Tempranillo
30 grapes — a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Grape Information
The greatest and most famous varietal of Spain where it is grown in many regions under almost as many synonyms. Tempranillo ripens well ahead of its frequent blending partner Grenache (Temprano in Spanish means early) and has only low to medium levels of alcohol, an advantage under the hot Spanish sun. Tempranillo gained fame in the late 1800s when several of the famous Bordeaux Châteaus looked to Spain for grapes after the louse phylloxera had destroyed their vines. Tempranillo takes well to both oak and bottle aging, and the better examples can be extraordinarily long-lived. Often it is blended with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, and various other varietals. Look for flavors and aromas of dried cherries, spices, black currants and a wide range of earthy components such as dust, tobacco and black olives.
Spain is synonomous with Tempranillo, though many wine lovers are unaware of this because of its numerous and confusing aliases. The best and most famous regions are Rioja and Ribera del Duero (where it is known as Tinto Fino and Tinto del Pais) but fine examples can be found from Toro (as Tinta de Toro), Valdepeñas (Cencibel), and the Penedes (Ojo de Llebre and Ull de Llebre). Portugal has taken to Tempranillo with a dash or two included in most Port recipes as well as in many still reds from the Duoro where it is known as Tinta Roriz. Further south in the Dão it is known as Tinta Aragonez and Arauxa. Tempranillo can also be found in Argentina, France (in the Languedoc) and the United States.
Grape Color
Black
