When Spanish icon wines are mentioned, one name usually comes to mind—Tempranillo. For centuries, this grape has been the centerpiece of Spanish winemaking, yielding full-bodied and rich wines that have gained popularity globally. So what is Tempranillo wine, and why is it held in such high regard by wine enthusiasts?
In this guide, we'll take a simple and clear look at Tempranillo—its history, how it tastes, the regions it comes from, and how to enjoy it. Whether you're new to wine or already have a favorite bottle, Tempranillo has something to offer.
Tempranillo is a Spanish red grape primarily sourced from the country. Its origin is Spanish for "temprano" or "early," as it ripens in advance of all other grapes there. Tempranillo has a reputation for producing medium-bodied to full wines with a smooth flavor, sometimes consumed young or aged.
What is Tempranillo wine precisely? It's a wine that is normally dry, soft, and packed with luscious flavors such as cherry, plum, tomato, and leather. Some even liken it to wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon or Sangiovese but with its own special Spanish flavor.
Tempranillo is the primary grape found in well-known wines such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero, but it's also cultivated in Portugal (where it's referred to as Tinta Roriz), Argentina, and even in certain areas of the United States.
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Tempranillo has been cultivated in Spain for more than 2,000 years. Historians tend to believe the grape was introduced by the Phoenicians in approximately 1100 BC. Throughout history, the grape variety developed into one of the most heavily planted grape varieties in Spain.
In Rioja, some of the finest Tempranillo wines are produced, and the grape became popular due to French winemakers who had arrived in Spain in the 19th century. They introduced the grape to new winemaking methods, including oak barrels, which significantly improved the flavor and aging abilities of Tempranillo.
Now, Tempranillo is Spain's iconic grape and is involved in producing Spain's best-known wines.
So, what does Tempranillo taste like? That depends on where it's grown and how it's made, but there are a few classic flavors you'll often notice:
Youthful Tempranillo wines are lighter and fruitier, with mature ones (known as Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva in Spain) possessing fuller flavors such as dried fruit, spices, and earthy overtones. It has a generally smooth texture and moderate acidity and tannins, which facilitates its pairing with various foods.
Spain remains Tempranillo's homeland, although the grape is planted extensively throughout the globe. Let's examine a few of the most important regions:
This is the most renowned area for the Spanish wine Tempranillo. Rioja wines are typically blends, but Tempranillo takes center stage. Here, the grape produces refined and age-worthy wines. The labeling system in Rioja (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) indicates how long the wine has been aged.
Situated north of Madrid, this area yields richer and more intense Tempranillo wines. The cool nights and high altitude ensure that acidity is retained, contributing to the strong structure and full flavor of the wines.
Toro wines are dark, rich, and full-bodied. They tend to be high in alcohol and fruit flavors with a deep intensity.
In Portugal, Tempranillo is referred to as Tinta Roriz and appears in dry red wines as well as Port. It provides structure and body to the wines.
Tempranillo is currently being cultivated in California, Texas, and some regions of Oregon. Though not as well known as the Spanish offerings, some winemakers in the United States are making excellent samples. Argentina and Australia are also experimenting with this grape with very encouraging results.
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Wish to try some of the best Tempranillo wines? Start with a few of these fine bottles, featuring a balance of young and older styles:
This is an easy-drinking, traditional Rioja with plum, vanilla, and spice flavors. Aged to perfection, this is an ideal introduction to the style.
Elegant and balanced, this Rioja Reserva features dark fruit and oak complexity.
A more full-bodied, intense wine with dark cherry and tobacco flavors. Excellent with grilled meats.
Intense and powerful, this bottle is a testament to the Toro region's Tempranillo power.
A contemporary interpretation of Tempranillo, with luscious fruit flavors and silky tannins. Highly food-friendly.
Trying various bottles is the way to find out which Tempranillo tastes you like—fruity and youthful or full-bodied and mature.
One of the greatest aspects of Tempranillo wines is how well they complement food. Due to their balanced acidity and earthy tones, they accompany a variety of dishes.
Here are some excellent pairings:
When opening a younger Tempranillo, serve it with light foods such as roast chicken or cured meats. For older, aged ones, serve with robust foods like steak or stews.
To enjoy your Spanish wine Tempranillo to the fullest, just heed these easy tips:
Serve at a temperature slightly less than room temperature (about 60-65°F or 16-18°C)
Most Tempranillo wines are aged to be long-lived, particularly those that bear the Reserva or Gran Reserva labels. But many are great young wines, too, so don't feel obliged to wait unless you don't mind.
Tempranillo is often called Spain's noble grape, and for good reason. It's versatile, flavorful, and approachable. Whether you're sipping a simple bottle on a weeknight or opening a special aged Rioja, Tempranillo offers a wide range of experiences.
For novices, it's a simple red to sip without having to know a lot about wine. For experienced drinkers, its depth and aging capabilities provide something to discover. And for those wondering what Tempranillo wine is, the answer is straightforward: it's a genuine expression of Spanish heritage, climate, and winemaking passion.
Tempranillo is one of the unique grapes that is able to express both elegance and power in the same bottle. Tempranillo often plays well with Garnacha when found in Rioja wines; adding even more enjoyment to Spain's wonderful winemaking landscape.
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Whether you're just starting your wine journey or looking to expand your palate, exploring Tempranillo wines is surely a rewarding experience. With its mix of juicy fruit, earthy notes, and food-friendly structure, it's no wonder this grape has stood the test of time.
Experiment with a Rioja for refinement, Ribera del Duero for richness, or Toro for power. Be sure to play with food pairings and serving techniques to find out how much this wine has to give.
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