Tempranillo at a glance Origin: Spain, mainly Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro and La ManchaFlavour: cherry, plum, tobacco, leather and vanillaStyle: dry, medium to full bodyAgeing: often 6 to 18 months in oakServing: 16 to 18 degrees CelsiusPairs with: grilled meat, charcuterie, tapas and pasta with tomato sauceWhat is Tempranillo? Tempranillo is a black grape from Spain. The name comes from “temprano”, the Spanish word for early, because the grape ripens weeks earlier than most other Spanish red grapes. It is the most planted red grape in Spain. Tempranillo is the basis of red Rioja and almost all red wine from Ribera del Duero.
What does Tempranillo taste like? Tempranillo tastes of red fruit such as cherry and plum, and ageing in oak adds tobacco, leather, vanilla and spice. The wine usually has mild acidity, medium to firm tannins and a medium to full body. The alcohol level is often between 13 and 14.5%.
Is Tempranillo dry? Yes, Tempranillo is almost always dry. Because of its ripe fruit, a young Tempranillo can seem a little sweeter, but it is still a dry wine.
Which Tempranillo suits you? The style of a Tempranillo depends on the region and on how long the wine ages in oak. These are the types in our range, from fruity to powerful.
Fruity and approachable The Marqués del Hueco Tempranillo is made from 100% Tempranillo from Rioja and is classic and fruity, with forest herbs and bay leaf. The Requiebro Tempranillo comes from vineyards at 1,050 metres, where cool nights keep it fresh. It ages for 12 months in French oak and tastes of red fruit, cherry liqueur and liquorice. The El Propósito is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Viura and ages for 7 months in French oak.
Rioja Crianza and Reserva The Marqués del Hueco Crianza ages for 12 months in American oak and is soft and spicy. The Marqués del Hueco Reserva ages for 18 months and is fuller, with red cherry, blackcurrant and a long finish. What these ageing levels mean is explained on our page about Rioja .
Powerful and long aged The Requiebro SO NI DO is 100% Tempranillo and ages for 14 months in French oak and then another 16 months in the bottle. It shows ripe dark fruit, balsamic, leather and liquorice. The Requiebro Gaula 0,2 Tinto is a blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Petit Verdot with dark fruit, chocolate and a velvety finish.
Old vines and single vineyards From Viticultores de Lapuebla come two Tempranillos from old vines. The 'Camino de la Torre' Tempranillo comes from a vineyard planted in 1923 at 545 metres. The 'Carrelvillar' Crianza is a single vineyard in Laguardia, planted in 1930 at 600 metres.
Tempranillo from the Sierra de Salamanca In the Sierra de Francia, Bodega La Zorra makes red wine from Tempranillo, Rufete and Garnacha. The 'Cabras Pintás' is made of 60% Tempranillo, 30% Rufete and 10% Garnacha from vines more than 60 years old. It is fresh and rustic, with sloe and candied plum. The La Vieja Zorra "La Genuina" comes from four very old vineyards and is structured, with ripe dark fruit, vanilla and fine cocoa.
Which one suits you? You like it fruity and fresh. Choose the Requiebro Tempranillo or the Marqués del Hueco Tempranillo.
You want something soft and spicy. Choose a Crianza from Rioja.
You want depth. Choose a Reserva or the Requiebro SO NI DO.
You want something special. Choose a single vineyard or a Tempranillo from the Sierra de Salamanca.
Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah? Cabernet Sauvignon usually has more tannin and tastes of blackcurrant. Merlot is softer and plummier, and Syrah is more peppery and darker. Tempranillo sits in between: red and dark fruit, mild acidity and notes of leather and tobacco. Want to taste the difference? Take a look at our wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot . Want a fruitier red grape from Spain? Try Garnacha .
Where does Tempranillo grow? Spain has most of the world’s Tempranillo. The grape also grows in Portugal, where it is called Aragonez or Tinta Roriz. These are the regions where our winemakers work.
Rioja. The best-known region for Tempranillo, in northern Spain along the Ebro. This is where Bodegas Heras Cordón makes its Rioja wines. See all wines from Rioja .
Castilla-La Mancha. Bodega Amadís de Gaula makes its Tempranillo at sites between 650 and 1,050 metres. See all wines from Castilla-La Mancha .
Sierra de Salamanca. Bodega La Zorra works in the Sierra de Francia, around the village of Mogarraz, on granite and slate. See all wines from the Sierra de Salamanca .
Ribera del Duero and Toro. In Ribera del Duero the wine is 90 to 100% Tempranillo, called Tinta del País there. In Toro the grape is called Tinta de Toro. These regions are not in our range yet, but you can already read about Ribera del Duero on our Ribera del Duero page .
What food goes with Tempranillo? A young, fruity Tempranillo goes well with tapas, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza and grilled vegetables. An oak-aged Tempranillo suits grilled meat, lamb, stews, charcuterie and aged cheese. A powerful, long-aged Tempranillo suits game and red meat.
Buy Tempranillo wine at ONWINE At ONWINE you buy Tempranillo directly from the winemaker, and on our winemakers page you can read who is behind the wine. Shipping is free from 12 bottles from the same winemaker. Not sure which Tempranillo suits you? Start with the Rioja Red Tasting Case , with six Rioja wines in which Tempranillo plays the leading role.
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Frequently asked questions about Tempranillo Is Tempranillo the same as Rioja? No. Tempranillo is a grape and Rioja is a region. Red Rioja is usually made from Tempranillo, often blended with Garnacha, Graciano or Mazuelo. Tempranillo is also grown in other regions, such as Ribera del Duero, Toro and La Mancha.
What are Tinto Fino, Tinta de Toro and Cencibel? These are other names for Tempranillo. Tinto Fino or Tinta del País is used in Ribera del Duero, Tinta de Toro in Toro and Cencibel in La Mancha, among other places. In Portugal the grape is called Aragonez or Tinta Roriz.
Is there also white or rosé Tempranillo? Yes. Tempranillo Blanco is a white variant of the grape, found in Rioja. Rosé is also made from Tempranillo. We do not have a pure Tempranillo rosé, but the Marqués del Hueco Rosado contains 20% Tempranillo, alongside Viura and Garnacha.
How long can you keep Tempranillo? A young, fruity Tempranillo is best drunk in the first few years. An oak-aged Tempranillo can often keep for five years or more, and a Reserva or a long-aged wine for longer. Store the bottles lying down, in a cool, dark place.
