Tempranillo

Shop for Tempranillo

Tempranillo, a black grape, is native to the Iberian peninsula and it dominates so many of the greatest Spanish wines. It is one of the primary grapes in such regions as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Toro. But even then, Tempranillo is flexible enough to be grown down in some of the southern regions of Spain, like Ribera Guadiana or La Mancha.

Depending on where a Tempranillo wine comes from, it could be as full-bodied as a California Cabernet or Bordeaux, or have the delicateness and sophistication of a Burgundy. The main flavors and aromas are that of dark berries (raspberries, blackberries etc.) and violets. Tempranillo is also a great grape to use in blending. In Rioja (the "Bordeaux of Spain") the grape blends perfectly with Grenache or even Graciano. In Priorat, some winemakers blend it with Syrah, or even Cabernet.

The flexibility and variety of Tempranillo wine is astonishing. If you want some adventure in your life (and wine), grab some Spanish wine with Tempranillo and enjoy all that the Iberian peninsula can offer.