Tempranillo

1. What It Is

Tempranillo is a black grape used to make many of Spain’s most famous red wines.
It grows mostly in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Toro, and is known for smooth tannins and rich fruit flavours.

2. What It Tastes Like

Common flavours:

• Cherry
• Plum
• Strawberry
• Vanilla and spice (from oak)
• Leather and tobacco when aged

3. Where It’s Grown

• Rioja: elegant, fruity reds
• Ribera del Duero: fuller, darker, more powerful
• Toro: very strong, ripe reds
• La Mancha/Valdepeñas: softer, easy-drinking styles
• Portugal: called Tinta Roriz or Aragonez

4. Wine Styles

• Joven: fresh, fruity, little oak
• Crianza: some oak ageing
• Reserva: deeper flavour, more barrel ageing
• Gran Reserva: long ageing, complex and smooth

5. Summary

Tempranillo makes red wines that can be young and fruity or rich and long-aged.
It is Spain’s most important black grape and produces wines enjoyed all over the world.