Tempranillo
Classic aromas of Tempranillo are: Red Plum, Raspberry Jam, Strawberry, Black Cherry, Blackberry and Vanilla Bean
Tempranillo is a red grape variety from Spain. It is the grape behind the fantastic wines of Ribera del Duero and Rioja, and has been planted in these regions since the 13th century.
Spain is the home to the world’s majority of Tempranillo with over 206,988ha – making it the most planted red grape. It is found all over Spain – more than any other grape. Tempranillo, locally known as Tinta Fina, is responsible for the countries cheapest wines made for supermarkets as well as the absolute best wines.
After Spain the major home is Portugal who use Tempranillo – aka Tinta Roriz. Portugal has 17,000ha of it spread across the Douro – a leading grape in the Port wine blends, and Dao and Alentejo. In the Port blend Tinta Roriz helps to add body and colour.
France also has a fair amount of Tempranillo, 766ha, spread across the south of France where it is blended in with many red grapes. As does California, which is has 387ha planted across the Central Coast with some premium examples produced in Napa.
Argentina also has 6,568h mostly spread across Mendoza, here it makes a bunch of very cheap varietal wines as an alternative to Malbec. Australia is also having some success with Tempranillo – in the very hot regions of Riverina and Riverland. In total Australia has 385ha but this will most likely grow as it continues to show excellent results.
Tempranillo makes wines with marked tannins and a moderate acidity. It has flavours of black cherries, blackberries, strawberry, raspberry jam and red plum flavours. As it develops it will give flavours of baking spices, leather, tobacco, vanilla bean and toasted bread.