Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a variety of black grape that is widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano ("early"), a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes. Tempranillo has been grown on the Iberian Peninsula since the time of Phoenician settlements. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's noble grape.

Etymology

The name Tempranillo is derived from the Spanish word temprano, which means "early". This is a reference to the fact that this grape variety ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes.

Synonyms

Tempranillo is known under a number of synonyms throughout the world, including Cencibel, Tinto Fino, Tinto del Pais, Tinto de Toro, and Ull de Llebre.

Viticulture

Tempranillo vines are very vigorous and need a lot of care to control yields. The grapes have a thick skin to withstand the intense heat of the Spanish summer, but the wines are notably low in acidity, which can lead to a lack of balance in the absence of careful winemaking.

Wine regions

Tempranillo is grown throughout Spain and is the main grape in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine regions. It is also grown in significant quantities in Portugal, where it is known as Tinta Roriz and used in the production of Port wine.

Wine styles

Tempranillo wines are ruby red in colour and have aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb. Often, the wines are aged in American oak, which contributes flavors of dill and coconut.

Food pairing

Tempranillo wines pair well with a variety of foods due to their savory nature. They are particularly well-suited to dishes with grilled meats, cured ham, and hard cheeses.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• Spanish wine
• Rioja (wine)

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  Tempranillo illustration from Viala et Vermorel
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  Tempranillo vine with grape clusters
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  Tempranillo leaf at Red Willow
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  Tempranillo
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  Tempranillo wine
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  Reserva Rioja
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  Original 1993 Tempranillo plantings at Red Willow
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  Label Ull de Llebre