World Famous Grapes
Tempranillo
(Tinto Fino / Tinta de Toro)
Tempranillo is the most planted red grape variety in Spain.
It is the grape behind the success of the Rioja wines.
Tinta de Toro is the name used in the Toro region in central Spain.
Tempranillo Aromas
Aromas of ripe red and black fruits is Tempranillo's hallmark, with hints of herbs, licorice, anise, and minerals. Young Tempranillo offers flavours of cherry, plum, tomato and dried fig.
 Red Cherry |
 Black Cherry |
 Tomato |
 Blackberry |
 Plum |
 Fig |
 Herbs |
 Licorice |
Tertiary Flavors from Aging
Oak aging imparts sweet vanilla, coconut and spicy notes such as cloves and cinnamon.
 Vanilla |
 Coconut |
 Cloves |
 Cinnamon |
Tempranillo Profile
Medium acidity and moderate tannins make Tempranillo wines tasty, easy to like and easy to pair with many types of food. The balance of fruit, spice, and earthy flavors makes Tempranillo a favorite for many.
| BODY: | Medium |
| TANNINS: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL: | 13-14 % ABV |
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Sugar: 3 g/l Serving temperature: 15-16°C (59-61°F) Reserva 16-18°C (61-64°F) |
Tempranillo Food Pairing
Tempranillo is perfect with Lamb and Pork. It is also perfect with Filet Mignon, but lacks the tannins for a fat Beef.
Young Tempranillo pairs well with both Spicy and Tomato based dishes.
 Tapas |
 Ham |
 Chorizo |
 Chili |
 Pasta |
 Pizza |
 Lasagna |
 Hamburger |
 Chicken |
 Rabbit |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
Excellent Pairings
Tapas. Olives. Cold Cuts. Chorizo.
Pizza. Spaghetti. Lasagna.
Casseroles. Tomato Based Meatballs.
Savory Stews. Moroccan Tagine.
Roasted Meat. Lamb. Pork. Poultry.
Red Pepper Dishes.
Tacos. Nachos. Burritos.
Spanish Specialities:
Paella.
Chili con Carne.
The Ideal Glass for Tempranillo
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
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About Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the noble grape variety of Spain, just like Cabernet Sauvignon is to France.
Tempranillo is the most planted red wine grape in Spain.
Tempranillo is the third most planted grape in the world.
In Spain, Tempranillo thrives best in the cooler wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
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.
Synonyms
Tempranillo is also called "Ull de Llebre" (means Eye of the Hare), "Cencibel", "Tinta del Pais", "Tinta de Toro", Tinta Fina" in Spain, and "Aragonez" or "Tinta Roriz" in Portugal (used in Port wine).
Terroir
Tempranillo loves calcareous clay soils but performs well also in limestone, chalck and iron rich ones.
The better performance in the world is in "La Rioja" and "Ribeira del Duero", Spain.
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% Tempranillo |