Common synonyms: Tinto Fino, Ulle de Llebre, Tinto del Pais, Aragones(z), Cencibel, Tinto del Toro, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Riojano, Valdepeñas
Parentage of the grape: indigenous to Europe, not known exactly where
History of the grape: Origins of Tempranillo are murky. It could be indigenous to the Spanish countryside, or it could have been brought there by the Moors from somewhere else unknown. There are theories it’s a clonal offshoot of Pinot Noir, and though it shares some characteristics, it has been proven the two are not related. But regardless, Tempranillo, which means “early little one” for its penchant for early ripening, has become widely cultivated all over the world in many styles.
It is the leading red grape in Spain, where it is called by many names according to where it’s grown. It is most distinguished as the main grape of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where, particularly in the higher altitude vineyard locations, it is produced
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Common synonyms: Tinto Fino, Ulle de Llebre, Tinto del Pais, Aragones(z), Cencibel, Tinto del Toro, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Riojano, Valdepeñas
Parentage of the grape: indigenous to Europe, not known exactly where
History of the grape: Origins of Tempranillo are murky. It could be indigenous to the Spanish countryside, or it could have been brought there by the Moors from somewhere else unknown. There are theories it’s a clonal offshoot of Pinot Noir, and though it shares some characteristics, it has been proven the two are not related. But regardless, Tempranillo, which means “early little one” for its penchant for early ripening, has become widely cultivated all over the world in many styles.
It is the leading red grape in Spain, where it is called by many names according to where it’s grown. It is most distinguished as the main grape of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where, particularly in the higher altitude vineyard locations, it is produced in elegant, age-worthy wines. Other grapes such as Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo often comprise smaller percentages of the blend for body and structure. Many 100% Tempranillo wines are also produced with great results in many styles and age designations (Joven or “young” to Gran Reserva) thoughout the country. Some inexpensive Tempranillo is even produced in the Beaujolais Nouveau style, using carbonic maceration (a method of “flash maturation” with added carbon dioxide).
Tempranillo is also rising in popularity as a New World varietal in places such as California, Oregon and Australia.
Characteristics of the grape: low acid, thick-skinned, red cherry, red plum, leather, nutmeg, allspice, coffee, Coca-cola
Regions where the grape is currently important: Spain, Portugal, California, Oregon, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Argentina
Type or types of wines the grape produces: dry red, rosé
– Description from
Amanda Schuster
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