What is a Tempranillo wine?

The Tempranillo grape, known as “Tinta del País” in Ribera del Duero, has become the ideal raw material for producing exceptional wines thanks to its unique characteristics and flavor. Here, we describe the essential features of Tempranillo wine.

Tempranillo: Much more than a red grape variety

Ribera del Duero red wine delights the palate primarily due to this grape variety, which stands out for several reasons:

The name “Tempranillo” derives from the word temprano (early), as it is the earliest ripening grape variety. The vineyard’s growth cycle begins after the spring frosts and ends with the harvest, just before the autumn frosts. In Ribera del Duero, where the climate is the harshest in Spain, this frost-free cycle is nearly four weeks shorter than in other regions. This makes Tempranillo the grape that best adapts to the area. Its local name, Tinta del País, reflects its status as the most widely planted variety in Spain.

Like all grape varieties, Tempranillo requires sunlight for proper ripening. However, its unique traits make it less suited to excessive heat and sunlight, positioning Ribera del Duero as the ideal region to maximize its potential.

To qualify as Ribera del Duero wine, wineries must use at least 75% Tempranillo. This variety also pairs well with small proportions of other grapes like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Interestingly, many wineries use Tempranillo for over 90% of their final blends.

Characteristics of the Tempranillo grape

• Versatility:
  This grape can produce all types of wine, from young and vibrant to crianzas, reservas, and even gran reservas, as well as signature wines or Blanc de Noirs. Depending on maceration times, fermentation temperatures, and other factors, the resulting wine can have varying aging potential and bottle evolution. Regardless of the style, Tempranillo wines are always intriguing.
• Color:
  Tempranillo is known for its rich, intense color. Young wines display purplish hues, while as they age, they take on reddish or garnet tones, always with remarkable brilliance that makes them visually appealing.
• Flavor:
  In young wines, you’ll often detect hintsof forest fruits and soft fruity notes. With aging, flavors reminiscent of leather emerge. A longer time in the barrel, coupled with proper bottle aging, leads to a smoother aftertaste.
• Aroma:
  Tempranillo wines offer a bouquet that ranges from strawberry, plum, and red or black fruits to wildflowers and violets. With proper aging, the aromas evolve into notes of licorice, cocoa, vanilla, coconut, or chocolate. If you concentrate while tasting, you may even detect a hint of Chinese ink, a sign of its mineral qualities.

Tempranillo: A Symphony of aromas

• Perfect pairing with oak:
  Oak barrels enhance Tempranillo’s wilder nuances while complementing its soft, delicate nature with subtle woody flavors.
• Tasting profile:
  Tempranillo wines have a smooth entry on the palate, particularly when aged in bottles. The initial sip often reveals a pleasant bitterness from polished tannins. As the wine develops on the palate, you’ll experience refined acidity alongside sweet and savory notes, leaving you eager for another sip.

Origins of the Tempranillo grape

The Tempranillo grape is a cross between La Benedicto and Albillo Mayor, the latter widely grown in La Rioja. La Benedicto is still cultivated in Aragón. From the fusion of these two varieties emerged a red grape that is now grown across Spain to produce wines in numerous designations of origin.

Curiously, while Tempranillo is Spain’s most widely cultivated grape, it is also gaining popularity in other countries like Mexico and Australia. Vilified in the 16th century, it is now rightly celebrated as a magnificent grape, often blended with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

Pairing Tempranillo wine

The fruity flavor with a touch of bitterness makes Tempranillo wines a favorite for pairing with red meats and game dishes.

A glass of Pradorey Origen pairs wonderfully with a mild cheese like Cheddar or Havarti. For stronger cheeses like blue cheese, try it with a glass of Finca La Mina.

Roast lamb is an excellent companion for a bottle of Finca Real Sitio de Ventosilla, an exceptional reserva that enhances the dish’s flavors.

To ensure the perfect pairing, consider these suggestions:

• Cold cuts, mild cheeses, and canned goods: Young wines and crianzas.
• Blue cheeses, red meats, and game: Reserva or gran reserva wines.
• Versatile dishes: Semi-crianzas or signature wines that complement the dish without overpowering it.

The secret behind Tempranillo

While its characteristics and pairings make it special, Tempranillo’s true secret lies in its environment. The Duero River’s humidity gives the grape an exceptional juiciness that directly impacts the wine’s flavor.

Tempranillo wines tend to have moderate alcohol content and balanced acidity, offering a smooth, approachable taste. Unlike other robust wines, Tempranillo wines from Ribera del Duero enhance rather than overpower food, making them an excellent choice for any recipe.

A testament to excellence

Tempranillo has earned its reputation as one of the finest grape varieties for producing exceptional wines. We hope this has helped you learn more about this iconic red grape. Perhaps now you’re ready to enjoy a glass of Ribera del Duero wine to experience it firsthand. Pair it with one of the suggested dishes above, and savor a memorable tasting experience.