Tempranillo is a very popular type of red wine grape, primarily grown in Spain. The name "Tempranillo" comes from the Spanish word "temprano," which means "early." This is in reference to the fact that the Tempranillo grape ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish grapes.
Tempranillo wines tend to exhibit a robust structure with rich, dark fruit flavors reminiscent of berries and plums, often intertwined with notes of tobacco, leather, and herb. It is characterized by a deep ruby color and is often medium to high in tannins, with a moderate level of acidity.
Tempranillo is versatile and can be used in a variety of blends. It is mostly found in Rioja wines where it is often blended with Grenache, Carignan, and other varietals. It can also be used to produce single varietal wines, which are aged in oak barrels to enhance their complexity and richness.
The grape is adaptable to various climate conditions, with the best examples usually coming from regions with a cooler climate, allowing for a slower ripening period which encourages the development of more complex flavors. Apart from Spain, Tempranillo is also planted in various wine regions around the world, including Portugal, USA (California and Texas), Australia, and South America.
