tem-prah-nee-yoh
Undoubtedly, Spain’s most popular and significant grape, Tempranillo produces full bodied red wines plenty of tannin and acidity. Planted across Spain, Tempranillo is most associated with Rioja. The name “Tempranillo” literally translates to “little early one,” because it ripens earlier than the other major Spanish variety, Garnacha.
Tempranillo is integral to nearly all red wines produced in Spain’s key regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The grape is often blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes to make a more full-bodied wine. Ageing the wine in new American and French oak has also given it a new identity.
around the world
Beyond Spain, Tempranillo has also thrived in neighbouring Portugal where Duoro Valley grows and nurtures the grape and calls its Tinta Roriz. The New World has fancied itself to make a distinct expression. California and South Australia make a substantially bigger version of Tempranillo though it still remains a work in progress. A few Indian wineries in Nashik have also crushed and barrel aged some batches of Tempranillo.
Tastes Like
Vintage Tempranillo on the nose presents a charming bouquet of violets and red fruit and flavours of cherries and figs with superlative weight, leading to a lovely tannic finish.
On the palate
A vintage Tempranillo tastes of generous helpings of plum and cherry with savoury touches of tobacco and bold tannins that linger.
Pairing Recommendations
Tempranillo is a delectably food friendly wine given its classical balance of hearty ripe fruit and spicy tones, bright acidity and firm tannins. Anything from grilled vegetables and meats to Tex Mex fare like burritos and tacos and comfort favourites including pizzas and pastas will do just fine with Tempranillo.
The Spanish themselves love pairing their Tempranillo with an assortment of tapas (small plates) of cured meats and veggies. Tempranillo’s juicy acidity can also slice through the spice barrier of curries and gravies with ample weight to match their richness.
key styles
The classic Rioja Tempranillo is medium to full bodied with intense colour and ripe fruit. The style however depends on the classification which is state regulated, it’s taken very seriously. So Crianza stipulates two years of aging including a minimum six months under oak. Reserva denotes three years of aging of which one has been spent in barrel and then there’s Gran Reserva which winemakers reserve their best batch of wine for, aging wines for at least five years including 18 months barrel maturing.
