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Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a versatile and widely planted red wine grape variety. Originating in Spain, it is grown in many wine regions around the world and is known for its rustic, earthy character and medium to full-bodied wines.

Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile

Tempranillo grapes tend to be deep-coloured with a thick skin, making them mostly resistant to botrytis bunch rot. They have a moderate sugar content and low to moderate acidity. On the nose, Tempranillo wines often present aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, they tend to be medium-bodied with flavours of red and black fruits, herbs, tobacco, earth, and spice.

Fresh Tempranillo grapes on the vine

Regional Features & Food Pairings

Tempranillo is widely planted in Spain, where it is also known as Tinto Fino, as well as in Portugal, where it is known as Tinta Roriz. It is also grown in other parts of Europe, South America and Australia. Tempranillo is a hardy grape variety that is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Yields range from medium to high according to the site and soil type. It is often blended with other varieties, such as Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon and is used in a variety of styles, from light and fruity to full-bodied and tannic. In Spain, Tempranillo is typically blended with other varieties to produce Rioja, Ribera del Duero and other regional styles. In Portugal, it is blended with Touriga Nacional to produce Port and Douro wines. In the New World, Tempranillo is often vinified on its own and can produce wines with intense fruit flavours and well-integrated oak. Tempranillo wines pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, stews, and cheeses. They also pair well with tomato-based dishes, as the tannins and acidity can help to cut through the richness of the sauce.

Foods to pair with Tempranillo:

Pasta
Pizza
Deep fried
Beef
Game
Sausage
Smoky
Light meat
Salad
Fun Fact about Tempranillo
As of 2018, Tempranillo is the third most planted grape variety in the world. World wide 231.000 hectares of vineyards are planted with Tempranillo, of which 203.000 hectares are found in Spain.

Top Wines with Tempranillo

Bottle of Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva from search results

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva

Marqués de Riscal

User Rating:
4.1
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Expert Rating:
4.0
Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva is a highly regarded wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from the renowned Rioja region in Spain, this wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features include ideal soil composition and optimal sun exposure, resulting in grapes with excellent flavor and balance. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques combined with modern innovations, resulting in a wine that beautifully captures the essence of Rioja. Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva is known for its elegant and complex style, with notes of ripe fruit, spice, and oak seamlessly integrated. It is a wine that truly exemplifies the artistry and quality of Rioja winemaking.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Lamb
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$18.99
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7 Vintages Available
Bottle of Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja from search results

Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja

Ramón Bilbao

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja is a well-balanced, medium-bodied red wine from Spain’s Rioja region. It has an inviting nose of ripe red fruit, earthy spices and subtle notes of leather. On the palate, the wine is soft and smooth, with pleasant notes of red fruit, mixed spices and a hint of oak. The finish is long and lingering with a pleasant hint of pepper. Overall, this is a well-rounded, pleasing wine that is perfect for sipping on it's own or pairing with grilled meats or pasta dishes.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
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$34.95
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3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Bodegas Faustino I Gran Reserva from search results

Bodegas Faustino I Gran Reserva

Bodegas Faustino

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.8
This renowned Spanish red from the Rioja region is a classic Gran Reserva from Bodegas Faustino I. The blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes creates an intense nose of blackberries, cassis, and a hint of roasted coffee. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry jam and warm spices, as well as a long finish of dark chocolate and smoky oak. An ideal accompaniment to roast beef, grilled steak, or a rich cheese plate.
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Food Pairing:
Vegetable
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Cheese
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$27.99
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7 Vintages Available
Bottle of Cune (CVNE) Crianza from search results

Cune (CVNE) Crianza

Cune (CVNE)

User Rating:
3.6
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Cune (CVNE) Crianza is a premium red wine crafted by the renowned Spanish winery Cune (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España). Hailing from the renowned Rioja appellation in Spain, this wine is made from carefully selected Tempranillo grapes grown in the winery's vineyards, which boast a combination of clay and limestone soils. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques such as fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in American oak barrels, followed by bottle aging. The result is a wine with a classic Rioja style, characterized by its red fruit flavors, vanilla notes from oak aging, and balanced tannins. Cune (CVNE) Crianza is a fine example of the winery's commitment to quality and tradition, making it a sought-after choice for wine lovers who appreciate Spanish red wines with depth and complexity.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Cheese
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$32.99
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4 Vintages Available
Bottle of La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva from search results

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva

La Rioja Alta

User Rating:
4.4
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is a stunning Spanish Tempranillo blend that is aged for four years in American and French oak barrels. On the nose, it has intense aromas of ripe cherries, sweet spices, licorice, and leather. On the palate, it has a dense, velvet texture with ripe tannins and a long, lingering finish. The complexity of flavors such as blackberries, currants, tobacco, and cloves make this a truly delightful, and elegant wine.
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Food Pairing:
Cheese
Pasta
Vegetable
Pork
Beef
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$35.99
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7 Vintages Available