Tempranillo; the robust grape
“The connoisseur does not drinks wine but tastes its secrets.” – Salvador Dali
The basics
Nestled within the sun-kissed vineyards of Spain, Tempranillo stands as a regal and revered grape, weaving a tapestry of history, flavor, and cultural richness. This iconic varietal, indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula, has emerged as a symbol of Spain’s winemaking prowess and a global favourite among wine enthusiasts. With each sip, Tempranillo invites us on a sensory journey, offering a harmonious blend of robust character, elegant nuances, and a distinct Spanish terroir.
Tempranillo’s roots run deep, tracing back centuries in Spain’s winemaking heritage. Its name is derived from the Spanish word “temprano,” meaning early, alluding to its characteristic early ripening. This resilience to the Spanish sun and ability to thrive in arid climates have made Tempranillo a cornerstone of renowned Spanish wine regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero. As we explore this grape, we unravel a narrative woven into the very fabric of Spain’s winemaking traditions.
The allure of Tempranillo lies in its captivating flavor profile. From the deep crimson hues to the aromatic bouquet, this grape offers a medley of dark fruit notes—cherries, plums, and blackberries—that dance on the palate. As the wine ages, and with its influence of oft American oak, it may reveal subtle layers of vanilla, leather, and tobacco, creating a symphony of flavours that captivate both the novice and seasoned wine connoisseur.
Is Tempranillo the same as Rioja?
One might assume that Tempranillo and Rioja are synonymous, given the prominence of Tempranillo in the renowned Spanish wine region of Rioja. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuanced relationship between these two terms. Tempranillo is a grape variety, while Rioja is a specific wine region in Spain. Tempranillo, often referred to as Spain’s noble grape, is the predominant varietal used in crafting Rioja wines, contributing to their distinctive character.
Tempranillo thrives in various regions across Spain, it is in Rioja that Tempranillo truly takes the spotlight. Known for its versatility, Tempranillo showcases a spectrum of expressions, ranging from young and vibrant Joven wines to the more complex and aged Reservas and Gran Reservas, each highlighting the grape’s diverse characteristics.
Rioja, situated in northern Spain, is globally acclaimed for its exceptional wines, predominantly crafted from Tempranillo. Rioja wines often feature a blend of Tempranillo with other grape varieties such as Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The Rioja region is further divided into three sub-regions—Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental—each contributing unique elements to the final wines. The aging process, influenced by the traditional classification of Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, also imparts distinct characteristics to Rioja wines, showcasing the elegance and aging potential of Tempranillo in this specific terroir.
In essence, Tempranillo is the grape variety, and Rioja is the esteemed wine region where the grape shines brightly. The synergy between Tempranillo and Rioja is a testament to the grape’s adaptability and the region’s winemaking heritage.
Where does Tempranillo grow?
The Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain, is the birthplace and epicenter of Tempranillo cultivation. The grape thrives in the warm, arid climates of regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, and Priorat. Here, Tempranillo expresses its full spectrum, ranging from the youthful and fruit-forward Joven wines to the more structured and aged Reservas and Gran Reservas.
Beyond Spain, Tempranillo has journeyed to different corners of the globe, embracing new terroirs and captivating wine enthusiasts. In Portugal, the grape is known as Tinta Roriz and plays a crucial role in the production of Port wines. In regions like Australia, Argentina, and the United States (particularly in California and Texas), Tempranillo has been embraced for its ability to produce wines with unique character and a touch of Iberian charm.
The distinct terroir of each region imparts specific characteristics to Tempranillo wines. From the dusty earthiness of Rioja to the bold fruit-forward expressions in Australia’s McLaren Vale, Tempranillo showcases its versatility in adapting to various climates and soils. The grape’s ability to convey terroir nuances makes it a fascinating subject for exploration, allowing wine enthusiasts to experience the diversity of Tempranillo across different continents.
Which countries produce Tempranillo?
Spain
Rioja Alta, Alavesa & Oriental
Ribero del Douro
The Rioja region, nestled in the heart of Spain, is a mosaic of diverse terroirs, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines crafted within. Rioja is divided into three sub-regions—Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental—each marked by unique climatic influences, soil compositions, and winemaking traditions, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavours and styles.
- Rioja Alta – Rioja Alta, characterised by its higher altitude and Atlantic climate influence, stands as a testament to the region’s pursuit of elegance and finesse. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in this sub-region contribute to longer growing seasons, allowing the Tempranillo grapes to ripen slowly, developing complex flavours. Wines from Rioja Alta often showcase a delicate balance between acidity and fruitiness, with pronounced notes of red berries, vanilla, and subtle hints of spice. The extended oak aging common in Rioja Alta imparts a refined structure, making these wines ideal candidates for extended bottle aging.
