About Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the noble grape variety of Spain, just like Cabernet Sauvignon is to France.

It is the most planted red wine grape in Spain and the third most planted in the world.

Tempranillo is high quality red wine grape that is grown all over Spain except in the hot South.

In Spain, Tempranillo thrives best in the cooler wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

It is known as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Cencibel in La Mancha Valdepenas and Ull de Llebre (Eye of the Hare) in Catalonia, and "Aragonez" or "Tinta Roriz" in Portugal (used in Port wine). Its spiritual home is in Rioja and Navarra where it constitutes around 70% of most red blends.

The name comes from Spanish temprano which means early" and refers to early ripening.

Young Tempranillo wine has medium color, moderate acidity, and a fine berry-like character, while aged Tempranillo often develops a sweet spicy, leather and tobacco-like flavor.

Tempranillo wines are generally softer and rounder than Bordeaux wines, but drier than Burgundy wines.

Medium acidity and moderate tannins make Tempranillo wines round and soft, with a spicy aftertaste. The wines are easy to like, and easy to pair with many types of food.

Cherries and Red and Black Berries are typical Tempranillo flavors, with hints of Herbs, Licorice, Spices, and Minerals.

Terroir

Tempranillo loves calcareous clay soils but performs well also in limestone, chalck and iron rich ones. It performs best in "La Rioja" and "Ribeira del Duero" in Spain.

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Spanish Tempranillo DO Regions

Rioja was the first Spanish region to be awarded DOCa status (1991).

Rioja wines are normally a blend of various grapes. A typical blend consists of 65% to 85% Tempranillo and up to 20% Garnacha.

Rioja Joven Less than one year in Oak.	60-80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha
Rioja Crianza DOCa Min 24 months aging. One year in Oak.	60-80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha
Rioja Reserva DOCa Min 36 months aging. One year in Oak.	60-80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha
Rioja Grand Reserva DOCa Min 60 months aging. Two years in Oak.	60-80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha
Ribera del Duero DO	90-100% Tempranillo
Toro DO	90-100% Tinta de Toro