deeper into the soil and concentrating flavors in smaller yields. After harvest, selected parcels are destemmed, crushed, and cold-soaked for up to ten days before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with selected yeast strains. Only free-run wine — the juice that drains off naturally without pressing — is retained after post-fermentation maceration, then aged for nine months in oak before blending approximately ten months after harvest. The decision to use exclusively free-run juice sets this wine apart, as it eliminates the harsher tannins that pressing can extract. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with ripe cherry and dark plum before lifting into fragrant thyme and subtle floral notes. A gentle smokiness lingers underneath, hinting at the oak influence. Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with sweet berry and spiced cherry filling the mid-palate. As the wine develops, deeper layers of dark chocolate and tobacco emerge alongside a firm but well-integrated tannic structure. Bright acidity keeps the richness in check, lending the wine an appealing vibrancy. Finish: The finish is long and dry, with lingering dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a thread of warm spice. The free-run winemaking shows here — the texture remains smooth and polished rather than astringent. How to Drink Mas Buscados This wine drinks well at a slight chill — around 16–18°C (61–64°F) — and benefits from 15–20 minutes in a wide glass to let the aromatics open fully. A Tempranillo Sangria built with brandy, citrus, and seasonal stone fruit highlights the wine's natural berry sweetness. A Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) may be unorthodox, but Mas Buscados' firm acidity and dark fruit stand up to the mix in this classic Spanish street drink. For a more refined cocktail, use it in a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange — the Petit Verdot backbone keeps the wine's structure intact even when diluted. Best For Weeknight dinners with grilled meats or roasted vegetables Introducing someone to Spanish Tempranillo beyond Rioja Casual entertaining where approachable red wine is needed by the glass Building a starter collection of oak-aged Spanish reds Frequently Asked Questions What does Mas Buscados taste like? It delivers ripe cherry, dark plum, and sweet berry flavors supported by chocolate and tobacco undertones, with bright acidity and a long dry finish. The overall impression is juicy yet structured, with a smooth texture from its free-run juice production. How does Mas Buscados compare to a typical Rioja Crianza? While both rely on Tempranillo and spend time in oak, Mas Buscados sources from dry-grown bush vines in La Mancha and blends in 20% Petit Verdot, giving it a darker fruit profile and firmer tannin backbone than most entry-level Rioja Crianza bottlings. The nine-month oak regimen is also shorter than Rioja Crianza's minimum twelve months, resulting in a more fruit-driven character. Is Mas Buscados good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balanced acidity, smooth tannins, and layered fruit make it a satisfying wine to drink neat, particularly at a light chill around 16–18°C. Where is Mas Buscados made? Mas Buscados is produced in the Castilla-La Mancha wine region of central Spain, the country's largest wine-producing area, from vineyards managed by three growers who farm traditional dry-grown bush vines. What foods pair well with Mas Buscados? Grilled lamb chops work well because the wine's smoky oak and firm tannins match charred meat. Manchego cheese mirrors its La Mancha origins and complements the dark fruit. Chorizo and cured meats echo the wine's spice notes. Roasted red pepper dishes highlight the Tempranillo's berry character. Dark chocolate desserts align with the chocolate and tobacco undertones on the palate. What sizes does Mas Buscados come in? Mas Buscados Tempranillo is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Mas Buscados worth the price? It positions as an accessible, everyday red that punches above its weight — 9 months of oak aging, free-run-only juice, and a 90-point score from Wine Orbit place it well within the value-driven tier of Spanish reds without sacrificing complexity. Why Mas Buscados? The free-run-only winemaking policy is the clearest differentiator here; by discarding pressed juice entirely, the wine avoids the harsh, grippy tannins common in similarly priced Spanish reds. The dry-grown bush vine sourcing adds concentration that irrigated vineyards rarely match, and the 80/20 Tempranillo-Petit Verdot blend brings a structural firmness unusual for La Mancha wines at this tier. With a 90-point score from Sam Kim at Wine Orbit and a Bronze medal from the International Wine Challenge, Mas Buscados has earned critical attention that validates its approach — small-lot, low-yield, minimal-intervention winemaking that delivers genuine complexity at an everyday price point.
