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 Tempranillo is not only the Spanish wine grape but is also one of the grapes of the world. Its name comes from the Spanish word temprano, which means early, and refers to its tendency to ripen earlier than other grape varieties. Tempranillo is found in most Spanish wine regions although it can be known by different names in different areas, such as tinto fino or tinto de pais in Ribero del Duero and cencibel in La Mancha. In Catalonia it is called ull de llebre or hares eye which is a perfect description of the shape and colour of this attractive looking grape.
Tempranillo produces wines that can be young and fruity or elegant and aged. The taste depends on where the wine was made but there are few better wine bargains than a joven tempranillo served slightly chilled. It is also a grape that can benefit from blending with other varieties.
This happens most famously in La Rioja where tempranillo is often blended with garnacha, graciano or mazuelo in varying proportions. On the other hand, in Ribero del Duero most wines are not blended and are 100% tinto fino/tinto de pais, i.e. tempranillo! Interestingly, the world famous Vega Sicilia is a blended wine but tempranillo constitutes a very large proportion (about 85%).
While Rioja and Ribera del Duero are more well-known Spanish wine regions it is well worth trying tempranillo wines from other areas where the quality/price ratio can be excellent, for example La Mancha. This grape invariably makes good wines and rarely disappoints.
This Article on Sweet Spanish Wine was written by Steve Bannell of Alegria Wines. Telephone 0034 626 469 154
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