A Spanish wine enthusiast once confided to me, "I'm so tired of Tempranillo. Maybe it's different for North Americans, but here in Spain, it's everywhere." Indeed, Tempranillo seems to be the most ubiquitous Spanish grape and, from the southern La Mancha to the northern Ribera del Duero (not to be confused with Duoro in Portugal), there are few places in the country where Tempranillo can't be found. It is the main grape varietal of Rioja, where it is used in the entire gamut of the region's wines, from Joven to Gran Reserva. Tempranillo sold as Joven (young) wine is often fruity and easy to drink, whereas Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas spend progressively more time in barrells (a minimum of 18 months in oak for Gran Reserva wines), making them more tannic and aggressive.

Tempranillo usually has an attractive ruby-red colour, making it a great wine for a romantic occasion. It has aromas of berries, plums, tobacco and even leather. In hotter climates, it is often used to produce 'rustic' wines, which have intense earthy flavours and deep red colours. When put in oak, Tempranillo wines often develop strong tannins and vanilla or spice flavours, particularly if the oak is 'toasted' (heated over an open fire). Young and unoaked Tempranillo wines can be drunk on their own or paired with beef, pork, or even chicken, while older, oaked Temrpanillos are best left for steaks, wild game, lamb or stew. Whether you're serving a formal dinner for twelve or just opening up a bottle to accompany a chilly winter evening, Tempranillo is unlikely to disappoint.
The Short Version:
Names: Tinta Roriz, ValdepeƱas, Tinta Fina, Tinta del Pais.
Flavour Profile (Oaked): Earthy, with vanilla and spices and a strong tannins.
Flavour Profile (Unoaked): Fruity, with aromas of berries, plums and leather.
Best-Known Regions: Spain, Portugal, California, Australia
Price Range: $10-$70
Food Pairings: Chicken, pork, beef, steak, stew
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