Tempranillo Wine
Central Oregon

Tempranillo is a red wine made from the grape of the same name. In the New World, it is typically labeled as such, while in its traditional growing regions of Spain, you'll more often see the region's name on the label. It's important to note that most red wines from Rioja are blends based on Tempranillo, and many exceptional reds from Ribera del Duero are made entirely from this grape.

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How to Discover the Best Wines from Spain

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Where Does Tempranillo Wine Come From?
Tempranillo is predominantly produced in Spain, where it plays a crucial role in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as in Navarra and Valdepeñas. Other areas across the northern two-thirds of the country also cultivate it. Noteworthy wines from Toro include those from Bodega Numanthia and Bodega Matsu. While Tempranillo has found some success in California, and Australia, the Pacific Northwest has surprisingly emerged as a region where this grape has thrived in the United States.

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Why Should You Drink Tempranillo Wine?
Tempranillo can achieve remarkable results both on its own and when blended with other grape varieties. Its brambly berry and spice notes shine solo and add considerable depth to blends, while also expressing the terroir and the character of the season vividly. It can be crafted into dry wines that age beautifully for decades or contribute complexity to sweet, fortified wines like Port. For example, the Sandeman 20-Year Old Tawny Port, which includes Tempranillo in its blend, is exceptional, evoking the essence of the holiday season with its sweet spice, caramel, pralines, honey-roasted almonds, walnut brittle, dried figs, and white raisins, all decadently balanced.

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Tempranillo is expected to gain importance globally in the coming decades as climate change impacts growing conditions in areas like Rioja and Central Oregon. In many warming regions, Tempranillo is likely to play an increasingly significant role, given its ability to thrive in heat.

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At the dining table, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Barbecue and grilled meats complement it well, as do game dishes. A youthful Rioja served with Spanish ham is delightful, and paired with Manchego cheese, it makes for an ideal late-afternoon snack. With an array of excellent Tempranillo-based wines from Spain, Portugal, and beyond, you can easily find a delicious bottle for under $20, though there are certainly pricier options available too.

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What Does Tempranillo Taste Like?
Tempranillo presents notes of brambly berries, cherries, and, in warmer climates and vintages, plums, balanced by sweet and occasionally woodsy spice and hints of cigar tobacco. Its tannic structure enables it to age relatively well, depending on its growth and vinification. As it ages, Tempranillo often develops more savory characteristics, such as leather, cigar humidor, and earthy elements. When aged in new oak, the classic spice notes from the barrel become more pronounced.

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Tempranillo is best served slightly above cellar temperature, as warmer wines can taste stewed or even prune-like. They are ideally enjoyed from Cabernet Sauvignon-style or universal red wine glasses, and decanting can enhance their expressiveness, allowing the underlying fruit and spice to emerge from the tannins, especially in younger wines. The finest examples maintain a sense of acidity, which keeps them fresh and able to cut through richer dishes.