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The Tempranillo wine grape
has not developed the household name in the
U.S. that Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or
Pinot Noir has, yet is one of the world's fine
red grape varieties. Confusingly, it is grown
in a variety of regions under a variety of
names, although its overall worldwide
production is far smaller than its more
well-known fine red grape brethren. It is
best recognized as the backbone of the
great Spanish red, Rioja.
The
History of Tempranillo
Tempranillo is an ancient Spanish
grape variety, whose name appears in writing
dating back to the 13th century and even
previously. Tempranillo was the main grape
grown in Northern Spain for many centuries
where production was largely focused in the La
Rioja region as well as Valdapeñas.
Qualities of
the Tempranillo Grape
Clusters are very
darkly pigmented with thick skins. Tempranillo
requires warm to hot days followed by cold
nights to reach its maximum potential, and for
this reason does best at high altitudes where
nighttime temperatures can drop drastically. It
is highly susceptible to pests and disease
making it more difficult to
transplant.
Tempranillo Wine
Characteristics
Body: heavy
Tannins: medium to heavy
Acidity: medium to
low
Flavors: mix
of red and black fruit, such as strawberry
and plum, as well as earthy and herbal
notes adding complexity
Regions
Where Tempranillo is
Grown
- Spain's Rioja and
Ribera del Duero regions
- Portugal's Douro and Alentejo regions
- Popular in South and Central America,
including Chile, Argentina and even
Mexico
- Not grown in many
parts of the U.S. but there are pockets
experimenting with this varietal in California
and Oregon, as well as New Mexico and
Texas
Tempranillo Fast
Facts
- Tempranillo is
rarely bottled as a single-varietal wine.
Typically blended with Grenache, Carignan or
even Syrah, Cab and Merlot
- Bottled by regional name in Spain
('Rioja', 'Ribera del
Duero')
- In
Portugal, bottled by local varietal name
('Tinto Roriz' in Douro or 'Aragonez' in
Alentejo)
- Bottled by the traditional varietal name
outside of Spain and Portugal
- Famous Producers: Marqués de Cáceres, Vega
Sicilia,
- Some vintages can be drunk young, but
wines can also have excellent aging potential:
10 - 20 years
Tempranillo
Wine & Food Pairing
- Delicious paired
with hearty cheeses and meats, especially
those with a bit more 'gaminess' to them such
as lamb
- Easy Food and Wine pairings with
Tempranillo:
Homemade
Chouriço Sausage
Pizza
Beef Wellington
Here are some of our
favorites:
2006 Orobio Tempranillo,
Rioja
Peppery
and ripe, with fig-like flavors and a bit of
rustic earthiness in the aroma.
($18)
2001 Marqués de Cáceres,
Rioja
Reserva
Softened
with age, this wine has a creamy richness that
echoes the buttery pastry and sauce.
($20)
Next Variety:
Zinfandel Wine
Grape
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