Have you ever tasted a warm red wine made from the Tempranillo grape variety? If not, you are about to discover one of the most iconic varieties in the wine world. This grape is indeed the basis of some of the best Spanish wines !
Through this article, we will explore its history, the appellations associated with it, and the food and wine pairings to adopt with this variety. Ready to learn more? Happy reading!
History and Origins of Tempranillo
The Tempranillo has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, where it holds an essential place in the history of viticulture.Its name, derived from the Spanish " temprano " meaning " early ", refers to the earliness of its maturation.
Although the exact origins of Tempranillo are still debated among historians and ampelographers, modern genetic research would confirm that it is the result of a cross between the Albillo Mayor and Benedicto varieties.
Furthermore, while some theories suggest that this grape variety originated in the Rioja region, other evidence suggests that Tempranillo actually comes from Castilla e León, a vast region located in the Northwest of Spain.
From a historical perspective, writings dating from the 12th century prove that the grape variety was known as early as the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, the fame of Tempranillo greatly solidified from the 19th century onwards, particularly in Rioja, where it quickly stood out as the dominant grape variety. During this period, the wine region experienced a true revolution, with the adoption of new winemaking techniques, notably aging in oak barrels, a technique borrowed from the Bordelais.
Soon after, the wine region of Ribera del Duero followed suit and made Tempranillo its flagship grape, offering structured and intense wines, renowned for their ability to age well.
Gradually, other Spanish regions like Navarre and Catalonia also began to cultivate the grape variety.
Today, Tempranillo represents nearly 20% of the vineyards in Spain, covering more than 200 000 hectares ! After Airén, Tempranillo is the most planted grape variety in the country. Outside of Spain, the variety can be found in Portugal, California, Australia, and Argentina.
It is worth noting that many synonyms exist for it, such as Tinta Roriz (Portugal), Cencibel (Mancha), Tinta del País (Ribera del Duero), and Tinta de Toro (Toro region).
Traditions and celebrations: the harvest festival in Rioja
Where is Tempranillo cultivated?
As mentioned, Tempranillo is the king grape variety in Spain.Nevertheless, its presence does not stop at the Iberian borders. Let's take a more detailed tour of the different vineyards where it is present.
La Rioja
The region of Rioja, located in the north of Spain, is certainly the most famous for the cultivation of Tempranillo. With its distinct sub-regions (Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja), this great vineyard offers a diversity of climates and soils giving rise to a variety of wines, ranging from young and fruity cuvées to complex and long-aged crus matured in oak barrels.
Here, Tempranillo covers 78% of the local vineyard area and must represent at least 85% of the blends, which can be complemented with Grenache noir (Garnacha tinta), Carignan (locally called Mazuelo) or Graciano.
Ribera del Duero
About 200 kilometers west of Rioja, Tempranillo also thrives within the Ribera del Duero. The Tinto Fino, as it is called here, indeed prospers under a very marked continental climate offering arid and hot summers as well as harsh winters.
Just like in Rioja, the wines here are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them complex aromas of black fruits, leather, and tobacco. Some of Spain's most prestigious wines come from this region.
For a red wine from Ribera del Duero, the Tempranillo grape must represent at least 75% of the blend. The rest can be complemented by the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. Other varieties like Albillo or Grenache Noir can also be used.
Vineyard within the DO Ribera del Duero
In the rest of the world
Finally, Tempranillo is not limited to Spain.In Portugal, the Tinta Roriz, as it is called here, is notably used in Port wines.
The variety has also been successfully exported to Argentina and to California. Finally, other countries like Australia or Mexico are also experimenting with Tempranillo.
The characteristics of the Tempranillo grape variety
The Tempranillo grapes are compact and medium-sized with thick skin, offering good resistance to diseases. This tannin-rich skin also contributes to the wine's structure, resulting in well-structured wines with balanced acidity.
Let's now delve into the other characteristics of our beautiful variety.
Aromas and Flavors
Tempranillo is renowned for its aromas of red and black fruits such as cherry, strawberry, and sometimes plum. With age, notes of fig, coffee, and leather appear, enriching its aromatic palette. Young wines are fruity and refreshing, while those aged in oak barrels acquire woody nuances of vanilla, tobacco, and even chocolate.
In summary, it is a grape variety offering the possibility of being enjoyed in simple and pleasant cuvées but also capable of offering great complex and intense aging wines.
Terroir and climate
Tempranillo thrives particularly in continental climates, where summers are hot and winters are cold.
The clay and limestone soils are also ideal for promoting optimal ripeness of the grape variety. Furthermore, although it is naturally early-ripening, it adapts perfectly to regions with shorter seasons, making it a versatile grape variety, capable of thriving in diverse conditions.
What to eat with Tempranillo?
Wines made from Tempranillo can pair with a multitude of dishes.Here are some ideas to whet your appetite !
Red meats and grills
Tempranillo wines pair perfectly with grilled red meats like a juicy steak, lamb chops, or a delicious rib roast.
The powerful tannins and spicy aromas of the variety indeed brilliantly highlight the richness of these dishes.
Grilled rib of beef and Tempranillo: an obvious pairing
Tapas and charcuterie
When you think of Spain, you think of tapas! Young wines made from Tempranillo are indeed ideal companions for plates of charcuterie, aged cheeses, and olives.
The fruitiness and moderate tannins of this type of wine pair wonderfully with these appetizers.
Paella
And why not a paella? A glass of Tempranillo will perfectly complement this iconic Spanish dish.
However, prefer the chicken and chorizo version over the seafood one! The Tempranillo will then deliciously balance the spicy and saffron flavors of this generous dish.
We hope these pairings will inspire you to enhance your meals! And don't forget, to appreciate all the subtleties of Tempranillo, remember to serve your wine between 16 and 18°C.
Gourmet Paella and Tempranillo: the harmony of Iberian traditions
The best wines from the Tempranillo grape variety
After exploring its origins and pairings, it is now time to introduce you to some of the best wines from this noble grape variety. And how can we not mention here two of the most important estates in all of Spain : Bodegas Protos and Bodegas Muga.
Founded in 1927, the house Protos is one of the emblematic producers of the Ribera del Duero region. The vineyard was established at the time by a group of winemakers seeking to create quality wines, highlighting the Tempranillo grape variety.Go for their wines, they are magnificent timeless classics !
The house Muga was founded in 1932 and is also a prestigious and emblematic winery, but this time from the Rioja region. Known for its traditional Tempranillo-based wines, the vast estate is an absolute must-see to discover the charm of Iberian wines. Their wines are very beautiful classics that are worth the visit.