- Rioja Alavesa – Nestled against the Cantabrian Mountains, Rioja Alavesa benefits from a continental climate and calcareous soils. The Tempranillo vines here thrive in the diverse microclimates created by the varying altitudes. Wines from Rioja Alavesa are known for their expressive character, often exhibiting a vibrant acidity, pronounced aromatics, and a distinctive mineral edge. The red clay and limestone soils contribute to the elegance of the wines, with Tempranillo expressing itself in a more aromatic and nuanced manner. Rioja Alavesa is celebrated for producing some of Rioja’s most approachable and age-worthy Tempranillo wines.
- Rioja Oriental – Formerly known as Rioja Baja, Rioja Oriental is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, characterized by warmer temperatures and less rainfall. This sub-region is known for its bold and full-bodied Tempranillo wines. The warmth of the climate allows the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in wines with rich, dark fruit flavours, lower acidity, and a velvety texture. The Garnacha grape also plays a significant role in Rioja Oriental, contributing to the region’s distinct style. Rioja Oriental offers a departure from the more traditional Rioja expressions, presenting wines with a sun-kissed intensity and a lush, fruit-driven profile.
Portugal
Douro Valley
Dão
In Portugal, the grape known as Tinta Roriz takes center stage, offering a unique perspective on Tempranillo’s character under the influence of the country’s terroir and winemaking traditions. Known for its versatility and adaptability, Tinta Roriz thrives in various Portuguese regions, contributing to an array of wines that showcase the grape’s distinct personality.
Tinta Roriz, also known as Aragonez, is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in Portugal. Its roots trace back to the Iberian Peninsula, where it shares a familial connection with Spain’s Tempranillo. However, in Portugal, Tinta Roriz exhibits its own unique expression, reflecting the influence of the country’s climate, soils, and winemaking techniques.
Portugal’s diverse climates, from the cooler Atlantic-influenced regions to the warmer interior areas, provide Tinta Roriz with a range of growing conditions. In the Douro Valley, a renowned wine region, Tinta Roriz plays a crucial role in the production of both fortified Port wines and table wines. The grape’s adaptability to different terroirs allows it to express itself in various ways—from fresh and aromatic in the cooler climates to bold and robust in the warmer, inland areas.
The wines crafted from Tinta Roriz in Portugal display a rich and complex flavor profile. Commonly, they feature dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, often accompanied by subtle spice notes. Tinta Roriz wines can vary widely in style, from youthful and fruit-forward expressions to more structured and age-worthy renditions, especially in the context of traditional Portuguese winemaking.
Beyond the Douro Valley, Tinta Roriz is cultivated in other Portuguese regions such as Dão and Lisboa, where winemakers leverage its versatility to create a diverse range of still red wines. The grape’s ability to adapt to different terroirs allows for regional variations, each contributing to the broader narrative of Portuguese winemaking.
Australia
McLaren Vale
Barossa Valley
Heathcote
Tempranillo has found a welcoming home in various wine regions across Australia, where winemakers are exploring its potential and crafting wines that showcase the grape’s unique characteristics. Tempranillo from this region will exhibit ripe fruit flavours and balanced acidity.
As Australian winemakers continue to explore and experiment with different grape varieties, Tempranillo is gaining recognition as a promising and exciting addition to the diverse range of wines produced across the continent. The adaptability of Tempranillo to various climates and soil types allows for a wide spectrum of expressions, making it an intriguing grape in the Australian winemaking landscape.
Food pairings for Tempranillo
Tempranillo’s versatility allows it to pair with a wide range of foods. Its medium to full body, balanced acidity, and fruit-forward profile make it a go-to choice for diverse culinary experiences, enhancing the enjoyment of both the wine and the meal.
Spanish paella
The diverse flavours of a classic paella, with its combination of seafood, chicken, and saffron-infused rice, find resonance with Tempranillo’s versatility. The wine’s medium to full body can stand up to the varied ingredients, while its acidity enhances the overall dining experience.
Pair with: Tempranillo wines from the Rioja Alta region.
Spanish tapas
Tempranillo’s Spanish roots make it a natural companion for traditional Spanish tapas. The wine’s fruitiness and structure complement the smoky, salty, and savoury characteristics of cured meats and cheeses.
Pair with: Tempranillo wines from Ribero Del Douro
Hard cheeses (e.g. Manchego or aged Cheddars)
The tannins in Tempranillo interact with the proteins in hard cheeses, creating a delightful pairing that enhances the flavours of both. The wine’s fruitiness complements the richness of the cheese.
Pair with: Wines from the Rioja Alavesa or Rioja Oriental regions
Grilled meats (especially lamb or beef)
Tempranillo’s robust tannins and dark fruit flavours complement the rich, savoury notes of grilled meats. The wine’s acidity also helps cut through the fat, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances both the food and wine.
Pair with: Tempranillo wines from Australia – especially the McLaren Vale