Say Hola To Tempranillo On Its Intl’ Day
Discover Spain’s best grape forward as the world immerses itself in this elegant and powerful red. Crisply master Tempranillo with a bunch of fact nuggets and fall in love with the premier Spanish red by tasting through our handpicked collections.
Spain is a European force that doesn’t suffer from a lack of imagination and that is apparent in nearly everything the creative nation on the Iberian Peninsula does, be it art, football, food and indeed, wine. Spanish wines, reds in particular have carved their way to the very top of the world pecking order with an immaculate balance of power and elegance. Leading this charge is local hero grape Tempranillo and on November 10 this year (International Tempranillo Day), wine enthusiasts collectively doff the hat and raise their glasses to this singularly stellar Spanish red. Spain’s greatest vinous ambassador that has defined the country’s ferments and their tremendous international success. Tempranillo has for decades, been the central star of the Spanish wine universe, yielding vintages that perfectly capture the country’s hardy, resilient terroir.
And while French noble grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have been widely planted across the planet, nearly 90 per cent of the world’s Tempranillo still comes from Spain and allures the world with a veneer of rich red fruit, vibrant acidity and succulent tannins. And today, as the world celebrates International Tempranillo Day, we’re shining a light on the thick-skinned grape that produces a number of barrel aged styles across estates in Northern Spain. So trace Tempranillo’s journey, read about the regions that grow the fruit and styles that define the wine and all the best dishes to pair with this superb Spanish red. Join the world in the celebration of Tempranillo on its biggest day with our peerless selection. Savour our boutique range of Spain’s most famous red wine, handpicked from Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and more. Cheers!
Grape Tales
Tempranillo’s vinous journey began in 1100 BC in Rioja in Northern Spain though serious production only began in the early 19th century. The grape’s original planters named the grape after the Spanish word, ‘Temprano’ which means ‘early’ since Tempranillo ripens relatively sooner in the ripening season hence the Early One. Tempranillo almost single-handedly rejuvenated Spain’s wine industry post WWII and is synonymous not just the country’s most popular region Rioja but the country’s sought after red wines. Tempranillo is the fourth most planted grape variety globally, even though 80% is grown in Spain. Tempranillo is among the world’s nine red noble grapes.
Aged To Impress
The classic Tempranillo style is medium to full bodied with intense colour and balance of red fruit and spicy palate with firm tannins. However, any given Tempranillo style is determined by its age. Young Tempranillo that has aged for around a year expresses up fruit flavours of plums, cherries and black pepper with fleshy tannins on the finish while older Tempranillo which has spent considerable time in barrel evolves a deeper palate with tones of figs and vanilla that denotes oak ageing. The tannins are visibly smoother and there’s a charming balance to the wine that rewards patience. Tempranillo age statements regulated by the state begin with Crianza that stipulates two years of ageing including a minimum six months under oak. Then there’s Reserva which denotes three years of ageing of which one has been spent in barrel and then there’s Gran Reserva which winemakers reserve their best batch of wine for, ageing wines for at least five years including 18 months barrel maturing.
Class By Region
Rioja is Spain’s most planted grape and thrives in Northern Spain where the thick skinned grape carpets most of the vineyards. Tempranillo does well in high altitudes, needing significant day night temperature contrasts to ripen well. Limestone laden and chalky soils yield a wine of elegant fruit and tannic balance. And that’s the predominant soil underneath Rioja’s vineyards. Rioja is Spain’s most significant red wine region and it’s Tempranillo style teems with intense red fruit and peppery notes with touches of cinnamon notes. Over in Ribera del Duero and Toro which abound with clay soils, the grape makes a deep coloured ferment that drinks of intense black fruit and big tannins.Cuisine Match
Tempranillo is a delectably food friendly wine given its classical balance of hearty ripe fruit and spicy tones, bright acidity and firm tannins. Anything from grilled vegetables and meats to Tex Mex fare like burritos and tacos and comfort favourites including pizzas and pastas. The Spanish themselves love pairing their Tempranillo with an assortment of tapas (small plates) of cured meats and veggies. So the wine’s alluring balance of fruity and savoury notes gives you a wide berth, pairing nicely with Indian food too. Tempranillo’s juicy acidity can slice through the spice barrier of curries and gravies with ample weight to match their richness.
Discover and share our finest Tempranillo wines from Bodegas Roda, Bodegas Mauro and Bodegas Maurodos.
Roda, Sela 2018
Organic red with a lively palate of fresh cherries and smooth tannins.
Roda, Reserva 2016
Rated 4.1 by ViVino, this oak aged red regales with vibrant fruit, delicate spices and rich texture.
Bodegas La Horra, Corimbo 2016
Intensity and elegance define this sumptuous style, tasting of red fruit and herbs.
Bodegas Maurodos, Prima 2019
Barrel aged Tempranillo blend expressing floral notes and rich fruit flavours.
Bodegas Mauro 2017
This powerful red blend charms the senses with ripe fruit and smooth tannins.
