Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a red wine varietal widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain, where the majority of this varietal is still grown today, accounting for around 80% of the world’s grapes. The name is derived from the Spanish word temprano (“early”), a reference to the fact that the grape ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes. Tempranillo, alongside Grenache, is the main grape used in Rioja and is often referred to as Spain’s noble grape.

Known for its versatility and ability to adapt to various climates, Tempranillo produces wines ranging from fresh and fruity to rich and complex. The grape has been planted throughout the globe’s wine regions, notably in Spain, Portugal, Argentina, France and Australia.

According to Forbes, Tempranillo was the world’s third-largest wine grape varietal in 2018, with an impressive 231,000 hectares under planting internationally.

Aromas

The aromatic profile of Tempranillo is enticing and layered with red and black fruits like cherry, strawberry, and blackberry. You will also find herbal notes of clove, cinnamon, sweet tobacco, and earthy leather, smoke, and cedar undertones.

Flavours

Tempranillo offers a delightful balance of fruit, spice, and earthy notes. Its primary flavours are cherry, dried fig, and plum, with secondary notes of rosemary, dill and black pepper. Tertiary Flavors of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and earthy nuances are found in aged wines.

Tannins and Body

Tempranillo has medium to high tannins, which can be firm or silky, depending on the style and age. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with a smooth and structured texture.

Cool v Warm climate

Tempranillo’s adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse climates, and its flavour, structure, and overall style differ across regions:

Cool-climate wines have tart red fruit flavours like cranberry and cherry, with fresh herbal and floral notes. Higher acidity lends freshness and vibrancy, while firmer and more prominent tannins enhance structure and ageing potential. The wines are lighter and more elegant, emphasising minerality and savoury complexity. These wines can be found in high-altitude regions like Rioja Alta, Navarra, and Ribera del Duero.

Warm-climate wines have riper and darker fruits like blackberry and plum, with pronounced spice and earthy tones. Moderate acidity results in a rounder and softer profile, while softer and smoother tannins contribute to a more approachable style. These wines are fuller-bodied, fruit-forward, and rich in texture with bold flavours. They can be found in Toro, La Mancha, and parts of Australia (Victoria and Canberra), Argentina, and California.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Tempranillo.

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