mitrobe‘Tempranillo‘ is derived from the Spanish term ‘Temprano‘, which means “early,” because the grape ripes sooner than other grapes native to Spain. It is a dark grape that is used to produce red wines. Interestingly, the wine processed from this grape is also referred to as the Tempranillo red wine.
Native to Portugal and Spain, the tempranillo wine has grown popular, especially in Spain. The wine sourced from this grape is used to make different varieties of red wine.
This post highlights all the important things you need to know about the tempranillo red wine.
Tempranillo Grape: Cultivation
The tempranillo grape is the main raw material used in producing Tempranillo red wine and its various flavours.
The tempranillo grape thrives well in areas of humid climate and high altitudes. It is estimated that 88% of the world’s tempranillo is cultivated in Spain and the remaining percentage in Portugal. Also, it is the most cultivated wine grape in the world and the 8th most cultivated in the world.
However, in the last few decades, the tempranillo grape has spread widely worldwide. Many more countries are planting the grape; this was largely due to the discovery that the grape can also thrive outside the Rioja regions of Spain.
A dive into the tempranillo red wine world
As earlier mentioned, the tempranillo wine is extracted from the tempranillo grape indigent to Spain and Portugal. It is a red wine variety that can be blended with other grapes to produce different wine flavours.
Although tempranillo is an aromatic red wine, it possesses a unique feature because it is neutral, making it easy to blend with other wine varietals.
In terms of colour, the tempranillo wine has a dark red colour with tobacco, cherry, and plum flavours and aromas. It is very rare to find the tempranillo red wine as a single blend because it is mostly used to blend with other wine varietals.
Tempranillo grape is mixed with Graciano, Grenache, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon due to its low acidity and sugar content. Blending tempranillo becomes more brith when mixed with Carignan.
Tempranillo is the primary consitutuent of traditional Rioja mixes, in more than 80% of Ribera Duero wines. In North America, Tempranillo is blended with Grenache and Shiraz, called Syrah. Tempranillo is a very important raw material in manufacturing Portugal’s Port wines.
Tempranillo Taste
Cherry, dried fig, cedar, and tobacco are common dominating tastes. The tastes of tempranillo change with age, providing luscious fruit notes and intensity. Beautiful vintages have richer, darker berry aromas, dried leaves, and the distinctive leather qualities of tempranillo.
Tempranillo is well-known for its pairing with Spanish red meats and ham. It is also an adaptable wine that pairs well with roasted vegetables, smoked pig or sausages, seasoned grains, and rich tomato pasta.
What to Look out for in a Tempranillo
When purchasing Spanish Tempranillo, it’s important to understand the labelling standards and how they impact the flavour. Most bottles of Spanish wine have legal ageing terms marked on them.
Vin Joven: Although seldom aged in oak, Vin Jovens are released young and intended to be drunk immediately. Outside of Spain, they are unusual.
Crianza: This variety needs two years to the age, including six months in oak. Producers have always used American oak, which is significantly stronger than other oak varieties.
Reserva: These are reds that have been matured for three years, with one year in wood.
Popular Tempranillo Wine Producers
Some of the popular manufacturers of Tempranillo wine and flavours include:
Bodegas Vega Sicilia is a wine manufacturer with its base in Ribera. The company was founded in 1864, and since then, it has gained wide prominence in the world of wineries. The famous Álvarez family held the company before it was sold in 1990.
Bodegas Vega Sicilia produces several luxury wine brands, including tempranillo wines. The average cost of its wine ranges from $400 to $2000. The most popular tempranillo wine produced by this manufacturer is the Unico. The Unico red wine is the most popular red wine produced by this company. The Unico red wine is allowed to age for 15 years, which explains why it is very expensive.
The Bodegas Emilio Moro is another tempranillo red wine manufacturer that is native to the Pesquera de Duero, Valladolid area in Spain. It produces several variteies of tempranilllo wines wholly or as a blend. Some of the most popular tempranillo brands produced by this manufacturer include Finca Resalso, Emilio Moro and Polvorete.
Viña Otano is a popular tempranillo winery located in the rioja region of spain. The Viña Otano
Produced great red wines such as Reserva Vina Otano, . Viña Otano has a 14% alcohol content.
Baigorri is a winery located in the Rioja area famous for being the home of Tempranillo grapes and wines. The winery was founded in 2005, and since then, it has been performing well in tempranillo wine production. Tempranillo Grenache Red Viura is the most popular wine varietal produced by Baigorri.
Facts about Tempranillo wine
- They are the most cultivated grape in Spain and the 8th most cultivated globally.
- It is very rare to find tempranillo as a single blend. Tempranillo wines are majorly used as a blend or flavour with other wines.
- The Rioja region of Spain is where 80% of the Tempranillos are cultivated.
- Tempranillo is the most popular grape in France.
- The cultivation of Tempranillo in California began in 1905. Frederic Bioletti is the pioneer cultivator of Tempranillo in California.
- Tempranillo has more than 30 name variations depending on the cultivated region.
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James steller