Tempranillo

Tempranillo is Spain’s most internationally recognised red grape variety and the foundation of many of the country’s greatest wines. It reaches particularly distinguished expressions in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where differences in altitude, climate and ageing traditions create remarkably diverse styles.

The grape typically combines flavours of red and dark cherry, plum and blackberry with notes of herbs, spice and tobacco. With oak ageing, Tempranillo can develop characteristic aromas of cedar, vanilla, leather and dried fruit, while retaining the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin that gives the finest examples considerable ageing potential.

Tempranillo adapts particularly well to Spain’s continental conditions. In the high-altitude vineyards of Ribera del Duero it can produce concentrated, powerful wines with firm structure, while Rioja is renowned for expressions ranging from vibrant and fruit-driven to complex, traditionally matured wines.

Known locally by names including Tinto Fino, Tinta del País and Cencibel, Tempranillo is grown across much of Spain and has become one of the defining varieties of Spanish wine. Its combination of structure, versatility and ability to express both terroir and maturation makes Tempranillo one of the world’s important red wine grapes.