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Tempranillo
(te-prah-NEE-yoh)
Synonyms:
Tempranillo, Tinto Fino, Cencibel, Tinto del Pais, Tinto de Toro, Ull de Liebre (Spain); Tinta Roriz, Tinta Aragonez (Portugal); Tempranilla (Argentina )
Wine Name:
Tempranillo, Rioja and many different producer brand names from Rioja, Ribero del Duero, Toro, Castilla-La Mancha, Valdepeñas, and Navarra in Spain and Douro in Portugal
Background:
Tempranillo is to Spain what Cabernet Sauvignon is to California. Tempranillo grapes are used to produce the great red Spanish Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines and dry red wines of the Douro in Portugal. Sometimes the wines are pure Tempranillo and sometimes they are blended with other grapes. The grapes can make wines of different styles from light and fruity to full-bodied, fine wines with great tannins. Tempranillo usually tastes of spicy plum, blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry when young, and coffee, tobacco and mineral as they age. In cooler climates, Tempranillo usually makes a low acid wine (the opposite of what most grapes do) that takes well to oak aging. Most often, American oak is used for the aging. Acidity can range from low to high and tannins can range from soft to harsh.
Classic Brands and Sources:
Abadia Retuerta, Artadi, Allende, Bodegas Roda, Muga, Palacio, Montecastro, Alejandro Fernandez, Emilio Moro and many other Spanish producers in Toro, Rioja, Ribera del Duero ; Portugal - Cortes de Cima, Quinta dos Caravalhais, Quinta do Vale da Raposa
Characteristics:
| Style | Body | Acidity | Sweetness | Tannins |
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young
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medium (-)
to medium
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medium
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dry
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medium
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aged 5+yr
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medium
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medium (-)
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dry
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medium (-)
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Wine and food pairing guidelines:
Tempranillo wines generally pair better with more savory, herbed dishes rather than acidic dishes
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
Game, duck, lamb, sausages both savory and spiced, smoked ham, grilled and roasted meats especially with herbs, paella, cheese based pasta, root vegetables and beans
Cheese Pairings:
American, Colby, Mild cheddar, Velveeta, Double Glouchester (similar to mild cheddar), Fontina, Gouda, Mahon, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Roncal, Serena, Triple Creme, St André, Zamarano (Spanish sheep's milk cheese), Brie and Camembert (without rinds)
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Tempranillo at Plonk Wine Merchants
Tempranillo at Wikipedia
Tempranillo at WinePro
What is your Favorite Brand of this Wine?
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