Tempranillo Wine Guide – WMWS Varietal Spotlight 🇪🇸

WMWS Varietal Spotlight: Tempranillo Wine Guide🇪🇸

Tempranillo is Spain’s most iconic red grape—rich in history and beloved for its bold, savory style. Known for producing deeply flavorful wines with notes of cherry, leather, tobacco, and spice, it’s the cornerstone of classics from Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

 Key Characteristics

• Medium to full-bodied

• Red and black fruit notes (cherry, plum)

• Often aged in oak, adding vanilla, cedar, or leather

• Naturally high acidity and moderate tannins

Food Pairings

Tempranillo’s structure and complexity make it an ideal match for:

• Grilled meats (steak, lamb)

• Manchego cheese

• Spanish tapas

• Roasted vegetables and smoky dishes

Where It Grows

• 🇪🇸 Spain: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro

• 🇵🇹 Portugal: Known as Tinta Roriz

• 🌎 New World: Emerging in Texas, California, and Argentina

Featured Tempranillo Picks

Explore our Spanish Wine Collection or visit the shop for our curated selection of premium Tempranillo bottles, from traditional Rioja reservas to modern single-vineyard expressions.