Spanish Tempranillo (temp-ra-knee-oh) is the most popular wine grape you’ve probably not heard of.. especially if you’ve hung close to only French or Italian varietals.
Believe it or not, Tempranillo is the 3rd most planted grape in the world behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot!
What Is Tempranillo?
Tempranillo is Spain’s noble grape; black, thick skinned, and planted at high altitudes in cool climates.
Tempranillo gets it’s name from “Temprano” which translates to “early” because it ripens 3 weeks earlier than other Spanish grapes.
Tempranillo thrives in limestone and chalky soil.
The regions best known for growing Tempranillo are Rioja and Ribero del duero in north central Spain.
Tempranillo is also called a half dozen different names in Spain including Cencibel, and is called Tinto Roriz in neighboring Portugal where it’s used in making Port.
History Of Tempranillo
Tempranillo is thought to have been brought to Spain by the Phoenicians (hailing from where modern day Lebanon is) over 2,000 years ago.
An example of evidence proving ancient wine consumption in Spain was found in 1972 when a 66 meter mosaic of the Roman God of Wine, Bacchus was found in Castile and Leon dating back to 800B.C!
Tempranillo now accounts for over 87% of Spain’s grape plantings.
The 3 Styles Of Tempranillo:
- Crianza – Aged 2 years with 6 months in oak
- Reserva – Aged 3 years with 1 year in oak
- Gran Reserva – Aged at least 5 years with 26-30 months in oak
Aromas Of Tempranillo:
- Cedar
- Leather
- Dill
- Tobacco
- Cherries
- Vanilla
- Clove
Notes On Tempranillo:
- Often Blended With Garnacha (Grenache)
- Also Blended With Syrah, Carignon, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano
- Medium Minus Acid
- Medium Plus Tannin
- 13- 14.5% Alcohol By Volume
Countries That Grow Tempranillo:
- Spain
- Portugal
- United States (The Signature Grape Of Texas!)
- Australia
- Argentina
- Mexico
Foods That Pair With Tempranillo:
- Cured Meats (Jamon Iberico de Bellota)
- Tomato Sauce Based Dishes
- BBQ (Smoked)
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mild Indian Cuisine
- Pizza
- Chinese Dim Sum
Tempranillo is slowly making it’s impression on the American palate.
In Spain there’s not a menu without it.
Fresh, fruit forward, value driven, Crianza style glasses are now available at American tapas restaurants and wine bars.
I enjoy buying a bottle of Vina Alberdi by La Rioja Alta ($22) when I head to a wine gathering or to a game day gathering to enjoy nachos and BBQ.
Gran Reserva from La Rioja Alta, Lopez de Heredia, and Vega Sicilia continue to pull in massive scores as they edge up in price every year. Experiencing one of these beauties with a few decades worth of ageing can be a life changing experience.
Enjoy this wonderfully versatile grape in all it’s forms and blends.
Drink it young for the fruit, or age it to be baffled and blown away by funky, earthy complexity that can rival great Burgundy.
Happy Exploring!
Cheers!
