If you’re a fan of full-bodied red wines, you’ve got to check out Tempranillo. Also known as Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, Tinto Fino, and Tinta del Pais in Spain, as well as Aragonez and Tinta Roriz in Portugal, this black grape variety is a major player in the world of wine.
Tempranillo got its name from the Spanish word “temprano,” which means “early,” because it ripens a few weeks earlier than other Spanish red grapes. It has a long history in Spain, dating back to the time of Phoenician settlements, and is the main grape used in the famous Rioja wines.
But it’s not just Spain that’s in on the Tempranillo action. This grape is planted all over the world’s wine regions, making it the fourth most widely planted wine grape variety worldwide in 2015.
One cool thing about Tempranillo is its versatility. While it may not have the intense aromas of other red wine varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot noir, it’s a great team player. It’s often blended with other grapes like Grenache and Carignan, and it loves to soak up the flavors of oak barrels during aging.
When it comes to flavor, expect to taste plum and strawberries in your glass of Tempranillo. And if you’re wondering about the best soil for growing this grape, it thrives in chalky vineyard soils, like those in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region.
So, whether you’re sipping on a glass of Rioja or trying a Portuguese port wine made with Tinta Roriz and Aragonez, you can thank Tempranillo for its delicious contribution to the world of red wine.
Unveiling the Mystery: The True Origins of Tempranillo Revealed!
Discover the fascinating history of Tempranillo and its journey from Spain to the rest of the world. In 2012, it was revealed that Tempranillo is actually a natural cross between Albillo Mayor and a forgotten grape variety called Benedicto, debunking the previous belief that it was related to Pinot noir. Although the name “Tempranillo” is only found in scattered references during the Roman era, its cultivation in Spain is deeply rooted in history, dating back over 2,000 years. The grape also made its way to the Western Hemisphere in the 17th century, introduced by Spanish Conquistadors to Argentina.
Despite facing challenges and rejection in the past, Tempranillo has experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, with a new wave of Spanish growers leading the way in producing high-quality wines. This has led to an increase in the production of Tempranillo varietal wines, particularly in cooler Spanish regions like Ribera del Duero, Navarra, and Penedès. The surge in popularity of Tempranillo has also led to significant plantations in Australia and South Africa. Tempranillo has indeed come a long way from its humble origins, making its mark in the global wine industry.
The Resilience of Tempranillo: How This Black Grape Fights Off Pests and Diseases
Let’s talk about Tempranillo, a black grape with a thick skin that’s perfect for making some seriously elegant red wines. This grape thrives in both high altitudes and warmer climates, making it a versatile and resilient option for winemakers.
In Spain, the Ribera del Duero region is the prime spot for growing Tempranillo, thanks to its cool climate and high altitude. The grape handles the continental Mediterranean weather like a champ, withstanding the hot days and dramatic temperature drops at night.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Tempranillo. Pests and diseases can be a problem, and the grape’s susceptibility to weather changes, especially swelling in humid conditions, can impact the quality of the wine.
When it comes to flavor, this grape hits the sweet spot with its compact, deep blue-black fruit and colorless pulp. And if that’s not enough, the Tempranillo roots absorb potassium easily, contributing to the wine’s ideal pH levels and overall quality.
So if you’re a red wine lover looking to explore new flavors, Tempranillo might just be your next go-to choice. With its ability to produce elegant and complex wines, it’s definitely worth adding to your list of must-try varietals.
From Rioja to Ribera del Duero: Exploring the Diversity of Tempranillo Wines
If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of Tempranillo wines, here’s what you need to know. Tempranillo wines are known for their vibrant ruby red color and can pack a punch with aromas and flavors like berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather, and herb. And did you know that this grape often takes center stage, making up as much as 90% of a blend? It’s true!
While Tempranillo is commonly blended with other grapes like Grenache, Carignan, Graciano, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it also stands strong as a single varietal wine. When blended with Carignan, you can expect a brighter, more acidic wine. In fact, Tempranillo is the star of the show in the typical Rioja blends and makes up a whopping 90-100% of Ribera del Duero wines.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Down under in Australia, Tempranillo gets cozy with Grenache and Shiraz (also known as Syrah), while in Portugal, it’s known as Tinta Roriz and plays a major role in producing some Port wines. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re already a red wine aficionado, Tempranillo is a grape you’ll definitely want to get to know. Cheers to discovering your new favorite wine!
Penedès: Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Tempranillo in Spain
Spain
Did you know that 87% of the world’s Tempranillo is grown in Spain? This makes it the most planted red grape variety in the country, with the two major regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero leading the way. From the cooler north to the warmer south in Andalusia, Tempranillo thrives in Spain’s diverse climate. With local synonyms like “Cencibel” and “Tinto Fino,” this grape has deep roots in Spanish winemaking. You can also find Tempranillo in other regions such as Penedès, Navarra, and Valdepeñas.
Portugal
Don’t overlook Portugal when it comes to Tempranillo. This grape also plays a role in Portugal’s wine production, particularly in the central Alentejo and Douro regions. In Alentejo, it’s known as Aragonez and used in red table wine blends, while in Douro, it goes by the name Tinta Roriz and is mainly used in the production of port wine.
So, if you’re a beginner or intermediate red wine lover looking to explore the world of Tempranillo, these regions in Spain and Portugal are where you’ll want to focus your attention. Cheers to discovering new flavors in these exciting wine regions!
Discover the New World Production of Tempranillo!
Did you know that Tempranillo, the classic Spanish grape variety, has made its way to the New World? In California, Texas, Oregon, Australia, and even Thailand, winemakers are growing and producing this beloved red wine grape.
California is using Tempranillo for fine wines in Napa and Monterey, while Texas has embraced it as the state’s signature grape. In Oregon, the climate seems to be perfect for the grape, and it has been well received in places like the Umpqua Valley AVA.
In Australia, Tempranillo is grown in regions like McLaren Vale, and it has also made its way to North East Victoria. The varietal has even been introduced in Thailand. And let’s not forget Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, where Tempranillo is extensively grown.
Even Washington State has jumped on the Tempranillo train, with Red Willow Vineyard pioneering its commercial planting in 1993.
So, if you’re a beginner or intermediate red wine lover, it’s time to expand your horizons and try some New World Tempranillo!